| Under 18's Lose at Stirling |
|
|
| Monday, 22 February 2010 | |
|
Caledonia U18 22 Border Reivers 8 The Reivers U18’s, having demonstrated their potential to play a high tempo game after defeating a strong Newcastle Academy side two weeks earlier, travelled to Caledonia, where overnight frost had necessitated a venue switch from Kirkcaldy to Stirling, for their first National U18 Selection Fixture. The visitors took time to settle however and Caledonia were soon 7 points clear after some good forward drives created space for a converted try under the posts. Good Reivers possession was spoiled by turnovers in promising situations, which allowed Caledonia off the hook and the home side should have stretched their lead but poor handling saved the Reivers. The Reivers pack were in charge at the set piece but the contact area was keenly contested, sometimes too keenly as Ryan Godsmark was sin-binned for handling in the ruck, and from the resulting penalty Caledonia added a further three points. Reivers eventually replied with a Stuart Hogg penalty on half-time to reduce the deficit to 10-3. After the break Caledonia took charge, pinning the Reivers in their own half and, despite some spirited defence, increased their lead with a try when possession was recycled and moved wide from a quickly taken line-out and a neat chip to the corner allowed Caledonia to go over. The game lost shape and structure as both sets of players became frustrated; and lost players to the bin for indiscipline. Captain Robin Hislop led from the front during the 2nd half, both in set piece and through strong carries in open play, however further turnovers allowed Caledonian to gain field position, then possession, from which they added a further seven points for a 22-3 lead. The Reivers rallied and did have the last word as No.8 Andrew Nagle scored a consolation try from a scrum pick-up. Although a disappointing result the Borders players demonstrated that they could manage to play at the raised tempo, pace and physicality of the National Under 18 Identification Fixtures, if only for spells. Next week they face Glasgow at Riverside Park, Jedburgh (2.00pm kick off) and all support would be welcome! Reivers Team |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
