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Stewart’s Melville Rugby News 2 December 2015
Junior School Rugby
JA1s v Glasgow Academy - won 6-1
In a very entertaining game the JA1s put into practice the key areas they had identified prior to the game. In
attack they worked hard to get into support positions to enable an offloading game and in defence the line
speed and individual tackle technique was very good. A very good performance in difficult conditions.
JA3s v Glasgow Academy – won 7-0
The JA3s followed up their good win against Watson’s with an even more impressive victory against Glasgow
Academy. The final score-line looks very comfortable but for much of the game Academy were very
competitive. As per the previous week the boys dominated the physical contests which enabled them to get
quick ball from turnovers and attack with pace. The scores came from a variety of sources and it was great
to see all the boys so eager to run hard from different angles. We will look to improve further our running
lines in the coming weeks.
JB1s v Glasgow Academy – lost 6-1
The JB1s were ultimately outmuscled by physically imposing opposition in terrible conditions in Glasgow. The
torrential rain and freezing winds made handling the ball very difficult and this suited our opposition of
exclusively big ball carriers! Credit must go to some of our players for trying hard to match the physicality of
our opponents.
JB3s v Glasgow Academy – lost 10-1
The JB3s tackled some challenging weather conditions to take on a well organised Glasgow Academy team
away from home. The cold and wet conditions underfoot resulted in a number of handling errors and missed
tackles throughout. Credit should be given to a strong running Glasgow team, who were focussed from the
beginning to end, scoring a number of excellent tries. The JB3s must work harder to commit to their defence
if they are to challenge teams in the future.
JB4s v Glasgow Academy – lost 8-2
This was a game played in difficult conditions with persistent rain throughout. We put in a spirited
performance in the first-half but were not able to complete enough passes in order to find any space on the
field. Our tackling became half-hearted late on which allowed the opposition to run away with the game.
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
Senior School Rugby
SMC 30 – 3 Glasgow Academy
On a wild windy day on pitch one at Inverleith the undefeated S2A rugby team took on Glasgow Academy,
who were coming off the back of some decent conference results. In what can be described as difficult
conditions, the team executed well and were accurate with ball, denying Glasgow both possession and
territory, therefore promoting the opportunity for the team to play with a bit of confidence and ambition,
resulting in a 9 try victory.
The usual suspects in the backline, such as Aidan Cross and Kieran Ngwenya caused havoc with their pace
and footwork, which was enabled by an accurate passing game from stand-off Finlay Campbell. Given a free
licence to use his boot, Finlay put several shallow and searching grubber kicks in behind the Glasgow
backline, which our outside backs latched on to with enthusiasm and duly converted the opportunities into
points.
The play of day came from prop forward Kaysan Davidson, who resembled an out control bulldozer to crash
over for a long range try. Speaking of bulldozers, Duncan Hood, Dominic Gray and Aidan Hart were also
prominent and did a fare bit of damage. The weld award, awarded to the player that welds the performance
together went to 2nd rower James Henderson, a player who has been in and out of the 1st team, but is now
making a serious play for a more permanent starting position. He is proving that determination and patience
will in the end pay off.
Another excellent performance from the team. The motivation is to go through the season unbeaten. With
the attitude and performances that the team is current producing, I am confident that they will achieve their
goal. If they don’t, it won’t be through a lack of trying. Well done to both teams for playing an attractive style
of rugby in difficult conditions.
Hayden Lingard
Coach
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
School Rugby Results
Team Opposition Result Score
1st XV Glasgow Academy Won 31-5
2nd XV Ross High Won 38-12
U16A Glasgow Academy Won 22-0
U16B Ross High Won 25-10
U16C Glasgow Academy Won 47-15
B1 Glasgow Academy Won 63-0
B2 Ross High Lost 29-5
B3 Glasgow Academy Won 53-0
C1 Glasgow Academy Won 30-3
C2 Ross High Won 38-4
C3 Glasgow Academy Won 19-11
C4 Glasgow Academy Won 31-6
D1 Glasgow Academy Won 21-0
D2 Ross High Won 38-7
D3 Glasgow Academy Lost 11-8
D4 Glasgow Academy Won 7-6
JA1 Glasgow Academy Won 6-1
JA3 Glasgow Academy Won 7-0
JB1 Glasgow Academy Lost 6-1
JB3 Glasgow Academy Lost 10-1
JB4 Glasgow Academy Lost 8-2
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
Stew Mel Lionesses
A journey to the heartlands of Scottish rugby was the name of
the game on November 22nd, with the Lionesses joining the
Lions P4 to P7 sections for the trip to The Greenyards. With a
second Edinburgh club (Lismore RFC) also invited we played a
triangular format with 6-a-side. The weather was sunny with
little wind which made for a marked contrast with Montrose
and Murrayfield in the two previous weeks. The group of 8 girls
contained two newcomers to the match day squad, Helena (P5)
and Ursula (P1) both of who only started playing with
Lionesses this season.
