Newton Stewart 16- 27 Stewart’s Melville
The long and winding road of this season's National Two campaign brought us to the picturesque ground of Bladnoch Park near Wigtown on Saturday.
Stewart's Melville started the game attacking the distillery end but were under pressure from the outset from a well drilled home side. The hosts quickly took a 3-0 lead which was stretched out to 8-0 after 20 minutes. Stung into life, the visitors opened their account with a try from tight head prop Duncan Reid after several phases from the forwards. Adam Fraser converted and then added a penalty to take the score to Newton Stewart 8 - 10 Stewart's Melville.
As the first half wore on, Stew Mel began playing with shape and purpose with runners coming on to the ball from depth. The pressure eventually led to Jack Pennell going over the whitewash with Adam Fraser converting and the first half finished Newton Stewart 8 - 17 Stewart's Melville.
After a quick turnaround, the second half started with Jamie Cain entering the fray for his first experience of 1st XV rugby since returning from a spell with Randwick. It was, though, the hosts who would score the half’s first points with a penalty goal. Brodie Miller scored the visitors’ third try after a multiphase passage of offloading with the final pass being delivered by possibly Struan Murdoch. That made the score 11 – 22 in our favour.
More pressure was to follow, with Boris Anderson being held up over the line. This didn't stop the momentum of the game and, after a delightful kick from Adam Fraser, Brodie Miller collected the bouncing ball to score the bonus point try. That made it 11 - 27 with the conversion missed.
Newton Stewart finished the afternoon's scoring with their second try of the game which was also unconverted. A thoroughly enjoyable watch, the game earned a well deserved 5 points for the Inverleith side.
Mention in despatches to Duncan Reid, Ewan Stewart, Ally Scott and replacement Jono Shrestha for having noticeable impacts on proceedings. Hayden and Curtis brought their usual excellence to the game and well done to the walking wounded trio of Morgan Thompson, Kyle Henderson and Jamie McGurk for making the trip to support their teammates. Kyle and Jamie should be commended for their valiant efforts at boosting the clubhouse's bar takings too!
A bonus point victory at a location where many a Stew Mel side would have come unstuck should be something that the players and coaches are proud of.
The next league game is Saturday 22nd February away at GHK.
David Calder
