Leith lose out in wet conditions

As the Leith team rolled into Penicuik they could have been forgiven that monsoon season had arrived in Midlothian as the rain poured down when they arrived in town. There was much concern for pitch due to the rain which had fallen over the past 24 hours, however officials from both teams agreed that there was no danger to players and the game would begin.

Leith were playing against the wind and up the slope in the first however it was evident that despite the conditions both teams were looking to play some rugby on the Penicuik pitch. However it was soon evident that the pitch was cutting up rapidly and a running game of rugby was becoming increasingly difficult. Both teams had their chances however handeling in the torrid conditions meant that of the final pass or so was not going to hand and the chance would go a begging. However with the assistance of the wind and a few Leith penalties, Penicuik were able to build some territory and possession which eventually led to a driving maul from the powerful Penicuik pack 10meters out which the Leith Forwards were unable to repel. 5-0 to Penicuik at Half time.

At the start of the 2nd half Leith were looking to use the elements to their advantage and play more rugby in the Penicuik half. The Leith forwards were playing well and to there strengths, more and more pressure was being put on Penicuik however the final pass was often missing and Leith were unable to convert. Penicuik were able to eventually clear their lines and begin to work their way pack up the pitch and it was Leith's turn to put in some determined defence to repell the larger pack for so long. However much like the first half the toll of the pressure was just to much and when the opposition pack was able to get the shove on from a maul there was no stopping them from 5ms out. Penicuik 10-0 Leith

Leith did rally and wernt willing to let the game go and for the remainder of the game put pressure on the Penicuik line. The forwards were putting on a great shift in what was now a mud bath of a pitch which made the ball like a bar of soap and impossible to handle. Due to this and a lack of a little bit of luck perhaps Leith fell short and were unable to get over the line for what would have been a much deserved try and a least a bonus point from the game.

Full time - Penicuk 10 - 0 Leith

Overall it was a decent performance put in in what was some of the worst conditions many have played in. It was a very open game of rugby which could have went either way with both teams looking to run the ball. Many of the forwards put in fantastic shifts and it is that which we need to take forward into the remaining games. Many put their hand up this week and choosing a man of the match was no easy feet however this week it goes to Ben Place, who put in a fantastic shift in the 2nd row and got through a power of work.