The 3^rd team had a tough day at the office on Wednesday afternoon vs Merchiston. Merchiston came out the blocks quickly and soon settled into their groove with direct running and good stepping picking the gaps in a semi-structured defensive line as they went over to score 4 tries within the first 12 minute third. With a quick talk at the interval of things we could do better, the defensive line and communication was highlighted which was then put to use in the second third. With this in their mind, Merchiston then started to struggle and found themselves in retreat with good pressure being applied mainly from James, Mack and Daniel, but Merchiston were still able to break our line and cross for another 3 tries. After large amounts of pressure, Cargilfield managed to retain the ball for longer and showed some of their skills and what they could do but the Merchiston defence stood strong and unfortunately, we couldn’t make that last effort to break the line but a stronger effort was shown by the boys. With another brief interval, more points were highlighted by the boys of what they could do better, they set about the final third. With a real strong effort and positive attitude, they showed what they could do and put together a string of positive phases which pulled the Merchiston defence in and created a gap with Daniel utilising the space running straight through it and scoring a well deserved try after running three quarters of the pitch with defenders hot on his heels. Tiredness began to show and the structure of the defensive line stated to weaken which allowed the Merchiston defence to run in another 2 tries before the final whistle was blown. A very positive and brave attitude was shown throughout the game from the Cargilfield boys and they did themselves proud for working to the final whistle and not giving up. Well done boys!!!