Leith stutter against langholm

Leith welcomed Langholm to Academy Park for the first time in a number of years as the teams have avoided each other in the leagues for many years. Despite being slightly overcast it was a warm day in Leith as both sides took the field for an eagerly anticipated meeting.

It was Leith who began proceeding and instantly were on the offensive trying to pen the visitors back into their own 22m lines, however after a bit of pressure Langholm were able to clear their lines and attack was instantly focused on the Leith 22m. The visitors were able to register the first 3 points of the game on this visit after a penalty was conceded at the ruck for going off feet. Leith immediately began to attack again and got some reward for their efforts. After a line out superbly won by 1st xv debutant Mike McLeish, a catch and drive was started which was unstoppable by the visitors. Number 8, Andy Mac, ended up with the ball after what was great work done by the full pack. The resulting conversion was missed, however from the kick off Leith were able to kick on.

After some initial forwards took contact, Ben Wilkinson cleared the lines, deep into the Langholm half. A fortuitous bounce, meant the ball fell kindly to the on rushing Dannfald who was immediately able to beat his opposition number, with covering defenders descending he popped the ball off to the supporting Craig Williamson, who was able to finish off from the 22m line. Dannfald was able to add the extras which put Leith into a 12-3 lead. However this was where the game took a turn for the worst for the home team. Another Langholm penalty brought the score to 12-6 before a they were able to take the lead. A cross kick by the langholm 10 was gathered by the opposite winger and despite Dannfald and Derrins best efforts, the greater numbers of attackers led to the try. A final penalty of the half for Langholm made the scores 16-9 to the Borders side.

Leith knew that if they were just a bit more clinical in possession and concentrated then the rewards should come in the 2nd half. However the home team failed to heed this message and never really got going in the 2nd half and were on the receiving end of a Langholm side with their tails up. Despite resisting the pressure for long stints of the half, the leithers finally caved and conceded 2 pretty soft tries. Leith did finally kick into some form of life with 10 minutes to go but it was too little too late and a last play of the game fumble over the try line summed up Leith’s day. Final score 12-30 to Langholm.

Over all a disappointing result for the home team, who given the start they made to the game will be kicking themselves in the way that atleast 4 points were thrown away so easily. Plenty that will be worked on at training over the next few weeks before our next 1st xv game on November the 8th.

Tries – MacIntosh, Williamson

Conv – Dannfald

MOTM – McLeish