Availability issues meant that a squad of 16 lined up against Bell Baxter (aka Howe of Fife RFC) for the last game of the season.

NBHS started brightly and should have scored early when a 3 on 1 went begging however Gregor Wood finished off a nice move to score under the posts with Harvey Elms converting.

Howe struck back quickly out wide before NBHS had player sent off after 15 minutes for a needless trip on one of the Howe players meaning NBHS were down to 14 men for the rest of the game.

Harvey Elms kicked a penalty and NBHS continued to press, knocking the ball on over the line when a try looked easier to score before Howe responded with 2 tries to reach the half time 17-10 ahead

HT 10-17

When Howe scored a converted try early in the second half following a fortunate bounce of the ball the game looked lost. However NBHS, playing up the hill and into a biting wind showed real character to dig deep. They fought their way up the pitch where Harvey Elms touched down with some dazzling footwork.

Howe weren't finished and after a preiod of pressure scored wide out.

With some of the boys playing their last game for the school they then showed what a talented bunch they are as the 14 men proceeded to play some of their best rugby of the season.

Quick ball from the forwards, direct running from the backs with support appearing everywhere had Howe reeling and resulted in a another try for Harvey Elms and one with the final play of the game to Sam Hobbis.

FT 25-29

The second half performance with 14 men and playing against the elements showed real pride and committment and sometimes in adversity you really find out about the team and the individuals within it and today the boys were not found wanting.

A very special thanks goes to Derek Grierson who has coached some of these boys for more than 10 years and coached his last NBHS game today.

Derek, the boys did you and the other guys who have coached them over the years proud today!