A lovely sunny afternoon down in the Borders and another excellent team performance by the 1stXV against what was a very plucky St Mary’s side who never gave up and carried the ball well throughout the game which made it a competitive game despite a very one sided score line in the end.

Once again, the emphasis was a strong defensive and I was delighted with the communication, aggressive first time tackling and then our work at the breakdown which was outstanding once again, an area of the game that we once again dominated, with Xander in particular effecting numerous turnovers. I was especially pleased with the way we listened to the referee, allowed the opposition to win the ball if the ruck was lost and then reset the defensive line. It was very intelligent rugby and these good habits will serve us well in the big games to come after half term. In attack, we ran some very good lines, making good decisions when to get the ball in to the wide channels, or use the forwards off Conrad and Charles to take the ball up the middle again; our off loading was excellent too, allowing us to change the point of attack and stretch the opposition defences. We did leave a few tries out there if I was being really critical, but we reacted well when they kicked, and Ewan, as ever, was sure under the high ball and his dancing feet meant we were able to go again in attack with the forwards operating really well as a unit. I took Conrad off after half time, and it was good to see how we reacted to this, and although we lacked a little fire power in the centre, we moved the ball well and both wingers saw plenty of the ball which made it a highly entertaining game for the crowd on the side lines and St Mary’s never gave up which made it a good game of rugby, despite the final score.

We scored ten tries, converted most of them, but more than that, we played really well as a team once again. It is good to see the spirit amongst the team and the way you work together and support and encourage each other will pay dividends when the big games come. Well played once again, boys.