Dunbar 37 - 29 Leith, Saturday October 26

Match Report by Nick Andrews

October 26th 2019 proved to be the day that two of rugby union’s heavyweights would crash out of their respective cups in disappointing fashion. The All Blacks were completely out gunned by an English side who played one of the best games in their history and Leith Rugby Club shot themselves in the foot repeatedly as they fell to league rivals Dunbar away from home.

Leith traveled down the A1 again to visit Dunbar. The last time Leith had been down these parts had be in the season finale from last year, that the hosts won 36-35. The boys were hoping to finally get one over the the green and whites.

Leith kicked off with the sun in their eyes. This would be a big part of Dunbars game plan as they proceeded to bombard the back three with kicks all throughout the first half. Leith started with intent but costly penalties and some excellent tactical kicks from the Dunbar 10 pinned Leith back in their own 22. Dunbar were soon able to crash over for the first score of the game. Dunbar 7-0.

Leith were awarded a penalty shortly after in front of the sticks. Ben Wilkinson slotted it with ease. Dunbar 7-3.

Leith were riding their own momentum and found themselves on the Dunbar line. The forward pack were pushing hard at the line before Scott McAteer, attempting to make a name for himself again, picked the ball and as he was going to score the try he was wrapped up around the neck. The referee deemed this challenge to have been a scoring play and awarded Leith a penalty try. Leith were back in the game. Leith 10-7.

Dunbar were attempting to suck in the Leith defence but the blue wall held strong, initially. Nick Andrews making a solid tackle on the Dunbar number 8. A member of the crowd was heard saying “He’s the Dan Carter of his generation.” That crowd member turned out to be very intoxicated and his words very inaccurate.

On 11 minutes, Richard “Titch” Marshall was shown a yellow card due to a high tackle and was sent to the bin for 10 minutes. Dunbar converted the penalty to level the score and immediately after, broke the line and the winger ran in another try. Dunbar 20-10.

Dunbar crossed the whitewash once more in the first half making the score 27-10.

Leith executed a fantastic backs move that sent Ben Wilkinson 60 yards down the field. The forwards worked their magic and before long were pressing on the line again. James Nimmo picked up the ball and crashed over the line. The referee, who was on the opposite side of the ruck, ran around to take a look but Dunbar managed to wrap up the ball in this time. All the players seemed to stop playing and all stared at the ball on the ground. No whistle had gone. Kev went nuts on the sideline and the referee deemed the ball held up, due to not seeing a grounding.

Half time 27-10 in the hosts favour.

Leith had figured out towards the end of the first half that the game would be won in the forwards pack. The forwards took charge from the kick off and Titch redeemed himself for his earlier cheese fest and scored a try on 42 minutes. Converted by Ben. Dunbar 27-17.

The hard work was shortly undone as Dunbar took the 3 points offered and increased the score to 30-17.
The Blue forwards again continued their domination of the Dunbar pack and worked their way towards the Dunbar line. A leith scrum under the posts allowed the ball to be played to Leith 1st choice full back David Sommerville, channelling Owen Watkins, tapped the ball straight across his body as the two defenders hit him. The ball fell into the hands of Future British and Irish Lion Andrews who touched down for the score. A shoe in for try of the season (not bias). Dunbar 30-22.

Leith were very much in the game but poor decision making and silly penalties allowed Dunbar to spend some time in the Leith 22. Dunbar were able to expose the short side and crossed for another try. The kicker had be sublime from the tee and nailed the touch line conversion. Dunbar 37-22.

Déjà vu for the Leith forwards as they again decimated the Dunbar pack and easily worked their way in the Dunbar 22. Fringe 3rd XV player Andrew Baxter, came on at full back and immediately tried his best. He crossed the white wash after some strong running but again the referee didn’t see it so we reset. Baxter was annoyed, so he got the ball and crossed the line again and looked the referee dead in the eye as he placed the ball. The referee awarded the try. Dunbar 37-29.

Leith were parked in the Dunbar 22 for the rest of the game but again silly decision making and silly penalties allowed Dunbar to continually clear their lines. There would be no more scores in the game and Leith’s cup dreams were over. Positives to take from the game were that the forwards were completely dominant and the defensive system for the most part was pretty effective. Leith are still to play Dunbar twice in the league so we look forward to those two fixtures in the calendar ahead. Leith wish Dunbar the best of luck in their cup run and don’t mind them resting their best players against us preparation for the next cup tie.

Leith Man of the Match was Toby Kirkwood (better luck next time Scotty Mac).