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2nd XV - Report
Date: Saturday 20th October 2012 - Kick Off: 15:00
RBS Reserves League - Division East 1
| Lasswade 2XV | 14 | vs | 31 | Mfield Wand 2XV |
Hard Work Does Pay Off
A further step in the right direction for the 2nd team on their challenge for the league.
Saturday 20th October.
Murrayfield Wanderers 2nd XV travelled to the outskirts of Edinburgh in their Reserve East 1 fixture against Lasswade at the Hawthornden. Lasswade 2nds going into the match had the better league position, sitting pretty in 3rd place. MWFC 2nd XV were sitting in 8th position with a lot to prove in this match if they were serious about trying to rise up the table. Coincidentally both sides 1st XV were playing at Murrayfield in the same fixture that day. MWFC were keen to do the double over our counter-parts. After last week’s away fixture to RHC was postponed, due to their pitch being deemed unplayable, the 2nd XV were itching it get on the field and play. There were a few changes to the side that beat Edinburgh Accies Blues two weeks ago, John Lee, Rick Howse and Iestyn Richards-Rees all returning after lengthy absences. Both Nigel Sheehan and Michael Robertson presence in the front row was welcomed as both players have spent most of the season playing 1st XV rugby. It was a fine autumn day with sun shining; the surface remained wet however due to the heavy rainfall that occurred during the week.
The kick-off was scuffed by Callum Gauld, allowing Lasswade to try to put some early pressure on the 2nd XV. For the first two minutes Lasswade continued to batter the ball up in midfield, but the Wandies defence held firm, and eventually a knock-on from Lasswade returned possession to the away side. From the scrum Murrayfield began a surge for the Lasswade try line, Federico Annoni and Nigel Sheehan leading the charge. The pressure paid off with a penalty after a ruck infringement from Lasswade in their 22, Miller Glasgow took the quick penalty and darted for the line but was cut short. After a few ‘pick and go's’ by the pack Michael Heasley reaped the rewards with a trademark show and go leaving his marker looking silly and crashed over the line from short distance. Barry Turnbull with the conversion, 0-7. The game became a little scrappy after the try and the ball remained stuck in break down after break down. Rick Howes came staggering out of a ruck with a nasty nose bleed. The sole reason he hadn't played this season was to maintain an unbruised and unscarred face for his wedding, I have to wonder what the new Mrs Howse will have to say about that. The Lasswade 10 had a moment he might want to forget also, with a huge swing from his boot completely missing the ball in an attempted clearance kick, an ‘oopsy daisy’ moment there. The Murrayfield defence had been good so far in the match, John Lee putting in a number of good hits already. The 2nd XV were awarded a penalty in the same position as our conversion, as Lasswade were caught holding on in the tackle, Barry Turnbull this time striking it wide of the mark.
Now came one of the most bizarre moments of the match, as after a little tussle on the floor, Federico Annoni showed us his judo skills as he appeared to sweep the Lasswade's players legs from under him and drop him to the deck. He escaped without a card but Nigel Sheehan wasn't to escape the same fate as he was sent to the sin bin for a ruck offence just moments later. Lasswade had the scrum 5 metres out from the Wanderers line and after Murrayfield looked like they had managed to turn the ball over in the scrum the ball shot out the back and the Lasswade blindside flanker touched down out wide for a converted try, 7-7. So far in the game despite the strong backline we had on show, they hadn’t really managed to get going yet with ‘knock-ons’ and bad passes creeping into their game. However this all changed when on half time Stuart Young cut an excellent line to burst through the middle, stepped well and fend off the on-coming fullback to stretch over the line for Murrayfield's second converted try of the game.
HT : Lasswade ii XV. 7 Murrayfield Wanderers ii XV. 14
A few changes at half time for Wandies with Ally Chalmers coming on for Michael Robertson, Iyestan Richards-Rees replacing Callum Gauld at 10 and Duggie Liddle moving to fullback, and of course Nigel Sheehan returning after completing his time in the sin bin. Lasswade were given an early advantage as Rick Howes failed in his attempt to collect the kick-off - maybe too busy worrying about what his wife will say about his nose, but probably blinded by the low sun. The home side attempted to run the ball with their number 6 breaking a few tackles only for his offload to the supporting player to be knocked on. However Murrayfield were not let off the hook as the Lasswade pressure continued, resulting in their 12 managing to keep his hands free in the contact to set the Lasswade number 10 on his way over the try line to convert his own try, 14-14. Murrayfield came close to conceding another try moments later as confusion and a lack of communication from Duggie Liddle and Michael Cahill saw the ball being grubbered up field by Lasswade, Rick Howes made up for his previous mistake and saved the day. He out sprinted the Lasswade chasers to touch the ball down. MWFC did well in the following scrum and were let off the hook.
