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07/03/2010
MUSSELBURGH V CARTHA QUEENS PARK - Posted By: Shona Stott
SATURDAY 6TH MARCH 2010
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP, DIVISION 3
REPORT BY IAN DONALDSON
The home side, in the shape of Brian Walls, kicked off uphill into a surprisingly unseasonal spring sunshine, bur soon found themselves on the back foot as the Cartha forwards started strongly and linking well with their backs.
While Musselburgh were being penned in they had to rely on quick breakaways in order to make any headway and from one such breakaway, winger Walker was unfortunate to be run into touch.
Cartha’s forwards were, however, in control and a scoring chance came and went as stand-off Sherlock missed with a drop goal attempt. At this juncture Cartha’s forwards and backs were starting to combine well, with full back Howie very prominent, then on ‘Burgh’s first foray into Cartha territory, from a forward drive by the pack, a penalty was forced from which Brian Walls goaled successfully to put ‘Burgh 3 – 0 up, against the run of play.
Leitch then made a great try saving interception and forced a lineout close to the home line and as play was held up Fraser Sutherland replaced Ryan Black, but ‘Burgh were unable to prevent Smillie scoring a pushover try as Cartha forwards got the squeeze on, winger Loakman however missed the conversion attempt leaving the score at 3 – 5. Loakman was successful shortly afterwards when his successful penalty increased their lead to 3 – 8. At this stage Cartha were camped in ‘Burgh’s 22 for long periods without putting any more points on the board and how they must have regretted that as Brian Walls kicked two more penalties to almost incredibly leave the half time score at Musselburgh 9 – Cartha Queens Park 8.
Cartha must have been extremely disappointed to have so much possession and to have gone in one point down at half time. Musselburgh, on the other hand, could have considered themselves very fortunate to have their noses in front, given their first half performance and must have expected a half time “ear bashing” from the coaches!
Whatever was said or done at the break must, however remain shrouded in mystery, as the match was completely turned on its head and became the original “game of two halves”!
The Musselburgh faithful were still finishing their half time pints when Andrew Cook scored following fine handling by Alexander and Robert, Walls converted for 16 – 8 and thus give 'Burgh a huge boost.
Play by now started to swing from end to end as Cartha set up a fine move culminating in a try in the corner by winger Loakman, following fine handling by Howie, Boyle and Denny, but Loakman missed the conversion, 16 – 13. ‘Burgh were beginning to apply forward pressure and following a drive Clark narrowly missed an audacious drop goal attempt. But the points were merely delayed as Cook made a terrific break up the middle and fed Declan Slaven for a fine try, converted by Walls for 23 – 13. Musselburgh backs were by now working in unison with Cook and Robert pulling the strings and from another fine move Cook scored near the corner, a try which was brilliantly converted from a tight angle by Walls for 30 – 13. As the ‘Burgh forwards continued to dominate, the ball was popped back to Brian Walls who showed great opportunity with a trademark “cheeky wee dropgoal” to keep the scoreboard ticking on to 33 – 13. By now, the only time Cartha looked dangerous was if they made a quick isolated break and from one such break, centre Scott went over in the corner, but Loakman missed the conversion 33 – 18. ‘Burgh, however were still in control with Whelan and the Slavens constantly troubling Cartha and linking with the backs. This pressure paid off in the shape of a fine bonus point try by Neil Robert accepting a pass from Andrew Cook to go over before Brian Walls converted for 40 – 18, and at this stage ‘Burgh were making chances galore and the final try came as Greg Walker sprinted down the line to score in the corner and Brian walls hit the post with the very difficult conversion attempt 45 – 18.
In the last five minutes or so Cartha were pushing for a bonus point try, but ‘Burgh dug in as a team to hold them out to complete a great second half display. Credit must go to Andrew Cook for having a hand in all five tries, the kicking machine Walls, but most of all the coaches for whatever was said at half time!!
Musselburgh 45 – Cartha Queens Park 18.
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