Waid Academy FPRFC 29 - 8 Howe of Fife 2XV

Waid kicked off the game and Howe immediately displayed their physicality in attack and pressed for the early score. However, Waid’s defensive line set the tone for the rest of match as hard-hitting tackles ensured the line would not be broken. Waid benefited from a knock on from Howe and easily won the scrum. Flanker Graham Gourlay ran it up the line before Howe gave up a penalty in their own half, and the home side opted for the kick at goal which was easily converted by captain Adam Shaw. Howe hit back hard and began to appear problematical for Waid.

Waid themselves gave up a penalty in front of their own posts and the away side levelled the game after an easy kick at goal.

The game became tense with each side trying their luck against each other’s defence. As Howe spun it out the their wing, Waid’s own winger Kieran Doak, from nowhere, intercepted and could not be caught giving the Anstruther men the first try of the day.

Wasting no time, Waid immediately made their way towards Howe’s line but were put out of play. Waid flanker Eric Anderson spoilt the Howe throw and hooker Billy Middleton regained possession before crashing over the line to put Waid two scores ahead. Attempting to imitate Waid’s immediate response, Howe’s centre eventually broke the line but was taken down by Waid’s full back John Murray and this brought the curtain down on the first half.

Waid tried to increase their lead in the second half and despite both Murray and Anderson crashing over the line on two separate occasions, the ref was unable to give the score. Howe were eventually rewarded for their persistence to score when they sent the ball wide. Despite tackles coming from left, right and centre, Howe were able to flick it back inside given their centre room to float over the line to tighten the gap.

Waid ensured this would be the away side’s last point of the game and went on the crusade to extend their lead. The Waid scrum was in superb form all day, and after winning a scrimmage against the head, the ball was fed out to Inside Centre Allan Drysdale who’s powerful burst took him inches from the line before offloading to Outside Centre Sian Linton who danced over the line to notch up another score.

Now in search for a league bonus point, Waid were seeking yet another try. This eventually came when awe-inspiring play from Anderson put Lock Kato Blockley through to touch down the East Neuk team’s final score of the day.

This saw the end of the game and immediately after Captain Adam Shaw told of his pride in his team today. “Our defence was exceptional and as a unit, we looked completely different to the team that lost against Kirkcaldy last week. I am very proud of the lads today!”.

Man of the Match for the second week running was Outside Centre Sian Linton who is sponsored by Chris Marr Consultancy. Linton’s dominating charges and leadership was second to none.

Waid's Match against Howe was sponsored by Alex Bowman of The Larachmhor Tavern, Pittenweem.

Next week, Waid are away to Forfar side Strathmore in the Caledonia League Division 3 Midlands East. For all Waid Rugby news, fixtures and information, please visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/waidacademyfp