Last Minute Winner

Leith travelled to Corstorphine's Union Park home looking to extend their winning streak to 4 games, knowing it would be a tough game against a side who've made a good start themselves to 2021-22. The home side started strong with some good ball carries up the middle of the park, however Leith’s forwards were up to the challenge and managed to contain them. Leith did manage to get the ball to their back line shortly after and from their first surge towards the Corstorphine line Gus Weir was tackled just short. The forwards controlled the ball well however and after a quick ruck some slick hands from the backs and a deft pass from Josh Campey put Ruaridh Deeny in the corner for the first try of the game. 0-5 Leith.

Corstorphine continued to work Leith’s defence and scored two quick tries, their inside centre spinning in the tackle to score out wide, before an intelligent kick from their standoff saw the home side's right win beat the cover defence to dot down and take our hosts to a 12-5 lead. Leith tried hard to take control in the forwards but were frustrated as Corstorphine players slowed the ball down at ruck time, Leith eventually being rewarded with a kickable penalty to cut the gap to 12-8 via the boot of Ben Wilkinson. A few minutes later and on the stroke of half time Wilkinson was just off target with another penalty kick.

Half time: Corstorphine 12 - 8 Leith

Leith could not get on top in the forwards early in the 2nd half and Corstorphine capitalised on some early pressure to scramble over the line for another score, converted to take the home side's lead to 19-8.

It wasn't long however until a set piece move saw wing Shaun Guesford hit a hole in the midfield like a hot knife through butter and race 50 metres to score out wide, Wilkinson successful with the conversion to bring the score to 19-15. Just as it looked as though Leith were gaining the upper hand, the Corstorphine forwards again crossed the try line for a bonus point try. 26-15.

Coach Greenan made a few changes and this seemed to bring Leith to life, resulting in some good carries from the forwards deep into the 22 where they were stopped short of the tryline. Some good recycling allowed Paul Haggon to tip the ball on to the marauding Titch Marshall to score between the posts. Conversion was good Wilkinson. 26-20, and around 5 minutes to get the winner.

With the Corstorphine pack starting to tire, Leith were able to move the ball around the park and Gus Weir was held up over the line having darted through the cover defence. The result looked to be gone with our hosts in possession in the final minute, however a big tackle from Jamie Drummond allowed skipper Neil Paterson to pilfer the ball, and with the last play of the game the backs pushed all their chips in out wide, with full back Weir setting Guesford free 40metres out, and with all the Leith subs and supporters willing him on he skated up the touchline and dived over for his second try. With the Leith players and fans going wild the ref blew for the final whistle as Wilkinson was unsuccessful with the conversion. Final score 26-27, and a big win on the road.

Overall the game was in the balance for the last 20 minutes and could have gone either way, but Leith’s mental strength and fitness won them the game at the death. Congratulations to MOTM Shaun Guesford.