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Game Report

Saturday 19th April 2008

Edinburgh Northern 7’s – Saturday 19th April 2008

Squad: M Clayton-Smith, P Sullivan, A Marshall, S Bonnington, J Brennan, R Whiteside, B Tavadia (Capt.), P Allanson, M Scott & D Buchannan

Despite the 1st XV having cup business over in Kirkcaldy and a large squad heading south to Keswick a competitive squad was still assembled to take part in the 54th Edinburgh Northern 7’s at Inverleith Park. Late call off’s from Heriots and GHA saw both a change in start time and opposition so that our first pool match was against Lismore.

Pool Match 1. v Lismore

Our starting line up featured 2 backs, Stu Bonnington and Jamie Brennan, pressed into service in the forwards alongside Sully. Rob was at scrum half, Byram, Mike and Danny making up the backline. An early burst of scoring saw us score 3 tries with the opposition hardly touching the ball but, with several changes, the boys took the foot off the gas allowing Lismore to score 2 tries. A late burst saw us score a couple more to win the first tie comfortably.

Pool Match 2. v Leith Accies

Leith, somewhat surprisingly, just squeezed past Lismore by a conversion in the intervening tie, so it was a winner take all situation. Fielding the same starting 7 (as was to be the case in all our remaining games) we possessed too much skill and pace for a large physical Leith side. Due to lack of pen and paper I cannot remember how many we won by but Leith did score a consolation try to, around, 4 or 5 of our tries. Alan (Seal pup) Marshall was lost to the squad with a thumb injury during the game so we were down to 9 players.

Quarter final v Inverleith

A move onto the number 1 pitch saw us up against another first choice 7. This match was to be the best sevens that we played with players avoiding contact, supporting well and running excellent lines to win by 47 point to 0. The referee, Joe Smith, had a bet with Mike Scott on whether or not Mike would get the last conversion in front of the posts which Mike backed himself to achieve. Before he could take the kick, however, Joe blew for fulltime winning a pint from Mike!

Semi final v Trinity Accies.

With Rob experiencing calf problems we were effectively down to 8 players by this match. Tiredness was taking it’s toll and a lack of forwards meant we struggled for possession against a well organised Trinity side. The match was lost by 3 tries to 1 but the squad had done well to make it this far.

Thanks to all the player s for turning out to ensure the club was represented and to Mike Whiteside for rescuing the jersey situation when I had forgotten to organise them.

Photos from Cartha QP Game