GHA RFC vs Stew Mel, 11/4/09

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Squad

The Stewart's Melville FP RFC team to play GHA RFC at Braidholm on Saturday, kick off 3 pm, is:

We've a few changes for Saturday's crucial game against GHA.

Pip and Jedi are enjoying a romantic break together in Las Vegas, while Woody is both crocked and on holiday! Coxy therefore starts on the wing, Stu Ker moves to stand off and Rob Patterson slots in at scrum half.

In the pack, Pip's place is taken by Dalgy, now fit again and ready to make his considerable influence felt in the back row.

Other than that, we're particularly delighted to welcome Lewis Calder to the bench - always good to see that surname on the Stew Mel teamsheet for a must-win game like this!

Congratulations go to Cedders for earning his first international cap for Switzerland last weekend. Braidholm is maybe a slight step down from the Colovray Stadium in Nyon, but we're sure he'll still do a job for us if required!

Mike has already put the call out for all supporters to join us for the trip through to Glasgow. The players are really appreciative of the support they've had on away trips throughout the season, so please do them proud again on Saturday. Please be at Inverleith by 11.45 am if you'd like a lift through - if you really must drive, Braidholm is here.

Just to crank the excitement up a wee bit further before the game, I'm delighted to pass on Good Luck messages from a couple of the guys who were involved the last time we won away to secure promotion to the top flight:

Steph De Beer:

"Please pass on best wishes to the lads for the next important game. It seems that if they win, they are promoted ... so good luck!"

Paul Wharakura:

"Just want to pass on my best wishes to the 1st XV for their big game this weekend - look forward to hearing when the results come through to NZ.

"Brings back great memories from that day down in Selkirk."

See you on Saturday!

Primmy's Points

Stew Mel produced a top drawer second half performance as they came from behind against GHA to record the victory they needed to confirm their status as a Premier One rugby club next season. In near perfect weather, GHA took the game to Stew Mel in the first half, but a spirited second half fightback ended with a 36-15 win for Stew Mel.

The first half started with GHA on the front foot, an early penalty from the GHA number 10 getting the scoreboard rolling. It could, in fact, have rolled a good deal more in the home side's favour if they had taken advantage of the territory and possession that they enjoyed. A few attempts at goal went wide of the mark and a couple of try scoring chances were wasted.

It wasn't until the second quarter of the game that the next points were scored, GHA getting in behind the Stew Mel defence and scoring a close range try from the resultant ruck. It had been a long time coming, but there was more than a slight hint that the ball had been guddled and that GHA had squandered yet another chance. The referee was not interested, however, and awarded the try.

Playing into a deceptively strong wind, Stew Mel remained on the back foot with little possession, though, when they got the ball, they certainly looked dangerous. The visitors burst into life on the half hour mark when two tries were disallowed in quick succession. Firstly, Rob made a break and put Stu Ker in for what would have been a good try - but he was pulled back for an adjudged forward pass. Then Bambi was denied a score when a foot was put in touch on the far side. Close calls that didn't go our way on both occasions, and a horrible feeling started to creep in that, perhaps, today wasn't going to be our day, after all.

Fear not, though! As has happened so often this season, the forwards then took the game by the scruff of the neck and worked tirelessly to get us into a good attacking position. A superb effort from the pack let Clarky eye up his opportunity before pouncing for an all important score to put us right back into the match.

At half time, no Jelly Baby abuse was needed to demonstrate what performance was required during the second period - and Stew Mel wasted no time in going out to achieve their aim. Dalgy charged down an attempted clearance kick, and quick ball from the turnover let Clarky gallop past a few would-be tacklers and get round under the posts for his second score of the match. Stu Ker added the easy extras - and it was he who then played a massive part in the next try.

From a penalty on half way, an exquisite kick to the corner by Stu set up a great attacking opportunity for Stew Mel. A fantastic drive by the forwards from the ensuing lineout moved play close to the home tryline. The ball was passed out to Dalgy, who offloaded in contact to put Clarky over for his hat trick and send the travelling support wild!

With the 2nd XV now also voicing their support following their early kick off, the extra encouragement started to rub off on the players. We didn't have to wait long for Lewis to race in for try number four. Dalgy started the move when he stormed through to collect a loose ball from a scrappy home lineout. After beating a couple of men, he offloaded to the ever present Lewis, who beat the last man and went in under the posts, giving Stu an easy conversion which he effortlessly knocked over.

GHA then started to up their game, but the stubborn Stew Mel defence stood strong, and, at times, all GHA could see was an impenetrable red line of players across the pitch. With 10 minutes left, Stu added a penalty that meant GHA required three converted tries to spoil Stew Mel's return to the top flight. All they managed was one score which, to be fair, was very well worked.

Stew Mel had the final say, however, when a GHA player dropped the ball on the half way line and Stu Ker plucked the loose ball off the ground and raced in under the posts. With the win in the bag, Stew Mel still gave nothing up; this was epitomised when Ek made the 'hit of the season' to knock the big GHA second row backwards a full 5 yards. The growl he made in doing so summed up the effort that the entire team has put in this season.

A big pat on the back goes to all players involved this season, from the regular starters to the guys who were called on to step up and do a job. The job has certainly been well and truly done!

Congratulations go to all the guys, and to all those who help out in the background. Moff, Giss and Andy have done an incredible job this year, and are to be applauded. In the wake of Macca's death, the character and team spirit that the whole club has shown in this last year has been unbelievable. I'm sure that the great wee man will be looking down with a huge grin on his face.

Macca was an inspiration to all who knew him, and would have been immensely proud of what the club has achieved this year. He would also be extremely pleased by the manner in which Moff has guided the club back to Premier One.

As we now look forward, we are pleased to report that the club is in good health. For most, a short rest will be enjoyed before the hard work starts all over again. There is, however, one key difference this time around: we're back where we belong. Prem 1, baby!

Primmy

Many thanks are also due to Primmy for his quality match reports this season - Bill

Stew Mel Stats

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