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Linlithgow
Turning up to Linlithgow it was never going to be a game of any great spectacle, the rain was coming down in buckets which would dictate how the game was played. The game was split over 3 periods and Trinity in fairness had the better of all 3. The game started at a fair pace with both teams testing the water with wide passes to release the wingers. It was during one of these attacks by Linlithgow that the first try was scored, Linlithgow saw a gap down the blind and swept the ball to the wing, or so they thought, man of the match Paddy Traylor popped up to intercept the pass and backed himself to the line, Jamie Miller converted and 7-0 to Trinity.
Into the second half and with the rain not letting up the forwards began to get more involved from both sides, the rolling maul from Trinity was being used to great effect giving the backs a strong platform to work off. Des Haines was starting to find his feet and continually made yards up the filed giving the forwards a target, the forwards at this point were starting to fall off, Eddie Muller had concussion and Fraser Brown was off with a cut to his head thanks to Ben Delaney head butting him.
Into the 3rd and final period and not a great start, Linlithgow got off to a good start, their forwards gained momentum through the old fashioned direct approach, continual pick and goes led to them crossing the line, the conversion was missed, 7-5 to Trinity. The game stayed like this, although Trinity had chances to extend the lead and given better weather could well have. Still first game of pre-season and away against higher leagued opposition.
Full time - Linlithgow 5 Trinity 7
The final pre-season game and a last chance to impress the coaching with Lismore one week away. Trinity started well in what was great conditions for rugby; the sun was shining over the Bangholm turf and a slight breeze down the middle of the pitch. Trinity forwards gained early momentum in the forwards exchanges allowing John Spencer to shift the ball out wide and test the
The game was even stevens in the early exchanges up until the 2nd scrum, positioned on the Trinity 22;
A tactical kick to the corner by Speno gave the forwards the ideal placing to look to the rolling maul, an accurate call by Stroudie and even more accurate the throw by Bobby found Scotty Brown, the forwards controlled the ball and drove over the
2nd half
Trinity started well going into the second half and Tom Drenan making his senior debut adding to the momentum in the forwards carried over from half time. The backs were beginning to click and created more scoring opportunities only for the final pass to go astray. Big hits by Chris Stephens and new Irish signing Padraig kept up the Trinity forwards pressure leading to the 2nd Trinity try. Christian now on for the injured Bobby took the throw in just on the
Again another accurate throw caught this time by Jamsey Weir as Scotty was off injured created the momentum for another Accies maul, the forwards again driving well crossed the Highland line for the 2nd time, this time Christian popping up with the ball, conversion missed, 12-7 to Accies. Into the last ten minutes and with Highland down to 14 men due to injuries and not enough subs the game started to flatten, Accies may well look at this game and think they should have taken more advantage to the extra man, however Highland started to gain some momentum and duely crossed the line the level the tie, 12 all with 5 to play.
Trinity once again rallied well through Andy Bruce and went straight back on the attack, slick hands by Gib this time popping up at 10 as Speno was off injured sent Andy off on a charge, goods hands between Andy and Dave released Des and the winger scored in the corner on the very last blade of grass inside the line, Highland appealed but the try was given, 17-12 with the conversion to come, with Speno off Captain Bruce stepped up to take the kick, with a technique straight out of the Jonny Wilkinson "How to take conversions" coaching manual, Andy lined up the kick, wide out on the left and bum sticking out, Brice stepped up and calmly slotted the difficult. 19-12 to Trinity Accies, final whistle blew and a 2nd National League 2 scalp, job done.
Full time - Trinity 19 Highland 12
Trinity vs Lismore
The new season opened on Saturday against Lismore and after pre season wins against Linlithgow and
Lismore had the strong wind in the first half and scored a penalty early. Generally Lismore had territorial advantage but never threatened the home line and it was the home backs that looked the more dangerous without making a breakthrough.John Spencer looking comfortable at 10 showed good form with the boot and good vision and well deserved an equalising penalty on 30 minutes. Lismore quickly came back however and scored a penalty on 35 to give a half time score of Trinity 3 Lismore 6.
