Adventures in the North

Shivering in the cold, the Thebans stepped out on to a pitch decorated with a scattering of snow. Brechin was today's destination and the red and black stripped Brechin Bruce were competition. With only 12 travelling today we were joined by veteran players Peter and Martin, as well as a rolling subs line of Brechin players.

The game was split into three twenty minute parts and it was clear that we took a while to adjust to the northern chill; with each third the boys in blue got progressively better. A very scrappy first half led to the home side scoring 22 points and taking a decisive lead. Having thawed a little and not to be put down that easily, Thebans came back holding a stronger defence and keeping the Brechin lads at bay. The second third saw only two scores and ten points making it past the visitors.

The final third of play was our strongest (apart from Johnny's injuries - he always puts himself on the line). Some excellent tackles from wingers Norman and Frankie and forwards Clark and Joseph. Good ground was made by Owen, Matthew and Alex. Chris effortlessly jumped about positions where he was needed. John (Kelso) played his last game for the team and put in a great performance including an epic cover tackle. And Ash was welcomed into the brotherhood with first game, impressively holding his own in the forwards. Everyone put in a good show.

Brechin 32 vs. Thebans 0

On the face of it the score at the end of the days was not great. Yet, without a full pack of Thebans, there is only so well we could have played. And that play was good considering the snow, lack of warm up and not knowing the guys playing next to us. Defensively we got better as the game went on, finding our place on the field. Just lacked a bit of dynamics in attack.

A more controlled game going forward will be to our advantage. Taking the contact on our own terms be it defending or attacking. Getting low and hitting hard. Looking at the opposition and finding their weak spots. We also need to make sure we hold the rucks and scrums in order to let the ball get out to the backs without panic or pressure. Backs, we all need to (myself included) look at a deeper line in attack, running onto the ball with more pace to break through the defence lines.

But let us not dwell on our time in The North. We went to Brechin looking to play some rugby and that's what we did. It was all about having some fun, enjoying the game and building our experience. I think we achieved this and can take our adventures in the snow forward to Saturday and the Hillfoots.

Neil