Mar
05
Boroughmuir Bears 25; RHC Cougars 2nd XV 15
On Saturday the Boroughmuir Bears faced their sternest test of the season. Win and they were within touching distance of the league title, lose and it gave both Peebles and RHC a chance to get back in the race.
The last encounter against RHC, was the low point of the Bears season, with a last gasp 32-31 defeat. However, ever since that game the Bears have improved week on week. Although there were nerves in the dressing room beforehand, the realisation of what a win could mean spurred on the squad and confidence was high.
The Bears kicked off with the wind to their backs but it was RHC who started the strongest. They fielded a very big pack and it soon became apparent that this would be a physical contest, especially for the forwards. Within five minutes, RHC had a line-out close to the Bears try line and a well executed driving maul led to the opening score.
This proved a shot to the arm for the Bears and they gradually worked their way into the game. After hard work from the forwards the Bears enjoyed some good phases in the RHC twenty-two and prolific scoring prop Richard Marshall went in for his fifth try of the season.
At inside centre, Ian Martin had his first competitive start for the Bears this season and was also handed kicking duties. A forgetful Martin missed a penalty chance to put the Bears ahead, due to leaving his kicking tee in the changing room and having to attempt a drop kick which went wide. Apart from this, Martin had a fine first half distributing the ball well and putting in some good tackles. Towards the end of the first half, Martin came off for some treatment on a leg knock and coach Kev Robertson threw himself on as a replacement.
This proved to be an inspired decision, as he was able to latch on the end of a pass from hooker Ross Smith who had rampaged through the RHC defence and Coach Kev dotted down for the Bears second try.
The Bears narrowly held a lead at half-time and knew they were in a real contest as RHC were also rising to the occasion. After a star cameo, Coach Kev made way for the now recovered Ian Martin and veteran prop Billy Blyth came on for youngster Sandy Hewitt.
The first half had been a real tight affair and the second half was much the same. However, the Bears were now enjoying the bulk of possession and the backs especially started to see more of the ball. Dangerman Frank “The Tank” Yawayawe began the half well, challenging the RHC defence every time he saw some action but on this rare occasion was unable to cross the whitewash during the match.
Instead, the Bears next score came from a forward again and it was Andy Clark, who has been in good scoring form this season. The try was converted and the Bears stretched their lead to 17-12.
Shortly after, Ian Martin converted a penalty kick after being reunited with his kicking tee. With a bit of breathing space, the Bears went on the hunt for a bonus point try. Frustration crept in a little bit for the home side and some indiscipline allowed RHC to peg the Bears back with a penalty kick of their own.
However, the winning score came with ten minutes remaining. On the RHC ten metre line, number 8 Andy Hood took a pass from Ian Martin and showed tremendous pace to scorch past some back defenders and dive in for a try in the left hand corner.
The bonus point was scored and great composure saw the Bears run down the clock and when the final whistle blew a jubilant Bears team celebrated a great 25-15 victory.
Although the Bears scored four tries, the foundation of the win was defence. In the forwards especially there were some great performances, namely from Myles Skirving and captain Rod Hutchison. However, it was openside flanker Roy Stewart who was awarded the Man-of-the-match honour by the Bears coaches. He’s not the biggest but his low tackles were effective on his bigger opponents and he also stole some key turnovers for the Bears.
The Bears have two games remaining, the first an away trip to Jed-Forest on 15th and then the following week a shorter away fixture to Edinburgh Accies. The Bears now need just one point to secure the league title. However, with two tough games the squad will need to avoid being complacenct and concentrate on finishing the job.
‘Mon the Bears!
Tries: Richard Marshall, Kev Robertson, Andy Clark, Andy Hood
Convs: Ian Martin
Penalty: Ian Martin
15. Chris Pacey, 14. Malcolm Jack, 13. Chris Whitelock, 12. Ian Martin, 11. Frank Yawayawe, 10. Derek Murray, 9. Ed Zuiderent , 8. Andy Hood, 7. Roy Stewart, 6. Myles Skirving, 5. Andy Clark, 4. Rod Hutchison (c), 3. Sandy Hewitt, 2. Ross Smith, 1. Richard Marshall
Replacements: Scott Anderson, Billy Blyth, Derek McLeod, Chris Evans, Kev Robertson, Justin Tito, Lee McDonald
