Broughton FP RFC

The first indication of the strangeness that would ensue on a visit to Galashiels, was when the bus driver pulled up with a flat tire. Despite offers from the Broughton boys to act as a bus jack and put on a spare, another bus finally showed up 35 minutes later. Fortunately the bus only managed to stall once as the boys arrived in Gala with just minutes to spare before kick off.

Fresh off the bus, quickly kitted and without much warm up time, the boys took to the pitch. Unfortunately for the Broughton men,Gala scored their first breakaway try and kicked to convert;opening the game with 7 points. Some tough play from Broughton and quick offloads lead to the first penalty when a Gala player went off his feet. Bombers successfully kicked to put Broughton on the board with 3 points.

Some fantastic pressure from the defense, lead by Rory Ballantyne gave Broughton the opportunity to score from the 22. Despite their lengthy stay, it was booted down pitch by the Gala flyhalf only to be recovered by Bombers who was brought to touch just seconds later.

Broughton stole the ball from Galas line out, but with no ball in sight and the ruck becoming bigger the referee called for a scrum. Gala successfully took possession of the ball, taking advantage of the lack of numbers blind and scoring a try in the unopposed corner, bringing the score to 12-3.

Gala saw their third opportunity to score off the scrum with a quick dummy and an individual try and conversion bringing the score to 19-3 at the half time whistle.

Despite the scoreline, the Broughton supporters were in high spirits. The bash brothers, Dave and Pete Cribbes helped one match reporter form a fine front row and shield from the cold.

Even excellent pressure from Khal Mohammad and Ryan Gaven, Gala scored 5 minutes into the half and again minutes later to bring the score to 31-3

Quality runs from the Broughton backs, lead by Marius Briedenhann, showed Gala’s desperation as a player was sin binned for a high tackle.

Sensing it was time to bring in the big guns, Super-Coach Rhys Williams sent in none other than Duncan Nicolson himself, to show the boys how it’s really done. Broughton defended their 22 brilliantly and a score only came after numerous unsuccessful phases when there was finally an overlap on numbers and a quick ball sent Gala over the line.

Never giving up and with just minutes to go, a big effort from Broughton saw Sandy Urquhart force a try across the line. The final score was Gala 36- Broughton-8

Broughton made their way home reminiscent of a 1980’s horror film. A bus filled with booze, rugby songs ringing out, until they reached.....a tunnel that read: “vehicles must be 12 feet or less.” Being the ever logical men that they are, various suggestions were made: “drive fast enough and we can just take off the top of the bus,” “drive around it” and my favourite, “maybe we can take two people who are six feet tall and have them stand on each others shoulders to see if the bus will fit.”

After the clever musings of the Broughton boys, it was decided that we must simply turn the bus around, on the very tiny road. With the help of a local, who may as well have been carrying a pitchfork (à la American Gothic), we managed to successfully maneuver out and were on our way. The man of course, was rewarded handsomely for his help, with a few cans of tenants lager.

Tune in next week for the return of the Bash Brothers as the Broughton take on Hawick at home, 2 P.M.