The second half opened well for Trinity John Spencer kicking well to the corner and Trinity retaining territory Two long range penalties went just wide and on 55 minutes Stuart Murray went over under the posts only to be pulled back for an earlier not binding" penalty.
Trinity could not, however retain possession and were repeatedly turned over from promising positions. The Lismore pack gained the upper hand and on 70 minutes sealed victory with a try driven over from 20 yards. Promising starts from Tom Drennan at 8, Stefan Williamson at 15 and Des Haines on the wing, Stu Murray looked comfortable in his old berth and there was one memorable double hit from Rob Ritchie buta disappointing second half and result for the home side.
Final score Trinity 3 Lismore 13
Davie Gibbs man of the match John Spencer
On the best day of the year so far (could summer still be on the way) Trinity kicked off into the stiff breeze against
After a weak second half last week and with Argentine's example fresh in mind the Trinity pack had been given a challenge to improve. Up to this point they had shown signs of competitiveness but without real penetration or aggression.As so often in rugby momentum is all, and things can change with a little bit of confidence.From the kick off and ensuing lineout Trinity caught and drove infield, drove the Madras pack 20 metres and recycled and drove again.
Madras roared back breaking through in midfield and only a last ditch tackle by John Spencer and turnover by Tom Drennan saved the line but not for long.
At this stage heads could have dropped but the forwards were playing well and continued to press in the
Half time Madras 21 Trinity 10.
Now playing with the elements and with the pack dominant Trinity began to peg away at the
Final score Madras 33 Trinity Acads 26
Trinity v Strathmore
Your reporter must apologise for this dual account, I didn't report on Strathmore last week as I didn't see the first half. No journalistic obstacle that.As expected the Forfar outfit were full of strong lads and with a handy scrum half always looked to pose a threat.Trinity forwards performed well in the first half, kept up the tempo shown against Madras and, recordeda clean sheet against the stiff breeze to turn all square at 0-0 so I didn't miss much. Early in the second half John Spencer kicked a penalty to give the home side a 3-0 lead Strathmore pressed and the Trinity forwards appeared to buckle.Strathmore stole at the back of the Trinity scrum and only a knock on right prevented a score, Strath continued to press and were eventually rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts 3-3.
With 15 minutes to go and the game in the balance Trinity started to show a winning mentality.John Spencer put in some big diagonal clearances on the breeze and the forwards worked their way back into the game.On 70 minutes John Spencer kicked from the right touch line and on 75 minutes from 40 metres out and straight to give Trinity a 9-3 led which they would hold to the whistle.Good performance from Trinity fielding a very young outfit, Jamie Millar, John Spencer, Scott Donnelly, Tom Drennan, Robert Lovett, Scott Brown all in their teens, and good shifts up front from Eddie Muller, making his league return to Bangholm after 3 years out with injury and Chrissie Stevens.
Final Score Trinity 9 Strathmore 3
Trinity v Glenrothes
Last week Glenrothes took a 120 point doing from Marr but as those who've been to Glens before know, they are a very different side at home, so there was no complacency in training and a hope that the forwards could maintain the momentum of the last two weeks. The game started with Trinity playing into the breeze so conceding territory. Glenrothes were clearly up for it, if anxious after the previous week, and the Trinity pack found it hard to get going... Outweighed in the front row the scrum was a bit messy and ball untidy, the line-out misfired badly in the first half with ball being overthrown, jumpers not lifted and a usually reliable source of ball dried up.
