The 2s resumed league duties on Saturday in their first foot of 2018, against the Caledonian Thebans, and after the frustration of a lack of willing opposition/weather in December, and a similar story on the first weekend in January, were raring to go come kick off time on the Murrayfield back pitches.

After an intense warmup (style points to wing George Easdon for sporting his Christmas snapback throughout), and the usual stirring pre-match words from skipper Robert Stitt, the boys dominated early field position and territory, but were unable to make an early breakthrough, despite some encouraging breaks in the backs, notably from Ian Young, and Matt Rea, and the erstwhile hard running lines of centre Owen Jenkins. A combination of forced passing, an ambitious (but delicious) crossfield kick from standoff George Lees, and an inability to retain the ball at the breakdown - where enforcement continue to fluctuate week on week - allowed Thebans a foothold into the game, which they grabbed with both hands. Inspired by pre-match signing Luke McKinney, our hosts number 8 for the day made a break downfield, (where he was mercilessly creamed by fullback Ian Young) and a couple of phases later, the Thebans recycled the ball well and went wide, with their impressive right winger going in in the corner.

It was a similar story 10 minutes later when, with openside Ewan Murdoch the unfortunate 995th infringer at the breakdown and consequently in the bin, the Thebans backrow broke through the middle of the park once again, and some good hands saw them go in out wide in the opposing corner, for a 10-0 half-time lead.

With the inspirational half-time words of Brian Archer - and the sirens coming for Andy Mac - ringing in their ears, the 2s began the 2nd half the more bright, and were soon to get back in the game, when after some good build up and ball movement, Craig Winton put fellow half-time introduction Daniel Cordoba away, and the big second row dived in in the corner. Matt Rea missed the tricky conversion, but the Leithers could sniff blood, and levelled up the game a couple of minutes later, when a great break in the centres from Jenkins and Stevie Muirden, set up a couple of forward rumbles, that were finished off by scrumhalf George Forrest who dived over near the posts to tie up the scores at 10-10, with George Lees successful conversion seeing the 2s hit the front.

No sooner were Leith in the lead however, that around the hour mark the Thebans were granted significant field position in which to make several charges towards the line, and after having been repelled for several minutes, including a fantastic tackle from Forrest to hold up a Theban over the line, the hosts crashed over for a 15-12 lead. From the resulting quick kickoff, a rather tame fracas saw Winton the 2nd Leith player sent to the bin, however the visitors were not disheartened and back they came, and we looked set for a spectacular long range finish from Peter Duncan, only for the referee's whistle to sound as the winger got up to full speed towards a run in from his own half - robbed! - it wasn't long before Leith scored again however, as another good move in the backs, and a great carry from substitute prop Marco Minuti set up Forrest for his 2nd sniping try, again converted by Lees - 19-15.

With 10 minutes to play the real drama started, and after Thebans made a good break in the backs themselves, their forwards picked and went round the corner a couple of times and they were awarded a penalty try for a 20-19 lead. Then Tony Kestner went to the bin for a team offence, and all looked lost for the Leithers - until after some strong running in the backs, from Muirden and substitute Finlay Stewart, the ball was recycled to standoff George Lees, who spotting the enormous overlap did what all good standoffs do.....he cut inside and scored himself! 'King George's' conversion of his own try resulting in a 26-22 victory pulled from the jaws of defeat. And so the sideline went wild!

All in all a hugely welcome return to action for the 2s, and great to get 2018 off to a winning start. Credit our hosts for a competitive, enthralling, if stop-start game, and best wishes to the Thebans for the rest of the season. No doubt our paths shall cross again.

Next up for the 2s is the visit of Dalkeith RFC 2nd XV to Academy Park next Saturday, January 20th. 2pm KO.

Many thanks to Libby Blakeman for the photographs - check out here album here.

Leith scores:
Tries: Daniel Cordoba, George Forrest (2), George Lees
Conversions: George Lees (3)
Man of the Match: George Forrest