Leith 7 - 3 Inverleith

Match Report by Nick Andrews

As the season hit its midway point, Leith welcomed Inverleith the short distance to Academy Park for what would turn out to be a closely fought battle.

The weather conditions were extremely dire. The heavens were open and the classic Scottish chill rested over the playing ground.
Inverleith kicked off and began proceedings. The Leith forward pack were the busier of the two units, running hard lines and making ground through the pick and go game. David Sommerville marshalling his troops from scrum half.

Unfortunately for both teams and the spectators, the first half would be riddled with dropped balls and scrum after scrum. Inverleith, sitting bottom of the East 2 table, were certainly up for the challenge. Leith understood our opponents would relish the local clash and will always raise the stakes and the Ferry Road team were not playing like a bottom of the table outfit.

Inverleith were able to keep Leith pinned back in their 22 for a majority of the first half through some nice kicks in behind. Leith’s defence proved too strong and were always able to steal possession back before clearing their lines.

Half Time 0-0

Kev rang in the changes for the second half with Andrew Baxter returning to his 15 jersey and Craig Allan, wearing a very loose shirt (unlike him) replacing Scott McAteer in the back row.

The substitutions made an impact, not a huge one but one nonetheless. Andrew Baxter carried hard and made some strong runs. Centres Josh Campey and Greg Jackson were smashing into the Inverleith defence.
Leith thought they were over for a try when replacement scrum half Ferghal McNamara took a quick tap and sent Andrews over in the corner, however the referee called it back.

Leith would eventually cross the whitewash when some slick handling through the backs found Baxter, who unselfishly passed to Josh who crashed over for what would be the games only try. Ross ‘Magic’ Johnson, on an hour of sleep, nailed the touchline conversion.
Inverleith kicked off and Leith were unable to take the kick. Inverleith piled on the pressure and were awarded a penalty. They kicked the three points to shorten the deficit. Leith 7-3.

Inverleith pressed hard to get another score but were unable to break down the blue wall. Leith were awarded a penalty on 80 mins that Magic missed by an inch.

Final Score: Leith 7 – 3 Inverleith

MOTM: Craig Winton
Attendance: 10 Brave souls.