The rucking on mass was slow and runners were static. It was no surprise when Glens opened the scoring, though the manner was disappointing a 10 looping to the outside should be marked out and tackled by the touch judge, lack of communication saw a horrible jagged defensive line cut through and the looping 10 left clear to the corner, 5-0 Glenrothes. Glens continued to dominate the forward exchanges and in a messy game with a high error count forwards win matches. On 35 minutes Glens drove and broke left and scored out wide again the kick was missed Glenrothes 10 Trinity 0. For the last 5 minutes of the half the Trinity pack picked up their game and only desperate scrambling defence saw the line held. On the stroke of half time a penalty opportunity was narrowly missed by John Spencer and we turned 10-0 down after a disappointing and rather flat performance.
With the wind Trinity looked to dominate territory and came back into the game. On 50 minutes a well worked back move saw Andy Lauritson back his pace and run to the right corner from 30 metres. 10-5 From this point Trinity tried to press but the forwards were not firing on all cylinders., Tom Drennan had a good game individually with some very mature running and defensive covering and young prop James Gilbert made several line breaking runs, almost pulling away once or twice, but too often supporting runners lagged behind and opportunities and ball were lost. The line-out improved a little but there was a lot of slow and untidy ball. With 8 minutes to go from a defensive kick out under pressure it was the home side that fed wide right and scored, Glens 15 TAcs 5.
Trinity pressed for the remainder of the game and with 3 minutes to go John Spencer kicked a penalty to make the final score Glenrothes 15 Trinity 8 and send us home with a disappointing bonus point.
The positives from this game were a really good turn from James Gilbert, Tom Drennan continuing to mature and grow in confidence and a good shift from Andy Lauritson the pick of the backs on the right wing.Gibby Macmillan looked strong in the centre and Dave Lightbody showed some good touches.Let's not dwell on the negatives but I don't expect Tuesdays training to be a game of rounder's.
Final score Glenrothes 15 - Trinity 8
Marr vs Trinity
After last week's poor performance in Glenrothes the boys were on the road to Troon on Saturday to take on newly promoted Marr. Trinity retrieved the kick off and pressed Marr into the home 22 metre area, Marr turned the ball over fed left and a left winger nicknamed Billy Whizz took off to score from 60 metres 2 minutes gone Marr 5 Trinity 0. The rest of the first half was evenly fought with Trinity's lineout back in order and a good show from the pack but a drop goal on 25 minutes and a push over try converted with the last kick of the half saw Trinity turn 15-0 down.
The third quarter was a tight affair with Trinity slightly ascendant. Marr struggled to get enough ball to work with, whilst Trinity looked good in bursts without threatening to score. Rob Ritchie and Josh Pecqueur both had good runs out of defence but there wasn't much happening in the opposition 22 until on 65 minutes a Trinity chip and chase saw Marr pinned back, the right winger narrowly avoided being sacked but slipped the ball left, Marr spread wide and Billy Whizz evaded a couple of tackles before running 60 metres to score his second break out try of the game.Marr 22 Trinity 0
Game over? Not at all.In the last 15 minutes Trinity played their best rugby of the season. On 70 minutes Tom Drennan broke left from 60 metres out, creating a two on one in the clear on the Marr 22. He popped to James Weir who dropped the ball with an easy run in. Dave Lightbody having a man of the match performance in the centre broke clear from 30 metres and looked to have scored but was held up inches short.Josh Pecqueur then broke on the right and was held up on the line, Rob Ritchie touched down from the ensuing maul, clear to see from the touchline but the referee was blindsided and awarded a 5 metre scrum. Eventually Richard Wood latched onto the back of a rolling maul and Trinity got the score they deserved. Josh Pecqueur converted
Final Score Marr 22 Trinity 7.
This was a much improved performance from Trinity who eventually lost due to two breakaway tries and their inability to convert opportunity into points. Good performances from Scott Brown in the lineout, Tom Drennan at 8 and Robert Munnik and good leadership from Dave Stroud and Richard Wood, gave the pack the upper hand. Rob Ritchie, Josh Pecqueur and Dave Lightbody ran well in the backs.
