Internal Rugby - 26th January 2013

Last Saturday 23 players turned up for the proposed trial match.  Some late call offs and a few no-shows meant the much needed match practice would have to be done in an abbreviated format.

With no flankers, the space around the fringes was always going to prove profitable and Phillip Ross, playing scrum half, was keen to exploit this space.  And with a no full back there was plenty of space in behind as well.
 
The Reds looked good in possession but on loosing posession the Blues were the more clinical and had that little bit extra pace to convert their possession into points.  A few changes in line-up sought to re-address the balance but there effort and enthusiasm levels were not as high as they needed to be - perhaps full sides would have made the difference?
 
As it was Brian Linklater and Angus Firth showed up well up front for the Bllues, while in the Reds Scott Rendall, Derek Robb and Robbie Firth were seen getting about the pitch well.  In the backs Bruce Ruthven tried his best to pull the Reds together and Adam Hill covered and chased back effectively, but the combined efforts of Phillip Ross, Trevor Spence and Dennis Hayes for the Blues caused irreversable damange for the Blues.
 
All in all very disapointing turnout in what turned out to be excellent playing conditions, its a shame that only half a dozen or so of the First team squad could make the trial match -particularly in light of their 'must win' match this coming weekend, away to Mackie Academy FPs.
 
Internal Rugby this Saturday sees the Mighty West seek to extend their unbeaten run against a Westray/Isles side - who incidentally are also unbeaten this season!  
 
The game is scheduled to KO at 11.30am in Dounby.  Meet at the Club at 10.30am or at the Dounby Centre at 11.00.  Soup and pies at the Smithfield after the match.
 
If you want to make yourself available for this match contact Roy Temple (West) on 07851 235860 or Erland Drever (Westray/Isles) on 07912 747177.

Match Report: Knighter