On a glorious late summer day our 2nd XV began their season against Merchiston. A familiar foe due to a training day last Wednesday in order to get ready for the season. The Cargilfield boys knew the assignment they would be coming up against, with Merchiston presenting excellent contact skills and an ability to play from anywhere on the pitch. Frustratingly, we once again started slowly and conceded a try within the first minute of play having failed to deal with a kick off. From then on the boys started to gel and began to threaten Merchiston every time they got the ball, with Jamie, Tristan, Fred and Rufus making sizeable dents into the Merchiston defensive line. Where Merchiston got the upper hand was their pacey outside backs and the first half followed a familiar thread: Cargifield would keep the ball for phases and once turned over Merchiston would strike. The ever-alert Theo who posed a constant threat from scrum half was able to score in the last play of the first half making it 21-7 at the break.
The second half started like the first, this time it was a simply outstanding Merchiston score from deep. Thereafter the Cargilfield men dug in and made it a real scrap. Rufus and Jamie continued to threaten in midfield and the addition of Kit from the 1st XV certainly helped our leadership, game awareness and creativity. This led to a fabulous score from Oliver after excellent phase play from all the boys. More Merchiston scores followed, but it was pleasing to see the twins Theo and Dexter link up defensively to create the turnover that allowed our skipper for the season Rufus to barrel over last play.
A super first effort, with many boys stepping up from the U11’s squad last year. We will dust ourselves off and go again next week against Fettes.
POTM – Harry and Jamie P
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