Trinity vs Duns
Trinity have underachieved in the last year and never more so than in the last couple of weeks when a poor forward performance at Glenrothes and a lack of belief at Marr led to costly defeats. Coaching, training and selection have been very much directed towards addressing these failings so players approached Saturdays encounter with fellow strugglers Duns with some clear personal and team targets.
In perfect conditions Trinity dominated the young Duns pack and kicked well to have the upper hand in possession and field position. An early touch down by Robert Lovett was chalked off for offside and a Jon Spencer penalty attempt from 45 metres fell short. On 15 minutes however, after a drive from the forwards on the left the ball was spread right, Dave Lightbody skipped a tackle and popped to Andy "Party Boy" Lauritson who outpaced the cover to score on the right. Jon Spencer converted 7-0
Trinity continued to press but were held out by good defence until on 25 minutes aggressive running from a kick return from Rob Ritchie on the left saw great support from Robert Lovett who burst the first tackle and outpaced the defence from 35 yards out to score under the posts Spencer converted 14-0. Duns problems were compounded when their captain and centre were lost to injury midway through the half and Trinity were well in control. Tom Drennan showed a nice step and turn of pace on the half hour and scored on the right; 21-0; and Rob Ritchie having an excellent game rounded off the half with a converted try on the left.
Half time Trinity 28 Duns 0
From the second half kick-off Trinity forwards won a line out and drove left the maul collapsed and the ball popped out for Rob Ritchie to touch down in the corner Spencer missed the kick 33-0. Mike Cosford came on for a debut at prop and had a few good breenges from close in but Duns held on for another 10 minutes before Andy Lauritson showedgreat pace and balance to step inside but after a great run was blocked on the line by the ref to be denied a try.From the resultant scrum 5 Tom Drennan picked and went Jon Spencer converted 40-0.
Jon Spencer and Andy Bruce were replaced on 60 minutes by Josh Pecquer and Des Haynes. Trinity picked up the pace and some excellent handling put James Weir over against his home town on the left wing. Josh Pecquer kicked 47-0 but made amends two minutes later skipping inside the cover off a nice switch from a Tom Drennan drive and offload. Josh converted 54-0. On 70 minutes a Rob Ritchie drive and good pass left saw Des Haynes, supporting, show great pace to score in the corner on the left. Josh converted 61-0. A consolation score from a good break right saw Duns rewarded in the last few minutes 61-5 but not to be out done Andy Lauritson, who'd started the try spree rounded off the match with his second and Trinity's 10th of the day, Josh pecquer converted
Final Score - Trinity 68 Duns 5.
Davie Gibb's man of the match was Robert Lovett who had a storming game. But Tom Drennan, Scott Brown who pinched half a dozen line-outs, Rob Ritchie, Andy Lauritson and Chris Steven all had their best games in a Trinity shirt.
Hibs are top of the SPL,
Lenzie vs Trinity
We turned up at Bangholm on Saturday for an early run through after the cable which powers our training lights had been cut through on Thursday evening, meaning we couldn’t train. We welcomed James Bartolo (Accies) at 9, new centre Billy from the BATs and Big Mike (not Gray) was given a start at Prop.
John Spencer kicked off at
Some impressive breaks by Billy at centre saw Trinity break through the Lenzie defence however with no one in close support we saw turnover ball and the Lenzie attack played the ball through their centres out wide and over our heads. Lenzie managed to keep the pressure on and the ball was played from our own 22 on several occasions however it wasn’t long before we gifted 3 penalties to the Lenzie 10 of which 2 he converted (hands in the ruck and coming in from the side). Our centre defence and wide men kept Lenzie at bay and then John Spencer kept us in the game with a penalty of his own and at half time Lenzie lead 11-3.