The first game was against the hosts Melrose who again had
some larger and more experienced girls, not to mention the
determination of those with home advantage. This time the Lionesses were expecting the force of contact
and made a better start, but still gave up a couple of early scores. Cue the fightback; what the girls lack in
physical presence they make up for in determination, passing, support and eye for a gap. Tries were scored
the game entered a ‘see saw’ phase. The deadlock was broken by Ursula’s stunning break down the right
wing with the Melrose girls shadowing her every step (being under strict instructions not to tackle). Too late
came their realisation that a two handed touch below the waist was sufficient and Ursula had run half the
length of the field to touch down a critical score. Melrose came back hard, but now there was a real contest
in the tackle area with plenty of good work by the Lionesses in trying to strip the ball from the opposition.
Ultimately size and experience took its toll and the Lionesses were pipped 6-5 by the home team.
The second game was against our southern neighbours Lismore RFC who again fielded players in some cases
twice the size of our P6 girls. Again, a close contest was fought out with excellent phases of play shown by
the Lionesses with their elusiveness and ability to put together 5 or 6 passes before the gap was exploited. A
critical point was Danielle’s strip of the ball from the opposition in their own half and then superb individual
score, which gave the Lionesses the lead for the first time. Lismore came back with their own strong runners
which gave the tiring defence of the Lionesses a true test of their determination. It was unfortunate that
Lismore scored with the final act of the game giving them the win 7-6, when, to a neutral’s eye, scores even
would have been a true reflection.
Another honourable mention must go to Helena who possessed an eye for the gap, an ability to turn on a
sixpence and a clean pair of heels on more than one occasion. Melrose’s hospitality was superb with hotdogs
and cakes wolfed down the hungry Lionesses, all with a smile on their faces. An interesting point of view
emerged from the girls that they were looking forward to playing at home for practice sessions and against
other girls teams; they realise the advantage of playing at Inverleith. Back to home this Sunday to meet up
with the other girls and chuck a
ball around.
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
Stew Mel Academy
Last Sunday, with the Inverleith pitches unplayable,
the Stewart’s Melville Academy under 16 team took
part in a fitness session at CaveFit Gym. The fitness
levels of the boys were tested throughout the
session as they learned several new lifts and
movements which have not yet been introduced
into their strength and conditioning programmes.
The fitness levels of those who took part will no
doubt improve as a result of this vigorous session,
and will hopefully aid their performance for the rest
of the season.
After the session was completed, Peter Oakden,
head coach at CaveFit said: “Job satisfaction levels were at maximum load watching the youth go round the
circuit. It was great having them all in to train at the cave - hopefully helping to develop solid and, of course,
beneficial habits such as strength & conditioning. I’m sure the morning would have brought the team closer
together too, which is great! Well done Joe for organising and great effort by the parents/family for getting
the lads in to train! Will hopefully see more of them all in the near future.”
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
Saturday was definitely a day for the forwards. The weather in Cupar started off OK but gradually got
wetter and wetter as the afternoon progressed. The pitch was heavy before kick off, with areas looking
slightly the worse for wear due to the construction of the new club house / stand. This meant that the
warm up was done off-field with the hope of keeping the pitch in good condition for the game. I think this
effort was in vain, as you could tell after 5 minutes and 2 scrums that you’d probably need Willie’s tractor
to flatten it post match.
