Saturday’s game saw the season move into its second half with the welcomed visit of Berwick RFC. On a glorious day in September, the sides played out a very deserved draw, however unfortunately both sides have found this season tough going since.

The centrepiece of Saturday’s home match was, of course, the pre-match lunch and presentation for Simon and Julian Scott which marked the Scott brothers being awarded Scotland test caps. Julian and Simon played for Scotland vs France on the 7th May 1986 in Tarbes.  In the French team that night were some of the finest rugby players of their generation – Jean-Baptiste Lafond, Patrice Laqisquet, Serge Blanco, Jean-Patrick Lescarboura, Jean-Pierre Garuet, Marc Cecilion, and Laurent Rodriguez. Remarkably, 4 Stewart’s Melville FP RFC players also took the field that evening – Alex Brewster, Dougie Wyllie together with Julian and Simon. It was therefore fitting that Alex and Dougie presented Simon and Julian with their photographs which will now hang on the clubhouse wall along with the rest of the former internationalists. A momentous and emotional day for the Scott family and those who were privileged enough to share in it will cherish the memory of it.

Back to 2023! The first half was a cagey affair with the home finishing the half 9-0 up through three Jamie Cain penalty goals. The 2nd half started brightly for the home side with Captain Sword touching down after a series of close-range drives. Jamie Cain converting.  Jamie added another penalty and the home side stretched out to a 19-3 lead. Unbowed Berwick continued to pressurise the home side and it was only in the dying minutes that the victory was secured with Ally Scott scoring after a break out from Finlay Williamson. Jamie Cain converted Ally’s try. Final score 26 – 3.

This victory means the First XV have now won their third league match out of the last 5 fixtures.  This represents a remarkable turnaround in fortunes which is a testament to the players' character and resilience. Mention in despatches to Morgan Thompson, Finlay Williamson, James Ferguson, and Ally Scott who were all superb and delivered the platform of secure set piece possession. The ever-reliable boot of Jamie Cain contributed 16 points.

The next game is Peebles away - 3 pm kick-off

David Calder

Photographs courtesy of Jax MacKenzie Photography