Defence to the fore

Match Report by Kev Greenan

Leith were forced to make a change before kick off with Deeny pulling up in the warm up. It meant a reshuffle in the back row. This did not seem to matter as the first Penicuik attack was stopped with a good steal from Craig Allan resulting in a penalty to Leith. The first scrum set how the game would go at scrummage time as Leith drove Penicuik back at a rate off knots. Leith’s defence were on top resulting another turnover ball. It set their back off but unfortunately Wilkinson passed the ball but was intercepted resulting in Penicuik running in fir the first try off the game. The first half was a bit scrappy with Neither team able to score. Leith did get a penalty on the final play. Johnston went for posts but was wide with his kick. HT 0-5

Leith were forced into another change with Dannfald coming off due to an injury he picked up. The back line was reshuffled with Johnston going to fullback and Mo in at centre. Leith’s attitude changed after their half time talk. Their game became faster. Resulting in them coming up short of Penicuik try line. The resulting scrum was solid quick ball through the backs hands with a great long pass from Somerville put Marwick in the corner. Con was unsuccessful. 5-5. Leith made a change in the front row with James Mallon replacement Bruce Connelly. He made an instant impact with breaking a tackle to make some good yardage. Leith were forced into another change and reshuffle with Guesford coming of due to injury Somerville went to 9 with Max coming on at centre. There was an instant impact Leith were again tackled short and were awarded a penalty. Craig Allan carries on playing with the advantage to touch down for a score. But the ref pulled it back to the original penalty and a yellow card to Penicuik. Leith decided to take the scrum rather than the points. His decision was vindicated when Somerville picked from the back of the scrum. He went to pass the ball but showed a big dummy pass and went through the gap to touchdown with the conversion good by Johnston. 12.5.

Leith had another opportunity with Allan running a good support line of Mo he squared the defender and decided to go for it when he had two support players outside. The Penicuik defence got back to make a tackle Allan off loaded to Max to touch down for the score but the ref a-deemed the pass to be forward. Leith changed their pack again to bring in fresh legs. Mallon got the ball 20 meters in his own half. He broke away again. But the Leith players did not realise is speed he was finally tackled just short of the Penicuik 22 meter line. Leith were awarded a penalty johnston was successful with the kick. 15-5. This put Leith two scores ahead. Full time 15-5.

Another hard fought win for Leith putting them top of the league due to other results going our way.

MOTM Paul Haggon for his string ball carrying.