Young Reds S1 Report
Linlithgow 0-43 North Berwick
Saturday 26 November 2022
Report by Stuart Ritchie
This was the match we had been waiting for. Both teams were unbeaten in their conference matches and the winner would take the under 13 conference title. Unfortunately, it was not to be Linlithgow’s day………
The team started out in high spirits, with a full squad, and had been eagerly waiting for this game. The coaches had even been on their refereeing course that week in preparation!
It was clear from the start that the visitors were a highly organized unit with solid tackling and rucking. NB pressurised the Reds in their own half which resulted in turnover and only some solid Linlithgow defence prevented a try with NB held up over the line.
From the drop out NB pressurized again and this time they breached the defence to go over for the first try. This test of our defence and resilience was the theme of the day.
After this Linlithgow enjoyed their best spell of the game, holding onto possession, rucking well but just not having the key to unlock the NB defence. Another missed tackle resulted in a NB try. 2 missed tackles and 12-0 down!
We struggled during the game to show our true attacking skills. However, heads did not go down and effort was maintained throughout the whole game. Scoring was fairly equally spread throughout the ‘thirds’. The visitors cohesiveness having played together for a long time was clear throughout – a bit of a contrast to the Linlithgow squad who have played together for 12 weeks!
There were many positives to take from this game, and although it was sore not to have put any points on the board (which would have been deserved), these are the matches that develop players and squads. We will work on our attacking options and how to unlock tough defences.
Psychology is such an important aspect in youth rugby and our squad’s challenge for the second half of the season is to take our training intensity onto the pitch at the weekend, and to keep believing in own our skills.
Playing squad (all used): Archie, Blair, Callum, Eric, Ethan McN, Ethan S, Euan, Fergus, Finlay A, Harry, James, Louis, Lyle, Matthew, Oscar, Rory, Will and Zack W. Well done to Jack for a great first performance.
Congratulations to North Berwick U13 on a deserved conference win. The Linlithgow U13 squad should be very proud of their conference 2nd place.