Away at Linlithgow

A good start to the season

Dunfermline had a squad of 9 players today against 20 on the Linlithgow side. Due to the numbers it was decided that the teams would play 3 matches of 7 a side. Dunfermline opted to constantly substitute the other two players so that everyone got equal time on the field. Due to the other team not having done much contact training the first two matches were played as unlimited touch.

Match 1
Dunfermline showed good form straight from the beginning with a try from Lewis, closely followed by a try from Linlithgow. We kept on the offensive and Lewis scored again for Dunfermline and was then thwarted just before the try line from scoring another. Dunfermline kept possesion for most of the match and went on to score another 2 tries, with a spectacular run by Sam and a dive for the line by Ewan. Linlithgow scored another twice. Dunfermline had a good attacking line during the game.
Final Score Linlithgow 3 - Dunfermline 4

Match 2
James opened the second match with a try for Dunfermline. Linlithgow quickly countered with 2 tries of their own. Ruaridh showed spectacular form on his first match for the team by scoring the next try for Dunfermline then making a heroic attempt at a second which was sadly short of the line. The first half ended with Linlithgow scoring another 2 tries. The second half started with a try from Linlithgow. Dunfermline were determined not to be beaten and went on the attack. Arthor scored the first try of the second half closely followed by Ruaridh scoring his second try. Lewis scored again after a run the length of the pitch. Eddie was stopped from scoring our next try by being tackled just before the line, but he jumped back up and then supported Ollie in getting the ball over the line for another try. Linlithgow scored the next try. Dunfermline went back on the attack and despite lots of tackling just on the line, Ewan was able to get in a quick try. Linlithgow scored the final try before full time.
Final Score Linlithgow 7 - Dunfermline 7

Match 3
The third match saw the introduction of contact and Dunfermline were definitely excited to show the skills they had been learning in training. Linlithgow opened the match, then Ruaridh went on to score for Dunfermline. James and Ruaridh were both congratulated for great tackling but Linlithgow managed to score again. Eddie ran for the try line but was tackled just short of scoring. Ollie grabbed the ball and gave a great demonstration of weaving through the opposition to score again for Dunfermline. The next 8 tries in the first half were scored tit for tat with 4 per side. Ruaridh scored another 2 tries, and Sam and Lewis had a couple of great runs. Unfortunately we missed out on another 2 tries by Sam and James as both times they went into touch and play was moved back. The second half of the match was completely dominated by Dunfermline. Despite many tackles from Linlithgow they just weren't able to bring the Dunfermline team to the ground. Linlithgow scored 4 tries in the second half but Dunfermline managed to show great energy by scoring a further 8 tries. James and Sam made up for the first half by scoring 2 and 1 respectively. Lewis showed great determination in his tackling bringing down quite a few of the opposition and by scoring 2 second half tries. Ewan showed his strength by running straight through the opposition to score another try. The next try was made by Ollie with another speedy run into the gaps. Although he was injured in the first half, Eddie showed great team work by offloading the ball for Lewis to try and then by going on and scoring the final try of the match.
Final score Linlithgow 10 - Dunfermline 14