Tight game ends with narrow defeat for Reds

Newton Stewart RFC welcomed local rivals Dumfries RFC to Bladnoch Park last weekend for their latest league fixture. Dumfries have had an unbeaten start to the season and are sitting comfortably at the top of the table as we approach the midway point in the season. A great crowd turned out to support both sides despite the miserable weather and there was a fantastic atmosphere as a result.
The early exchanges in this match were evenly matched with both teams looking to get out of the blocks quickest. Newton Stewart second row Alan Ferrie executed a great turnover in the middle of the field to give the Reds their first real opportunity to attack.
They made good progress down the field, but the Dumfries defence was robust and Newton Stewart were forced to settle for a penalty from close range which Jack Gaw neatly slotted home for a 3 – 0 lead.
Dumfries took possession from the restart, but back row Jason McKie charged down their clearance kick and captain Mark McCornick managed to gather. This instigated another attack from Newton Stewart, with centre Russell Morton running a superb line from deep to break the gainline. However as the ball was passed out along the line there was a knock-on which ended the move and gave possession back to Dumfries.
The visitors pushed forward upfield now and put themselves in a strong position within the Newton Stewart half. The Reds were penalised for ‘not releasing’ to give Dumfries a short at the posts of their own. The kick was missed wildly right, however the ball stayed in play and Dumfries got a scrum from the 5 metre line.
This provided the platform for some accurate attacking play and the visitors bulldozed over in the far corner for an unconverted try with twenty minutes played.
A high tackle on flanker Calum Gaw gave the Reds another pop at goal just minutes later and Jack Gaw once again found the target to sneak Newton Stewart into the lead once more at 6 - 5.
The play was very much ‘tit for tat’ with both sides making errors in the difficult conditions. Dumfries kicked a high ball over which was knocked on by Newton Stewart at the gathering. The Reds then stole the ball from the visitors at the lineout only to knock it once more.
Once again Dumfries were able to capitalise on a scrum within the Newton Stewart half, scoring their second try in the 31st minute, this time adding the extras for a 6 - 12 lead at half-time.
The second half continued in much the same manner as the first had – with tight-knit play and not much to choose between the sides. Newton Stewart battled hard throughout the remainder of the game, looking for any opportunity to score, but Dumfries stifled their play with impressive defence.
The Reds kept Dumfries well contained in return – the league leaders have put large scores past most teams this season and it was credit to Newton Stewart that the score was a narrow as it was.
With just minutes left on the clock Dumfries scored a final penalty to finish the match 6 – 15 ahead.
There were mixed feelings for Newton Stewart after the game with both pride in their performance and disappointment at the result. Whilst this was ultimately a good result against an in-form side, the team also believed they could win this match and were frustrated to have lost.
There were many good performances from Newton Stewart in this match with many rising to the occasion of the local derby.
Ross Campbell had one of his finest games in a Red shirt, holding his own in the scrum against difficult opposition. Alan Ferrie and Jason McKie battled ferociously throughout and Jack Gaw gave a great account of himself at full-back in this match.
The Craig Wilson’s Ltd Man of the Match for this game was Mark McCornick. The captain led his team in exemplary fashion – he seemed to be present at every ruck and was never far away from the action. He made extra yards at every carry with his determined leg drives and gave 100% in every regard.
Next weekend the Reds will need to pick themselves up from this defeat to visit Whitecraigs RFC in Glasgow. Having had back-to-back defeats they will be looking for a victory on the road to pick up some much needed points.
Team: Jack Gaw, Robert Service, Russell Morton, Fraser Morton, Jamie Muir, David Gaw, Robbie McCornick, Ross Campbell, Thomas MacDonald, Liam Brawls, Mark Craig, Alan Ferrie, Mark McCornick (capt), Calum Gaw, Jason McKie. Subs: Ross Drysdale, David Adams, James McMiken, James Wallace.