Further changes were made for the away side 10 minutes in to the second half with Peter Walker, Chris Walkden and Callum Hanratty all replacing, Michael Cahill, Andrew Thorburn and Miller Glasgow respectively. Barry Turnbull moved to scrum half and Hanratty slotted into the centre. With the fresh legs in our side the 2nd XV began to push on, and from a quick penalty in midfield Barry Turnbull left Duggie Liddle and Gavin Sharp in some space, only for another handling error to creep in. Murrayfield became frustrated as they had never really been able to put enough phases together before they were turned over time and again. The away side came close to scoring as a half break by Barry Turnbull made a break down the right and getting the offload to Gavin Sharp who charged down the touch line, only to be knocked into touch just by the flag. From the resultant line-out on the Lasswade 5, Murrayfield managed to turn it over, and after a few attempts at the try line, Ally Chalmers barged over for his first try of the season, try converted, 14-21. Murrayfield attempted to go for another try minutes later, but settled for a penalty, Barry Turnbull adding the points to make it 14-24. With only 10 minutes left to go Lasswade had to go for broke and try to salvage the game and nearly did when their winger managed to get free in some space only for Peter Walker to make a great try saving tackle. After the scare, Murrayfield began to push for the bonus point try. A good half break down the right from Chris Walkden and Murrayfield were now in a good position to assault the Lasswade line. Wandies began attacking either sides of the ruck and even John Lee acted as scrum-half to keep the momentum of our attack going, now only 5 metres out from the Lasswade try line, Michael Heasley thought lightning could strike twice by attempting an identical show and go as his earlier try, this time Lasswade had it sussed and the ball was knocked back in the resulting tackle. The ball was picked up and reset then released to the backs, Iestyn Richards-Rees scooped the ball at pace and went over for the try just right of the posts. Barry Turnbull added the goods to make it 14-31. Only 2 minutes remained on the clock now and Lasswade began a late drive for points as they had seemingly endless phases, Gavin Sharp was sent to the sin bin after repeated off sides and infringements by the away side. Lasswade were making serious yards and looked like they may well get over the line for a consolation try. However, these efforts were dashed as a huge tackle came in from Iestyn Richards-Rees knocking his man back several metres. This gave the away side determination not to end the game conceding any more points and eventually the ball was turned over and booted into touch to secure the bonus point win for Murrayfield Wanderers 2nd XV.
FT: Lasswade ii XV 14. Murrayfield Wanderers ii XV 31.
A great game to watch and a fantastic win for MWFC 2nd XV, both sides had strong line-ups but basic errors by both home and away sides crept in on occasions. The fitness of the 2nd XV this week was the difference as we managed to go up an extra gear late in the game when the Lasswade tank seemed to be empty. Every player had their moment in the game. Barry Turnbull seems happy to play just about anywhere in the backline, playing outside centre and scrum-half this week, but still looking comfortable and full of confidence. Iyestan Richards-Rees had an epic comeback game which consisted of huge tackling, cracking runs, scoring a try and stepping in at fly half when required. The return of John Lee had an impact for all to see as he was an absolute force in the line-outs turning over his opposite, slightly larger, jumper on numerous occasion. The back row of Dave Clarke, Andy Thorburn and Rick Howes yet again worked hard and performed well. Second half substitutes Ally Chalmers, and Peter Walker really helped add something to the team. Chris Walkden was fairly faultless when he came on and was looking ‘hungrier’ than ever, running hard and turning up all over the pitch. The Lasswade 6 had a decent game with some hard runs breaking tackles in the process and of course scoring one of their tries, also the Lasswade 13 was also one of their better performers.
Next week sees Preston Lodge ii XV travel to HQ, they have really struggled so far this season and will be hungry to stop us from making it 3 wins in a row. What a strong squad there really is at Murrayfield when everyone is available to play. As we have seen, good performances in the 2nd XV result in 1st XV call ups, with Scott Fraser getting his reward by being selected this week. It could be you next week. So as always keep up the hard work at training and continue to push the man ahead of you to perform. The hard work in training is for all to see especially in games like that. I'll see you all at training to start preparing for next week (maybe not Federico, as it may clash with his judo lessons).
