Oct
25
by Carrie Pincott
After last week’s demolition of Hamilton by 75 points to 3 the Magic 2s seem to now be finding good form and producing the type of rugby that their adoring fans want to see. The only downside to last week’s game was a poor kicking display by 'super centre' David Reekie who only managed to slot 1 out of 1 penalty and 11 out of 12 conversions! Room for improvement.
With Meggetland a bit blustery and the players having let off some steam at training midweek with a run against the 1st XV, the scene was set for great game.
So it proved after 3 mins when hard running prop Dale Robertson got into a great position after the backs had hit up twice in the centres gaining yards each time. Quick ball from the vertically challenged Sam Johnson saw Jamie Summers put Robertson through a gap and over the line 5-0 and Stirling stunned.
6 mins later the other side of the front row, Tam Gracie, saw himself in the attacking line and with the Stirling centre flying out the line he held onto ball to go through a gap outpacing even his own support only to be tackled well by the opposite 15.
However a scrum ensued and the ever vigilant Johnson picked at the base and sped in to make it 10-0.
The magic 2s now relentless in attack were in the opposition half again in the 29th minute and the rampaging forwards battered the defence backwards then ball released to the backs and Summers ran a lovely cut line with Reekie who bulldozed over and decided to convert this time to make it 17-0 Muir were stealing ball all over the park and showing great control.
Only leg tackles letting them down occasionally and on 33 mins the lanky but strong Will Kay controlled a driving maul off lineout and the pack powered over.
Half time and 22-0 up with the wind now at their back.
Half time talk from coaches Sievewright, Hare and Knight was there to ensure the team did not lose shape and tackled the 2nd half with as much respect and control as the first. The main talk though was from the players as they knew what they needed to do if they were to push themselves forward for 1st XV selection next week.
The start of the 2nd half saw Gracie yellow carded for a team offence which was a little harsh but to be fair the ref hard warned them previously. What was more unfair to the coaches was that the opposition did exactly the same at the next breakdown but not even a penalty, scrum or a talking to was offered.
With an unfortunate rib injury to the ever present Matt Walker the team need to settle down and they did so off the very next scrum. Scrappy ball saw it hit the back line and a basketball style lob from Hare saw Craig Hunter speed in for the try.
Hunter always hitting the line at pace and showing great feet work made us think Strictly could have a new candidate soon! 29-0 after Reekie slotted the kick. With the game opening up the magic 2s were in full control and the super sub and birthday boy Rik van Balkom ran in from the 10 m line after a Stirling mistake.
That try on his birthday will hurt him later as he will be fined accordingly. Time for one more try on the 38th Minute as speedy Gavin Welsh latched onto lovely backs move and floated pass to him with inches to spare to the touch line he cruised past the winger and in under the sticks to finish the game 43-0
The coaches very pleased with the way the team played and how they never gave up. Also not scores against showed a passion for defence. Finally thanks to the whole medical team as they had a few incidents to deal with both on our pitch and the 1st XV pitch. It truly is a club philosophy we bring and also now puts pressure on players and coaches of both teams.
Nest week's game is away to Glasgow Hawks.