The game started, and, inevitably, there was a knock on. The first scrum was set and immediately our pack
was in the ascendancy. In the video you can hear the camera boy say “that’s a big pack, eh?” – which is
true when you see Momo being dwarfed by Alex (even if his hair is a little dubious). We pushed them back
10m before drawing the penalty initially then scoring from an 8/9 pick for Ross McCann. This set the tone
for the game and the forwards looked to be ‘enjoying’ it … or whatever forwards feel when this stuff
happens. Big Roo was heard saying “I hope we just scrum for 80 minutes!” Howe enjoyed a couple of
periods of pressure within the first half, although our defence was excellent, with low tackles being the
order of the day. This provided Howe with no go forward ball and forced mistakes. Our back line was
significantly changed from the previous week but it performed brilliantly considering the conditions. Hard
running and putting the ball into the right areas of the pitch allowed us to apply pressure. A series of pick
and goes took us from outside the 22 right up to the try line, and, after some scrum pressure and a yellow
for Howe’s flanker, Howie was able to walk the ball over the try line and fall on it. One of his best tries.
The final portion of the first half saw us applying a lot of pressure on Howe. It came down to the scrum
again, and, after a couple of penalties and resets, we were able to get another push over. Again, this will be
making Howie’s highlight reel. As I was handing out the water as the boys made their way back to half way,
Rhys and Willie looked excited for another 40 minutes of this. Both really hate not getting a full 80!
Half time Howe 0 – 15 Stew Mel.
The second half started and it was more of the same – good, low tackles and playing in the right areas. 5
minutes into the second half Ross got a second try after good pressure resulted in a mismatch. Ross hit
more rucks at the weekend than he had in his whole life (3 in total) but he put in a good shift at 13. Howe
applied some pressure and managed to gain a try back, making it 5 – 22, and this is how it would finish.
The rain really started teeming down, but that made Dan even happier as he was starting to overheat on
the wing.
Manson had to come off with a shoulder injury, which was bad news for me as I had to give up my cosy
jacket for him – which was kind of selfish but hey ho – and things got worse when the inevitable Bowie
yellow card appeared. I think he saw Manson get a warm jacket and wanted one himself, but he was made
to stand in the rain and think about what he had done. Tom Croy came on on the wing to try and impress
the Orcadian support that had turned out to watch him. Craig, Angus, Berrisford and Wilson were also
emptied on to give the team a boost, and did so. Having moved to 10 for Manson, Rennie played well and
‘Portus’, playing at 15, kept the pressure on the home side throughout the whole game. Max, who had
been subbed off from flanker, was then reinstated at 10 for the last 5 minutes due to Rennie receiving a
head knock. At stand off Max really controlled the game and distributed excellently – look out for him
Stewart’s Melville RFC Report vs Howe
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
appearing more in this role.
The last play of the game saw Willie hit one of the other players in a hard tackle but he was then yellow
carded – I think it was too hard a tackle or something.
Full time Howe 5 – 22 Stew Mel.
Over and out,
Mike “Iron” Hanning
Stewart’s Melville RFC Report vs Howe
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
Forrester 2nd XV 13 26 SM Mighty 3’s
“A Time of Highs and Lows For the Mighty 3’s”
On Thursday night the Mighty 3’s Management Team confidently confirmed a strong squad of 21 players. By
Friday evening, due to injury and late unavailability, it was down to a bare 17 until Pete Crowther made the
mistake of declaring that he had almost recovered from injury and was looking forward to a game! Saturday
mid-morning saw the playing strength reduced to 17 once more because of illness and then an hour before
kick off to 16 because of another late unavailability. Fortunately, club stalwart, Brian “Tubbs” McDougall, had
just flown in from Australia and Tony “Nosebag” Wood, having been on a strict health and fitness regime,
had suggested a guest appearance of a reunited school 1st XV front row (Wood, MacColl, and McDougall)
from 1994. They turned up full of the joys of life expecting a 10 minute cameo performance at some stage in
the game. Little did they know! Some consternation had been expressed about the rather unkind and
unnecessary jibes concerning the need for a Doctor and an ambulance to be in attendance. However, just to
be on the safe side, the management team checked the defibrillator at the South Gyle venue, and took
comfort from the fact that an A and E specialist and a Forensic Pathologist were included in the ranks of the
Mighty 3’s!
The match started off in dreadful conditions but the RBG dominated with the backs looking particularly
dangerous and the forwards managing to supply them with a steady stream of possession. A very liberal
interpretation of the off-side law was handled reasonably well and it was not long before Chico Stevenson
scored an opportunist try to take the lead. Sadly, this signalled a stream of injuries which saw the scorer
having to retire with injured ribs, Pete feeling the effects of a long lay off, Brodie Smithers popping a calf
muscle and Dave Allan injuring his thumb in a rather unusual tackle perpetrated by his opposite number.
