Stew Mel vs Gala, 9/12/06

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Squad

The Stewart's Melville FP RFC team to play Gala at Inverleith on Saturday, kick off 2 pm, is:

On the treatment table this week are Sam Hendry (ribs), Rob Primrose (shoulder), Alex Clarke (shoulder), Stuart Clark (leg) and Scott Brewster (ribs). Laing Robson is on holiday.

Nosebag

Malky's Musings

Saturday saw us produce a gutsy performance to edge a close encounter with our border rivals. At a cold and blustery Inverleith we saw little flowing rugby, largely owing to the repeated interruptions from the referee's whistle.

We started the first half strongly, with the forwards producing solid set piece ball and recycling well in the loose. Despite a period of concerted pressure and a number of penalties near to the opposition line, we were, however, unable to break the deadlock. Indeed, it was Gala who scored the first points of the game when their winger crossed in the far corner following some good interlinking play and a missed tackle in the midfield. The conversion was missed and there were no further scores in the remaining ten minutes of the half. Half time: Stew Mel 0 Gala 5.

The defenses remained on top at the start of the second half, however our forwards continued to battle hard and there were signs that the opposition pack were starting to flag. On 55 minutes, some disciplined driving play led to our replacement number 8, Sky Laurie, plunging over on the far side of the pitch. Borth missed the tricky conversion, however he was on target with a long range penalty goal shortly after and we took the lead for the first time at 8-5.

Gala continued to produce some enterprising rugby and glimpses of the excellent backs play which had been so evident during our encounter at Netherdale earlier this season. The Stew Mel defence held firm and prevented the visitors from seriously threatening the line. It was, however, Gala who had the next score through a further penalty goal and the scores were tied again at 8-8.

With Borth and the Gala kicker both notching three pointers thereafter, it appeared as though the match would end in a draw, but, with less than five minutes to go, Colin Goudie demonstrated excellent pace and determination in charging down a clearing kick which he then gathered in the Gala 22 before touching down for the winning score. Full time: Stew Mel 16 Gala 11.

This was far from a classic, but the Stew Mel team showed a degree of concentration and application which has been lacking during some of our previous encounters this season, and, in the end, this was a well earned victory. Our final game before the Christmas break is away to Biggar on Saturday. We hope to see a strong traveling support and will be looking to provide some early festive cheer.

Malky

Thanks to Rod Cox for providing the photos from this game

Stew Mel Stats

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