Some positional changes were made at half time with Lovett and Chris Stephen being replaced with Jamsie Weir and Jeremy (our new Kiwi with a nickname of ‘Skip’). We continued where we left off from the 1st half, we tried to make inroads to the Lenzie defence however on too many occasions we dropped the ball, knocked it on, were too flat in the backs or gave away another penalty. We then lost Keith Bobby to an ankle injury and now had Baxby, Mike and Stroud in the front row with no hooker. Debate over uncontested scrums or not? Well we can debate that if you like but we had enough ball to compete with the Lenzie defence however it was another break by Lenzie that lead them to another score in the far right corner, conversion missed, 16 - 3.
At this stage heads could have dropped but they didn’t, however we did lose John Spencer to a knee injury (thankfully the ambulance service were on hand again (bad omen?) which lead to Gibby at 10 and Jeremy in the centre. With time running out it was time to try and run the ball as a Trinity score would bring us to within 7 point, a DSM to Josh, then to Ritchie, then back to Gibby saw Trinity make yards and brought back memories of the week before however mistakes lead to turnovers. With only a few minutes to go we attacked with a couple of mauls and a chance by Bartolo went missed.
Final score 16-3.
Summary:
Judging from what Lenzie and the ref had to say, we made it hard for Lenzie to play the rugby they are used to. I am sure they would have looked for a Bonus Point win however the feeling is it should have been us leaving with a Bonus Point (even if it was a Lost one). Next week sees us playing Whitecraigs who I’m sure will prove a different challenge, big forwards and quick backs - ideal for a Trinity team with quality, pace and fitness.
Trinity vs Whitecraigs
With Stuart Murray and Paddy Gilhooley returning from injury the strongest Trinity Accies pack of the seaon took the field at Bangholm against Whitecraigs on Saturday.Whitecraigs have had a flying start to the season and have averaged 36 points a game in eight games to date.
Trinity opened well. From the kick off, catch and clear Josh Pecqueur fielded deep in his own half evaded a couple of tackles and flew 50 metres up the left wing. Eddie Muller was first in support and was tackled into touch 10 metres short. From the resultant lineout Whitecraigs were pressured into a knock on Trinity won the scrum Eddie Muller picked and drove Stewart Murray made a second drive and then Chris Stephen drove over the line but was held up. Trinity continued to press relentlessly for the first 10 minutes but stout defence and poor Trinity lineout work saw us eventually knocked back and the pressure went unrewarded. For the remainder of the half Trinity dominated up front but couldn't penetrate through the centre, Tom Drennan looked to be in the clear when called back for a Whitecraigs infringement, when there was a clear advantage, Andy Lauritson appeared to have touched down from an up and under but was adjudged foot in dead ball area. The resultant dropout went straight out and Whitecraigs were awarded the line-out so maybe things were starting not to run for us. At the end of a very good first 40 minutes from the home side, in which Whitecraigs rarely got out of their own half, only a Josh Pecqueur penalty separated the sides.
Half time Trinity 3 Whitecraigs 0
Whitecraigs kicked off, Trinity caught but appeared asleep as only one player commited to the ruck.Trinity were driven off the ball Whitecraigs drove infield then wide, broke the line and Trinity having been utterly dominant for 40 minutes, paid dearly for their lapse and were 5-3 down.
Whitecraigs raised their game. The Whitecraigs backs began to penetrate through the centre and the pressure was on the home side. On 50 minutes Whitecraigs went over from a driving maul. Trinity 3 Whitecraigs10.Trinity worked there way back into the game until Rob Ritchie broke left from deep on 55 minutes, making the Whitecraigs 22 he offloaded inside but the ball was retrieved by Whitecraigs who cleared upfield, in the ensuing chase Gibby McMillan blocked the run of the Whitecraigs 12 and was rightly sinbinned. Unfortunately this would mark a big turning point in the game.The reduced Trinity side were under constant pressure in the stand-off's absence and conceded two tries. The introduction of Jeremy Ball, Des Haynes and Scott Brown injected fresh legs but the game was over as a contest.Trinity pressed hard at the end and Andy Lauritson, Richard Wood and Gibby McMillan were all just short of making the breakthrough but two late tries from Whitecraigs saw them emerge comprehensive victors.
