Earlston 42 - 15 Leith

Earlston v Leith
Report by Kenny Dannfald

Leith made the trip down to the borders knowing their opponents would be seeking revenge for their narrow, last kick of the ball defeat at Academy Park earlier in the season.

A delay in the referee's arrival meant the game kicked off 10 minutes late, however both teams were raring to go and both showed their intent early on in the game. After a to and fro start, Leith conceded a penalty, and after it dropped short, centre Sam Walker made and error in judgment, Sam touching the ball down thinking he was behind his try line however unfortunately he was on his 5m line (Could happen to anyone!). The resulting pressure was too much for the Leith defence to take and Earston were able to score and convert to take the first points in the match.

Earlston then further capitalised on their early dominance when some quick hands off a line out allowed the winger to score in the corner. The conversion was successful, meaning the score was 14-0.

Leith then started to get a foot hold into the match and started to play some rugby like we had shown v Lismore. This led to some pressure in the Earlston 22m however we were unable to put the final pass to hand and get the vital break through. However Leith did finally register on the scoreboard a short time later when Earlston conceded a penalty and Doug Watters was on hand to stroke it over. The momentum certainly was with Leith as Craig Smith was able to ghost through the opposition defence and score his first try after returning from injury, strolling over in the corner. The conversion was missed meaning an at times ill-tempered first half ended with the hosts leading 14-8.

Knowing the next score was all important Leith started the half looking to put Earlston on the back foot. Unfortunately it was Earlston who scored a couple of quick tries effectively putting the game out of Leith’s reach. However Leith were determined not to lay down and accept defeat and continued to put pressure on the Earlston defence. The backs were looking dangerous as ever and making yards more times than not and the forwards were fronting up in the scrums and putting together some good driving mauls.

The pressure finally took its toll when full back Kenny Dannfald crashed through the centre from a pass from Doug Watters who added the extras. Earlston added another score late on to make the final score 42 – 15.

Overall a disappointing result after last weeks performance. It was a very winnable game in which we gave our opponents advantage cheaply too often. Congratulations to Earlston however. Plenty to get working on at training on Tuesday/ Thursday in preparation for next Saturdays game v Forrester.

MOTM – Kenny Dannfald

Tries (assist)
Craig Smith (Burgess)
Kenny Dannfald (Watters)

Conversions
Watters x 1

Pens
Watters x 1