Feb
02
This Edinburgh Regional Cup game was one of the last out of the group. Postponed from previous weeks, Boroughmuir where keen to fulfil the fixture as it gave the team the chance to work on areas if their game that needed improvement.
The first 20 mins were all Stew Mel, with controlled handling of the ball, effective passing and strong competition at the rucks. It took a while for Muir to get into the game but our forwards were warming up to take control of the evening. Phase after phase got Muir within striking distance of the Stew Mel line and after a scrum where Swanson expertly picked up and controlled the ball allowed Jackson to drive low and hard over the line. This was shortly followed by Andy Rose from a line out, Rose sniping off the back of the maul to dot down.
David Reekie having an early 'off night' with the boot regained composure to convert the try after missing a previous penalty. Jackson closing out the first half with another try, good reward the whole forward pack would be happy with as their patience and timing leading to this try.
Half time closed out 17-0.
2nd half, Muir stepped up a gear and controlled the ball a lot more, strecthing the Stew Mel defence. Clapperton and Reekie controlling the back line well and hitting the gaps at pace. Reekie showing a lot more maturity at 10, not forcing passes but choosing to take the contact when options were 50/50.
Quick trys from Rose and Swanson took the sting our of Stew Mel, who were looking to recover in the 2nd half, using their backs to test our defence. Muir forwards controlling each of the scrums, credit to Stew Mel's Number 8, Ben Manning controlling his forwards going backwards by picking up the ball as quickly as possible.
Stew Mel pulling a try back after former Muir player Craig Marshall plucking an intercept pass out of the air, sprinting a good 50m, if not for Ross Bradford to turn off his wing and run him down. Marshall able to free his arms to the running support 11, Adam Greig. Conversion missed leaving the scores 29-5
Swanson again being rewarded for a strong game tonight picking up another try on full time. Converted by Reekie ending the game 36-5.
After the initial 20 mins at the start of the game, Muir were in control the whole way through. The defence was a much improved and you could tell the guys had confidence with the guy either side of them. Hislop, Fraser and Latta and Scott getting through a power of work around the field and Cairns and Bradford hounding the Stew Mel defence with some blistering runs.
I hope Iain Moody is not too injured being taken off during the game. Speedy recovery Iain.
The only negative from the game in my opinion is the use of all the subs. In a game where we were clearly in control, not giving the entire bench some valuable game time is a mystery. When we have the opportunity to give our young players the experience with out the pressure of a close game, this would of been it.
Muir have a tough game next week with Dundee travelling down. It is the crunch time for Muir with every game a must win, but with the change since Christmas, this team has the confidence to do it.
JustinTito
