Leith Battle for a win at Wardie

Leith travelled to Wardie, the home of Broughton RFC for the first time in a few years following their promotion to East League 2 last season. Both sides were going into this game with mixed fortunes, Broughton recorded their first win of the season over Edinburgh Northern, whilst Leith fell to a 1st defeat of the season against Ross High. So much was on the line at wardie on Saturday. Leith also welcomed a full compliment of subs for the first time in the season with the 2s game being called off which help to bolster the starting team with much needed back up for a ‘veteran’ front row. Joe Neil, stepped up to play his first game for Leith in a number of years in the front row alongside Paul Allison and Willie Cook, Alan Pardo also made his first start for lead with the flanker stepping in at 8 and Matt Balmer returning to the squad after a year out with injury.

As the game kicked off both teams began sounding each other out both making tentative steps into the opposition territory looking to get the opening points on the board. Scrum time would be key today with Leith forwards looking to provide a stable platform for the backs to do their stuff, and that is exactly what the forwards did. From the first scrum they got the better of their opponents, despite the difference in size and allowed the backs to run with the ball. A couple of scything breaks from centres Dave Robertson and Craig Williamson drove Leith deep into Broughton territory. However Leith were turned over and Broughton able to clear their lines, this gave Ryan Burgess the chance to launch a stinging counter attack from the fielded ball. Ryan chipped forward and chased up the slope, and the bounce was favourable as it fell in to his hands, he rounded the last defender and touch down. The conversion was missed and the score was 5-0 to Leith.

From the kick off Leith failed to really get going and coughed up possession far too easily, this resulted in a penalty to the home side which was easily converted bringing the score to 5-3 to Leith. This was not to deter the Leith men who step the game up once again to try and re assert their dominance on the scoreboard. The home side’s defence was well oiled and organised, thwarting Leith on their attempt on the line. However it would all become too much for Broughton as first a penalty was conceded and kicked before some quick attacking play allowed Leith to punish Broughton further. Some good work by Marwick and Kilgour down the near side, and a quick breakdown from the Leith forwards allowed the ball to be spun to the opposite touchline for Alan Pardo to cross for his first Leith Try. The conversion was missed an the halftime score was 13 – 3 to Leith

Leith were looking to build on the first half performance with another few scores to but the result beyond doubt however the opposite happened. Broughton came flying out the traps and Leith were slow to get going which gifted broughton the chance to score and get right back in the game early on in the half. Credit to Leith though in the manner in which the fought back. Too often this season, this would have been the catalyst for losing atleast another score but Leith got right back to the other end of the field and started putting Broughton under pressure. The home side were able to repel the Academy Park men a couple of times before finally the pressure became too much and Ryan Burgess was able to cross for his 2nd try of the game.

Instead of kicking on and going for the jugular and the all important bonus point, Leith seemed to revert to playing within themselves and started to see out the game with about 20 minutes left on the clock. This allowed Broughton to attack and try to get them back in the game, this is exactly what happened and when their 8 broke through a few tackle, he was able to get in under the posts, the conversion was added and it brought the score to 20-17 for Leith. Luckily Leith were able to knock back up a couple of gears to start putting the homeside under pressure. A penalty was conceded and duly kick by Ben Wilkinson to give Leith a 6 point advantage. The leithers were able to see this advantage out until the final whistle a few minutes later.

Overall it was good to get back to winning ways. Leith will be disappointed that they were unable to kick on and get the bonus point however there are plenty of positives to be taken from the result and the performance, especially in the first half. Leith now look forward to an away fixture at Linlithgow in the cup on Saturday 3rd October.

Tries – Burgess (2), Pardo
Convs – Wilkinson
Penalties – Wilkinson (2)
MOTM – Pardo