Langholm 42 - 21 Leith

Match Report by Kevin Greenan

Leith closed out 2019 with another away game, this time the rearranged fixture to Langholm. Leith had to make 9 changes to the starting lineup from the previous weeks' game at North Berwick due to players driving home for Christmas. Leith began the game well, but unfortunately after some good sustained pressure they could not convert it in to a score. Langholm took the lead after 20 mins with a converted try, finished off well having turned the ball over in midfield. They added to their lead with a fortuitous try following several ricochets - 14-0.

Leith now had a mountain to climb but they managed to put some good work together with the forwards controlling the ball, resulting in loosehead Reece Barclay crossing the whitewash for their first try, conversion was good Ross Johnston. Leith’s backs finally got some quick ball and a break from Max Bowman seemed like Leith were about to score their second try. Bowman put in a grubbeR kick when the pass looked the better option with Finlay Smith and Andrews outside him. Half time 14-7.

Leith continued to press. Langholm kicked the ball in to Leith’s 22. The ball should have been kicked in to touch but poor communication from Leith who decided to run the ball was knocked on and Langholm scored from the resulting scrum. 19-7. Langholm were awarded a penalty and scored between the posts. 22-7 Leith pressured the Langholm try line again and were awarded a penalty in the corner. They tapped to go quick but the ball was knocked on. Langholm were awarded another penalty 25-7. Leith could not get any decision from the ref. Langholm scores again on the corner. 30-7. In the process Paul Haggon was yellow carded for an alleged punch.

Leith now definitely had their work cut out now to get back in to the game. Leith continued to keep their shape allowing the backs to make another break. This time Finlay Smith scored with Johnston converting 30-14. This gave Leith a new lease of energy. They continued with their pick and goes resulting in Toby Kirkwood crossing the line for Leith’s third try Conversion good Johnston. 30-21.

Leith continued to harass the Langholm attack resulting in a wild pass which Somerville gladly intercepted. On Leith’s ten metre line, unfortunately he did not have the pace to convert as he was tackled 8 meters short. Leith support players worked hard to get there but the ref awarded a penalty for holding on when the tackle player clearly did not release the player before he got back on his feet. Leith tried again to get the bonus try point. This time Finlay Smith intercepted another pass. He stepped two players before he was tackled high. But the ref did not award the penalty. This was to be Leith last opportunity for a bonus point. Langholm crosses Leith’s try line twice more for a final score 42-21.

Not the result we wanted to close our the year, but we end 2019 top of East 2, and looking to bounce back to winning ways in the new year. A great effort from all the boys, particularly those who made the step up from the 2nds.