Match Report v Lasswade

The new rivalry between the two clubs continued into this season after both had successfully gained promotion out of National 3 to challenge themselves in National 2. The game would turn out to be a tight but entertaining game for all of the spectators. With the famous wind of Lasswade blowing directly down the field, the match was always going to be a tale of two halves.

Berwick started the first half with the wind behind their backs and they wasted no time in getting the scoreboard ticking with a try in the corner from hooker Ryan Wilson who managed to stretch over, Webster converting impressively from the touchline. Berwick played the majority of the first half in the Lasswade territory, but failed to convert a number of chances which may have put the game to bed. Eventually though Berwick added to their score tally after a break up the pitch from Duncan Hardie, he deceived even his own team mates with his surprising turn of pace bringing Berwick to within 5m of the line. The forwards then rumbled their way forward which drew in the defence with the ball then being shipped to James Thompson to score the easiest of tries, continuing his impressive try scoring record from the previous season. Captain Jack Webster missed the kick in the blustery conditions taking the half time score to Lasswade 0 – Berwick 12.

Lasswade fired out the blocks in the second half after a chip and chase from the stand-off who managed to win the foot race to the ball over the line and convert his own try making it 12-7. Berwick were not fazed by this and managed to win a penalty under the sticks that Webster duly converted. Lasswade however, knowing how to play the conditions of their home ground, pinned Berwick back in their own half for the majority of the 2nd half testing the Berwick defense at all opportunities. Lasswade were battering the Berwick line and eventually scored through veteran Dale Robertson making the score Lasswade 14 – Berwick 15. From here the game could be anyone’s and with further breaks up the pitch from Rory Hindhaugh and James Thompson, Berwick were looking to extend their lead. However, Lasswade were also looking dangerous and managed to convert a penalty, taking the lead for the first time in the game with 15 minutes to play. Almost immediately from the kick off, Berwick won a penalty in an identical position to the first which Webster happily slotted over bringing the score to 18-17 in Berwicks favour. Berwick thought they had sealed the win with a late try from winger Aidan Rosie, but he was adjudged to have placed a foot in touch as he grounded the ball. This made the final minutes very tense for all and with Berwick winding the clock down, the ball was kicked out suitably by Webster to win the game 18-17, much to the delight of all the players, coaching staff and supporters that had travelled up.

This was a great result for Berwick after losing in the final play in the same fixture last season and they know not many teams will travel to Lasswade and get a result. An impressive performance from the entire starting XV with second row Euan Thompson being awarded man of the match for his consistent carrying and work rate.

The next fixture for Berwick will be against Border rivals Peebles on Saturday at Scremerston for what looks to be an exciting tie. This will be the first time the two clubs have met in a league 15s match in a number of years.