SHE Scottish Cup
Linlithgow 26 Boroughmuir 58
Thanks to John Preece and Paul Birrell for the photos
This was one of Linlithgow’s best ever performances of all time. The team from National League 2 took on the reigning Scottish Premier League champions in a cup match at Mains Park on Saturday 21st February and, under excellent ground conditions, scored three cracking tries and competed throughout the game.
Chris Bredin scores try one in the corner after a cross-kick from Matt Dixon
What made the result and performance all the more impressive was that Linlithgow were missing 8 key players from the start of the season line-up (see foot of page) and two other players made their debuts for Linlithgow from the bench during the match.
| The Missing Eight |
|
Prop: Bill Taylor (long-term injury) Prop: John Cavana (unavailable) Prop: Billy Edment (injured) Hooker: Kevin Hope (injured) No. 8: Ross Martin (injured) Centre: Mark Green (injured) Centre: Graham McKenzie (unavailable – police training) Winger: Andy Birrell |
Stuart Bell made a big impact not just on the game but also opposing players!
More photos from John Preece
At one stage, about 30 minutes into the match, Linlithgow were in the lead 18-17, after scoring a second fine try and, for much of the second half, were outscoring the visitors 5-0. However, Boroughmuir finished boths halves strongly, scoring 3 tries in the final ten minutes of both halves to seal the win.
Mikey Walker forces his way over for Linlithgow's third try
This was an entertaining match and both sides took every opportunity to run the ball. It also helped that the match was refereed by one of Scotland’s best referees, the up-and-coming James Matthew. His empathy with the players and the game, coupled with the positive play of both sides, allowed the game to flow and the result delighted the big crowd that had turned up at short notice to watch the hastily arranged match.
Tim Meadows was to the fore all afternoon - another fine break from the Reds 10
For the record:
Linlithgow - Matt Dixon (capt); Stuart Cunningham, Chris Bredin, David Goudie, Gordon White; Tim Meadows, Mikey Walker; Euan Gunn, Steven Dobie, Duncan McLeod; Stuart Jamieson, Charlie Gillanders; Nicky Cowan, Euan Richardson, Andrew Archer.
Subs – Stuart Gordon, Stuart Bell, Mark Dixon, Ross McHare.
Linlithgow Scorers – Chris Bredin (try), Steven Dobie (try), Mikey Walker (try), Matt Dixon (3 penalties, 1 conversion).
Linlithgow man-of-the-match – Andrew Archer
Muir players look bemused - after 25 minutes the scoreboard tells its story!
Main sponsor: 