2022 off to a good start

Leith travelled to Inverleith hoping to start the new year with a win. They started on the back foot allowing the hosts to turn over the ball and have the first scoring opportunity. Unfortunately their kicker missed the penalty. Leith continued to be keen to win the ball at the breakdown and gave away another penalty. They were not punished as another kick went wide.

Leith eventually managed to put a few phases together resulting in a line out on Inverleith 10 metre line. The backs had a preset move which was executed with style. With Guesford running an excellent line and the pass was perfect from Sommerville to put him in for the first score. Con good from Johnston. 0-7.

Leith now started to run better lines and create more space. Marauding prop James Mallon made a strong run but was tackled. The forwards did some quick pick and goes resulting in Somerville, in the scrum half position, giving a quick pass to Wilkinson who stepped the Inverleith 10 to touchdown for the try. Con again good from Johnston. 0-14.

Inverleith were reduced to 14 men resulting in Leith being awarded the penalty. Johnston was successful with the kick. 0-17 half time.

At half time coach Greenan made a positional change, resulting in Johnston going to stand off and Wilkinson going to fullback. Leith started to keep the ball alive with the forwards supporting running lines this allowed Palin to breakthrough a few tackles before passing to Campey for the try. 0-22.

Leith’s forwards gave the backs a better platform to attack during the second half, and after another strong thrust, Inverleith stopped them short but MOTM Mallon was there to pick and going scoring the bonus point try. Con good Johnston. 0-29.

Inverleith were starting to tire allowing Leith to create miss matches, and this was apparent as Mallon became the link player giving the ball to Johnston. He stepped the forward and ran in from the 10 metre line to score Leith’s fifth try. Con good Johnston. 0-36.

Leith were looking for a clean sheet but unfortunately Inverleith managed to score in the corner with the last play. Final score 5-36.

MOTM James Mallon.