North Berwick RFC 38 – Inverleith 10

NBRFC hosted Inverleith on an excellent day for rugby. The sun broke through, the pitch was looking good (as it should after an enforced rest) and the team were raring to go. Inverleith were not so fortunate as circumstances found them very short of players but delighted to say that we had enough to loan them seven and ensure that the game went ahead.

Prior to kick-off we unveiled our new strip which as well as our sponsors has the name of Keith Hogg on the back. Keith has been a stalwart of the club for many years but is critically ill so our thoughts go to him and his family.

The game started slightly late after team photos and kicked off in a frantic fashion, which continued for 20 minutes! North Berwick seemed to want to score at every opportunity and went for broke every time. Eventually they settled down and started to build the phases and moved up field into the Inverleith 22. Tries were scored by Nick Hart, Stuart Lorimer, Findlay Graham and Struan Donachie. Findlay Graham converted two to make the half-time score 24 – 0.

The second half saw North Berwick securing their possession and getting into good positions but tries were harder to come by. Harry Grierson and John Gardner got on the scoreboard, both converted by Finlay Graham. Inverleith had a decent backline who worked well together and received their due reward with two tries.

Injuries were starting to take their toll so both sides were glad to hear the final whistle. Man of the match was debutant James Murray (who limped off with a hamstring injury) but credit must be given to Toby Kirkpatrick who arrived with four friends from University and all were immediately drafted into the Inverleith camp. We hope to see them again soon, this time playing for North Berwick.

A good performance from North Berwick but plenty for the coaches to work on before an away game against Corstorphine next week. However two bonus point victories see North Berwick on top of the table which was celebrated well into the night!