Team:- 1.Heasley; 2.Sheehan; 3.M.Robertson; 4.Annoni; 5.Lee; 6.Clarke; 7.Thorburn; 8.Howse; 9.Glasgow; 10.Gauld; 11.Cahill; 12.S.Young; 13.Turnbull; 14.Sharp; 15.Richards-Rees
Subs:- 16.Chalmers; 17.Walkden; 18.Liddle; 19.Hanratty; 20.P.Walker
Chris Anderson
Murrayfield Wanderers 2nd XV travelled to the outskirts of Edinburgh in their Reserve East 1 fixture against Lasswade at the Hawthornden. Lasswade 2nds going into the match had the better league position, sitting pretty in 3rd place. MWFC 2nd XV were sitting in 8th position with a lot to prove in this match if they were serious about trying to rise up the table. Coincidentally both sides 1st XV were playing at Murrayfield in the same fixture that day. MWFC were keen to do the double over our counter-parts. After last week’s away fixture to RHC was postponed, due to their pitch being deemed unplayable, the 2nd XV were itching it get on the field and play. There were a few changes to the side that beat Edinburgh Accies Blues two weeks ago, John Lee, Rick Howse and Iestyn Richards-Rees all returning after lengthy absences. Both Nigel Sheehan and Michael Robertson presence in the front row was welcomed as both players have spent most of the season playing 1st XV rugby. It was a fine autumn day with sun shining; the surface remained wet however due to the heavy rainfall that occurred during the week.
The kick-off was scuffed by Callum Gauld, allowing Lasswade to try to put some early pressure on the 2nd XV. For the first two minutes Lasswade continued to batter the ball up in midfield, but the Wandies defence held firm, and eventually a knock-on from Lasswade returned possession to the away side. From the scrum Murrayfield began a surge for the Lasswade try line, Federico Annoni and Nigel Sheehan leading the charge. The pressure paid off with a penalty after a ruck infringement from Lasswade in their 22, Miller Glasgow took the quick penalty and darted for the line but was cut short. After a few ‘pick and go's’ by the pack Michael Heasley reaped the rewards with a trademark show and go leaving his marker looking silly and crashed over the line from short distance. Barry Turnbull with the conversion, 0-7. The game became a little scrappy after the try and the ball remained stuck in break down after break down. Rick Howes came staggering out of a ruck with a nasty nose bleed. The sole reason he hadn't played this season was to maintain an unbruised and unscarred face for his wedding, I have to wonder what the new Mrs Howse will have to say about that. The Lasswade 10 had a moment he might want to forget also, with a huge swing from his boot completely missing the ball in an attempted clearance kick, an ‘oopsy daisy’ moment there. The Murrayfield defence had been good so far in the match, John Lee putting in a number of good hits already. The 2nd XV were awarded a penalty in the same position as our conversion, as Lasswade were caught holding on in the tackle, Barry Turnbull this time striking it wide of the mark.
Now came one of the most bizarre moments of the match, as after a little tussle on the floor, Federico Annoni showed us his judo skills as he appeared to sweep the Lasswade's players legs from under him and drop him to the deck. He escaped without a card but Nigel Sheehan wasn't to escape the same fate as he was sent to the sin bin for a ruck offence just moments later. Lasswade had the scrum 5 metres out from the Wanderers line and after Murrayfield looked like they had managed to turn the ball over in the scrum the ball shot out the back and the Lasswade blindside flanker touched down out wide for a converted try, 7-7. So far in the game despite the strong backline we had on show, they hadn’t really managed to get going yet with ‘knock-ons’ and bad passes creeping into their game. However this all changed when on half time Stuart Young cut an excellent line to burst through the middle, stepped well and fend off the on-coming fullback to stretch over the line for Murrayfield's second converted try of the game.
HT : Lasswade ii XV. 7 Murrayfield Wanderers ii XV. 14
A few changes at half time for Wandies with Ally Chalmers coming on for Michael Robertson, Iyestan Richards-Rees replacing Callum Gauld at 10 and Duggie Liddle moving to fullback, and of course Nigel Sheehan returning after completing his time in the sin bin. Lasswade were given an early advantage as Rick Howes failed in his attempt to collect the kick-off - maybe too busy worrying about what his wife will say about his nose, but probably blinded by the low sun. The home side attempted to run the ball with their number 6 breaking a few tackles only for his offload to the supporting player to be knocked on. However Murrayfield were not let off the hook as the Lasswade pressure continued, resulting in their 12 managing to keep his hands free in the contact to set the Lasswade number 10 on his way over the try line to convert his own try, 14-14. Murrayfield came close to conceding another try moments later as confusion and a lack of communication from Duggie Liddle and Michael Cahill saw the ball being grubbered up field by Lasswade, Rick Howes made up for his previous mistake and saved the day. He out sprinted the Lasswade chasers to touch the ball down. MWFC did well in the following scrum and were let off the hook.
