Hawick Linden 19 - 5 Leith

Match report by Kevin Greenan

Leith were feeling buoyant heading in to game, but found themselves on the back foot from the kick off after they knocked on allowing Hawick a good attacking platform. The hosts created an opportunity wide, but with the tryline gaping, the winger knocked on. Leith’s defence was not as strong as it has been over the last couple of games with players tackling too high. This seemed to be a common thing through out the game allowing Hawick to break tackles resulting in them scoring in the 24th minute. Con good. 7-0.

Leith broke out of their 22 after Andrew Baxter received the ball from a kick. He ran past a few Hawick players with Andrew Paterson and Nick Andrews in support. Unfortunately he took the ball on when the pass seemed to be the better decision. Leith did manage to get some continuity in their play resulting in them taking the ball in to Hawick 22 they were awarded a penalty and chose the scrum option. With Leith being dominant in the scrum they looked to drive the Hawick pack over the tryline but chose to pick up instead. They recycled the ball and after two drives they eventually crossed the tryline with Toby Kirkwood powering over the line. Con missed by Ben Wilkinson, 7-5.

Hawick made another break in to Leith’s 22 with no one managing to tackle the ball carrier he broke free but when it looked like he was going to score Marcos Teixeira and Baxter managed to put him into touch in the corner. Half time 7-5.

Leith tried to get back into the game and take control but some more poor decision making allowed Hawick to score again 12-5. Leith seemed to be at sixes and sevens around the contact area and not really knowing what to do at times. They did manage to get near Hawick try line. With a three man over lap the forward took the ball but were penalised for crossing. Chance missed. Wilkinson saw space behind the Hawick defence and put in a nice kick with Ross Marwick chasing the kick he slightly over ran it when he went to pick it up but knocked on another chance missed. With the game nearer its end and Leith looking like they might at least get a losing bonus point. Hawick turned over the ball and attacked the try line. It looked like Leith would hold them out but they took enough control and eventually crossed the try line with what was the last play of the game. Con good full time 19-5. MOTM Joe O\Neil.