Fortunately, Dylan Mason eventually found his boots and entered the fray as an avenging angel determined to
take the game to Forrester. He started in the back row but soon undertook a stint in the centre very ably
filling the large hole left by Chico’s departure. There was nothing for it, Tubbs and Nosebag had to enter the
fray at half time to join Malcolm albeit the latter had, through necessity, to play in the back row. Undeterred,
they joined forces with the other veteran of the team, “BSR” (19 years their senior!), and proceeded to
dominate the scrummage for the whole of the second half like spring chickens.
The conditions, the afore mentioned interpretation of off-side, and an unusual approach to the policing of
ruck and maul was rather better handled by the men from the Gyle. This allowed them to limit our
possession and put severe restrictions on our running and handling game. Having eschewed several scoring
chances, a reasonably comfortable lead was given up to go 12-13 behind. However, showing real
determination, the team then buckled down and produced a storming last 20 minutes to grab two converted
tries and run out winners by 13-26 (securing a bonus point for 4 touch downs).
Now the real problems started! The injuries and Tubbs, Nosebag and to a lesser extent “BSR” (did
somebody mention spring chickens!) had to be helped/escorted to the clubhouse. The middle two finally
made it and crumpled on to the bench ashen faced with exhaustion. The changing room was like a Glasgow
Accident and Emergency Department on a Saturday night, and our two heroes could not summon up the
energy to move. Finally, they were assisted into the shower and eventually delivered to their adoring families
Stewart’s Melville RFC 3rd XV vs Forrester
2nd XV
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
and fans in the clubhouse before reinvigorating themselves with a healthy portion of pie and beans.
In the circumstances, this was a really gutsy effort by all of the Mighty 3’s. The two youngsters in the back
row (Callum Macdonald and Jamie Appleton) fed off Malcolm’s knowledge and experience, the second rows
Jamie Robertson and Rory McLeod were well to the fore (indeed excellent) in tight and open play, and
scrum-half Graeme Mitchell scored a superb opportunist try to put us back in the lead. Elliot Ruthven
(despite severe cramp) was a dangerous runner from full-back. Andy Bryce added fine solidity in the centre
and complimented the power running of Dylan and Chico while wings, Dave Allan and Rob Ogley, defended
well and ran elusively and with determination. Finally, a word for stand-off, Josh Chapman. Never having
played the position before, he kicked well and was a real force in attack making some fine breaks and
creating space for his dangerous centres. All in all, a win based on RBG character!
There was also another first for the Mighty 3’s. A dedicated touch judge (thanks to Michael Deignan) and the
Chairman of the Stewart’s Melville Rugby Board (Colin Rigby) in attendance.
So lots of injuries and some missing next week. Please, please make yourself available.
Saturday 5th December 2015
Haddington 2nd v SM Mighty 3’s
2pm kick off
Stewart’s Melville RFC 3rd XV vs Forrester
2nd XV
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
FP Rugby
Please check Stewart’s Melville website for details on Stew Mel Lions and Senior Club fixtures.
Stewart’s Melville Academy Lunch— Saturday 5th December at Inverleith
Watsonians pre-match lunch—Saturday 19th December.
Boxing Day Extravaganza –26th December
Notice: Stewart’s Melville Academy of Lions
Sunday 6th November —Pool Recovery Sessiom—11:30-12:45
Dates for Your Diary
2 December 2015 Stewart’s Melville Rugby News
School and Club Contacts
Get In Touch…
Bruce Ruthven Rugby Coordinator [email protected]
07780 467 309
Colin Rigby F.P Rugby Club
President
Malcom MacColl Director of F.P Rugby [email protected]
Jimmy Moran Head of Games at SMC [email protected]
Mark Burgess Head of Junior School
Boys’ Sport
Alistair Stewart P1-P7 Lions Chairman [email protected]
David Allan
Joe Boyle
Ralph Campbell
Lindsey Geddes
U14s Academy Manager
U16s academy Manager
Academy Manager
Business Development
Manager
School website: www.esms.org.uk
Stewart’s Melville F.P Rugby Website: www.stewmelrugby.com
If you need information about whether a match has been cancelled due to bad
weather please call the school cancellations hotline on 0131 311 1080. For any other
information, please contact the relevant person below.