Final score Trinity 3 Whitecraigs 36
Trinity failed to score when they had pressure and paid the penalty. Whitecraigs finished virtually all their chances.There were good performances.For much of the game the Trinity back row of Muller, Murray and Drennan, were on top, the scrum performed well and Jeremy Ball added some grit for the last half hour.The lineout misfired badly in the first half but improved a little later on.The one sided scoreline might distort the competitive nature of most of the game but it is all that counts. I've rarely seen the post match changing room quite as disappointed.
Helenburgh vs Trinity
With a full strength squad Trinity Accies visited Helensburgh on Saturday in need of a win after defeats by table toppers Lenzie and Whitecraigs in the last couple of weeks. The home side started the stronger pressing Trinity into their own 22 metre area, although without real penetration, but on 10 minutes a penalty was conceded and kicked.Helensburgh 3 Trinity 0.Trinity came back into the game and on twenty minutes Josh Pecqueur kicked a penalty to equalise, Helensburgh 3 Trinity 3. Almost from the kick off Helensburgh were awarded a chance to go ahead and kicked a good penalty from wide on the right, the score was chalked off for a winger being offside at the kick.Trinity taking full advantage of their luck cleared down field and proceeded to have their best spell of the game. On 25 minutes, from a scrum on the home 22, Gibby Mcmillan charged down a kick and followed up to touch down Josh Pecqueur converted Helensburgh 3 Trinity 10.
Trinity continued to dominate and on 33 minutes broke right from an attacking scrum and were threatening to break through when the ref went down as if shot by a sniper and lay prostrate. After a worrying break he indicated continuing life by raising his wrist limply to stop his watch. The combined efforts of both physios restored him to fitness and the game resumed with Trinity threatening. Shortly before half time a well worked back row move saw Tom Drennan pop to Stu Murray, who drew the cover and popped inside to Scott Brown unopposed. Scott's usually outstanding hands let him down and the chance was lost.
Half time Helensburgh 3 Trinity 10.
At half time Jon Delaney replaced the injured Eddie Muller in the second row. The second half was a keenly contested affair; Trinity were now into the largely cross field breeze and found it slightly harder to clear their lines but defended well and kept the game tight. Scott Brown got the upper hand in the line out frequently denying Helensburgh their own ball in key positions to give a slight advantage on the touch lines.Rob Ritchie, Andy Bruce and Dave Lightbody all made crucial hits to snuff out threatening positions and there was one memorable wrap up from Paraic Whyte in the midfield but the greatest threat to Trinity came in the 63rd minute when the sniper struck again. Once again the ref went down, this time with a sprained ankle. There was a 5 minute delay and a real threat of the game being abandoned before, heavily strapped by the Trinity medical team; he hobbled back into action to finish the game.Trinity held firm, Jeremy Ball and Stu Murray leading some stout driving play late on and the game finished Helensburgh 3 Trinity 10.
Final Score Helensburgh 3 Trinity 10
This was as tight game as the score suggests with few clear cut chances for either side but a very good forward performance across the board from Trinity and great defence from the backs produced a deserved and welcome win.Best performances were in the back five, and in midfield defence, Scott Brown possibly just shading MVP because of that additional great ability to grab opposition lineout ball at just the right time.