Further changes were made for the away side 10 minutes in to the second half with Peter Walker, Chris Walkden and Callum Hanratty all replacing, Michael Cahill, Andrew Thorburn and Miller Glasgow respectively. Barry Turnbull moved to scrum half and Hanratty slotted into the centre. With the fresh legs in our side the 2nd XV began to push on, and from a quick penalty in midfield Barry Turnbull left Duggie Liddle and Gavin Sharp in some space, only for another handling error to creep in. Murrayfield became frustrated as they had never really been able to put enough phases together before they were turned over time and again. The away side came close to scoring as a half break by Barry Turnbull made a break down the right and getting the offload to Gavin Sharp who charged down the touch line, only to be knocked into touch just by the flag. From the resultant line-out on the Lasswade 5, Murrayfield managed to turn it over, and after a few attempts at the try line, Ally Chalmers barged over for his first try of the season, try converted, 14-21. Murrayfield attempted to go for another try minutes later, but settled for a penalty, Barry Turnbull adding the points to make it 14-24. With only 10 minutes left to go Lasswade had to go for broke and try to salvage the game and nearly did when their winger managed to get free in some space only for Peter Walker to make a great try saving tackle. After the scare, Murrayfield began to push for the bonus point try. A good half break down the right from Chris Walkden and Murrayfield were now in a good position to assault the Lasswade line. Wandies began attacking either sides of the ruck and even John Lee acted as scrum-half to keep the momentum of our attack going, now only 5 metres out from the Lasswade try line, Michael Heasley thought lightning could strike twice by attempting an identical show and go as his earlier try, this time Lasswade had it sussed and the ball was knocked back in the resulting tackle. The ball was picked up and reset then released to the backs, Iestyn Richards-Rees scooped the ball at pace and went over for the try just right of the posts. Barry Turnbull added the goods to make it 14-31. Only 2 minutes remained on the clock now and Lasswade began a late drive for points as they had seemingly endless phases, Gavin Sharp was sent to the sin bin after repeated off sides and infringements by the away side. Lasswade were making serious yards and looked like they may well get over the line for a consolation try. However, these efforts were dashed as a huge tackle came in from Iestyn Richards-Rees knocking his man back several metres. This gave the away side determination not to end the game conceding any more points and eventually the ball was turned over and booted into touch to secure the bonus point win for Murrayfield Wanderers 2nd XV.
FT: Lasswade ii XV 14. Murrayfield Wanderers ii XV 31.
A great game to watch and a fantastic win for MWFC 2nd XV, both sides had strong line-ups but basic errors by both home and away sides crept in on occasions. The fitness of the 2nd XV this week was the difference as we managed to go up an extra gear late in the game when the Lasswade tank seemed to be empty. Every player had their moment in the game. Barry Turnbull seems happy to play just about anywhere in the backline, playing outside centre and scrum-half this week, but still looking comfortable and full of confidence. Iyestan Richards-Rees had an epic comeback game which consisted of huge tackling, cracking runs, scoring a try and stepping in at fly half when required. The return of John Lee had an impact for all to see as he was an absolute force in the line-outs turning over his opposite, slightly larger, jumper on numerous occasion. The back row of Dave Clarke, Andy Thorburn and Rick Howes yet again worked hard and performed well. Second half substitutes Ally Chalmers, and Peter Walker really helped add something to the team. Chris Walkden was fairly faultless when he came on and was looking ‘hungrier’ than ever, running hard and turning up all over the pitch. The Lasswade 6 had a decent game with some hard runs breaking tackles in the process and of course scoring one of their tries, also the Lasswade 13 was also one of their better performers.
Next week sees Preston Lodge ii XV travel to HQ, they have really struggled so far this season and will be hungry to stop us from making it 3 wins in a row. What a strong squad there really is at Murrayfield when everyone is available to play. As we have seen, good performances in the 2nd XV result in 1st XV call ups, with Scott Fraser getting his reward by being selected this week. It could be you next week. So as always keep up the hard work at training and continue to push the man ahead of you to perform. The hard work in training is for all to see especially in games like that. I'll see you all at training to start preparing for next week (maybe not Federico, as it may clash with his judo lessons).
Team:- 1.Heasley; 2.Sheehan; 3.M.Robertson; 4.Annoni; 5.Lee; 6.Clarke; 7.Thorburn; 8.Howse; 9.Glasgow; 10.Gauld; 11.Cahill; 12.S.Young; 13.Turnbull; 14.Sharp; 15.Richards-Rees
Subs:- 16.Chalmers; 17.Walkden; 18.Liddle; 19.Hanratty; 20.P.Walker
Chris Anderson
Player Of The Match
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