The coaching team requested that the lads to turn up earlier than usual in an attempt to re-group for 2013. Much to the frustration of the coach, 10 lads showed up for the meeting/game and disappointingly before a tackle is made, PL Colts must surrender the game to today’s opponents, Lasswade. Thankfully, for the lads/coach/spectators, Lasswade have arrived in numbers and able to oblige, to ensure the game starts 15 v 15. [2 x 20 minute session & 1 x 10 minute session] .
The game kicks off in near perfect conditions for Saturday afternoon rugby. PL have most of the early possessional play, however, after 2 minutes Adam Vince is forced to retire with an ankle injury, leaving PL with what seems like an impossible target of winning this friendly. However, after some really good link up play between 2 guest players [no 16 and 9] Ben Thomson finds himself with the ball 10 yards from the try line, confidently he drives the ball over the line to secure the first try of the day after 7 mins. Lee Binmore converts to make the score PL 7 - Lasswade 0.
Almost emmediately, PL secure posession and again after some excellent link up play between Lasswade guest players [no 16 and 9], PL run the length of the pitch to score try no 2 [8 mins]. Lee Binmore converts again and PL lead surprisingly 14-0. Lasswade don't take this lightly and 'up their game' from the kick-off, Lasswade reply with a try and miss the conversion, PL lead 14-5. Lasswade start to pile on the pressure, passing from left to right and back again, PL failing to intercept Lasswade score again and convert 14-12. This is a good spell for Lasswade but PL are defending well, after a brilliant charge down from Cammy McSorley on Lasswade's 22, the ref awards PL a penalty. Again the ever reliable Lee Binmore converts, PL lead 17-12. Lasswade, again react and force Lee Binmore into making a last man try saving tackle, only for the ball to be passed from the left wing to the right, try scored in the right hand corner. The conversion is missed and the ref blows for half-time. Despite PL playing with only 9 regular players and 14 team members against 15 they go into half-time a credible 17-17.
For the 2nd 20 minute session, Lasswade swap the guest players. After 2 minutes Lasswade score [no16] and again miss the conversion. Lasswade keep possession and are attacking PL back line, again after a great last man tackle from Joe Brown, Lasswade manage to wriggle free and score another try, miss conversion 17-27. PL try to break Lasswade and are holding the ball well, however, Lasswade intercept the ball and score a breakaway try, conversion scored 17-34. Lasswade have the ball, PL are defending, after 12 minutes of the 2nd session Lasswade score again, missing the conversion 17-39. PL in the final few minutes of the 2nd session secure possession. If the break of the ball had been kinder, Fraser Woods would have scored in the corner, Joe Brown notably is working hard to try and break the Lasswade line and finds himself on the receiving end of some hefty challenges on the wing. The 2nd session ends 17-39. The last session is played out with some nice end to end action, Ryan Clark tries a sneaky wee backhanded off-load, PL unforunate not to break the Lasswade line with that clever move. Craig Law is working hard and using his size and strength to secure the ball, however PL fail to put any points on the board. Lasswade score and convert 17-46. The action continues, both teams showing desire and willingness to score, Lee Binmore pulls of a great tackle with 3 minutes left to play, to stop a certain try. The move is repeated almost instantly, this time unluckily Lee Binmore loses his footing and Lasswade score, conversion missed 17 -51. Andrew Cook comes close to scoring under the posts with the last move of the game, which would have been a great reward for the boys’ effort this afternoon.
The game ends PL Colts 17 Lasswade 51.
After the game coach Stuart Thomson commended the boys who played today for their effort working tirelessly for their team-mates. Stuart stressed that as we are now approaching the business end of the season, he feels that the current group of boys are well capable of success. PL are still challenging for 2 cups, with training and a full team, Stuart feels PL could be looking at silverware this season.
Congratulations are in order for Cammy Simpson who has been selected for Edinburgh under 17's and It was great to see Dean Cunningham along supporting the boys today. Dean sustained a serious injury earlier in the season and recently had his operation. He is still on crutches but hopes to return to rugby for season 2013/14.... We wish you a speedy recovery Dean...

Preston Lodge Colts:
1. Shaun Jones 2. Ryan Clark 3. Craig Law 4. Adam Vince 5. Andrew Cook 6. Lasswade guest 7. Lasswade guest 8. Lasswade guest
9. Lasswade guest 10.Cammy McSorley 11. Fraser Woods 12. Joe Brown 13. Ben Thomson 14. Lasswade guest 15. Lee Binmore
Coach - Stuart Thomson