Trinity vs Hawick YM
Another great autumn day for rugby at Bangholm as Trinity welcomed YM for one of my favourite fixtures of the year, always a close one. YM are going well at the moment, 2nd in the league and put TAcs under pressure from the start, going ahead with a penalty on 5 minutes. Trinity competed well but looked second best for the opening period, under pressure in the scrum and often second best at the breakdown. Hawick threatened with an overlap left on ten minutes but a great recovery from Andy Lauritson stopped the winger 10 metres short. On 15minutes, however, after a long spell of pressure, Hawick scored on the right and converted Trinity 0 Hawick YM 10. Trinity came back in to the game Jeremy Ball was making good ground Mike Cosford was getting the measure of his man to take the pressure off the scrum. A couple of excellent breaks from Tom Drennan went unrewarded and late in the half it was Hawick who broke wide right, Rob Ritchie covered and held the man up over the line, but with a minute to go in the half YM scored from the ensuing 5 metre scrum with only a great double take out by Paddy Gilhooley from the kick off to cheer the home support. Half time Trinity 0 Hawick YM 17.
Trinity had played naively in the first half failing to clear their lines and throwing too many hopeful long passes. The half time chat was to simplify the game, play the corners and compete at the breakdown.
From the kick off Trinity roared and on 42 minutes a great break up the left by Rob Ritchie saw Dave Lightbody in support pop back to Rob who stayed strong to go over in the left corner. Trinity 5 Hawick 17.
On 46 minutes Dave Lightbody broke left through the centre again feeding Rob Ritchie who crossed the line but was held up. From the scrum Trinity were overambitious in the centre and lost 20 metres but a Hawick infringement saw Josh Pecquer stick over a penalty Trinity 8 Hawick YM 17.
Hawick were now rattled and Trinity continued to press and looked to have the beating of the borderers. Paddy Gilhooley was rampant at this stage, Rob Ritchie back to his best and Dave Lightbody a real threat in the centre. Rucking was good and the visitors were clearly rattled. With ten minutes to go a further penalty from Josh Pecquer saw Trinity move to within a score Trinity 11 Hawick 17.
In the closing stages Trinity needed to stick to the simple aggressive rugby that had got them into the game but they moved away from basics and once again began to try to conjure magic. A couple of long passes went awry, Trinity were back under pressure, the press was lifted, Hawick reasserted themselves and a penalty four minutes from time rounded off the scoring and denied the home side a bonus point.
Final score Trinity 11 Hawick 17.
Another case of what might have been for Trinity. Jeremy Ball was Davy Gibbs man of the match at no8 and the pack generally competed well as the game progressed. There were some good skills, movement and penetration from the backs with Jamie Robertson at 10 adding finesse and Rob Ritchie and Dave Lightbody the pick of the bunch, but a couple of expensive cut backs to ignore overlaps and half a dozen horrible long passes which invariably heaped pressure on and lost ground rather took the shine off. One of the best games of the season though and much to build on.
Lasswade vs Trinity
A first visit to Lasswade's impressive new stadium for the boys and a Lasswade team going well in the promotion hunt.
Trinity started with a strong wind behind them but Gibby McMillan at 10 found it difficult to read in the early stages and it was twenty minutes before we properly used the advantage. As the half progressed Trinity began to dominate territory and possession and on 25 minutes Lewis Niven broke blind from a ruck and timed a perfect pass to Rob Ritchie who outstripped the defence to run 30 metres on the left and open the scoring. Josh Pecquer converted, Lasswade 0 Trinity 7. Trinity dominated the rest of the half and on 30 minutes from a good long penalty to the right corner Scott Brown, having his best game of the season, caught and the forwards drove, Lewis Niven emerging to claim the score. Lasswade 0 Trinity 12
Lewis Niven left the field shortly after with a rib injury to be replaced by Mike Cosford. Trinity continued to dominate territory and possession but were held out for the rest of the half and at half time there was a feeling that in that wind twelve points might not be enough.
Trinity began the second half well, the forwards continuing to dominate and Andy Bruce looking hungry in the centre, made the first line break to give momentum and good field position. Lasswade had the wind, however, and an excellent rolling maul, and it was no surprise that this produced their first score on 50 minutes. Lasswade 5 Trinity 12
The game swung now in Lasswade's direction and after sustained pressure Trinity conceded a converted score on 65 minutes Lasswade 12 Trinity 12.