Boys' Rugby: 1st v Ardvreck

Another long away trip for Belhaven saw the team arrive for the early time of 11am kick off. The weather and conditions were not as favourable as in previous games and this was set to have an impact on the game.

Belhaven started strongly, however, and with defensive pressure in Ardvreck's half, the turnover was won and Hugo went in for a score within the first minute. More quickly followed as Duncan blasted through the Ardvreck defence to put Belhaven two tries up. Ardvreck were also playing some nice rugby and hit back with a try of their own. This didn’t knock Belhaven off their stride though, as a turnover was again won (a consistent theme of the morning) and James raced down the wing to score. The best try of the game was next as some great hands from the backs gave George the ball on the halfway line and he scythed through to score under the posts. James wrapped up the scoring in the first half shimmying his way in to score his second.

Half-time: Ardvreck 4 – 24 Belhaven

A similar game resumed with Belhaven ill-disciplined and giving away penalties but also frequently turning over the ball in rucks. Ardvreck looked to clear their lines for the next try but Luis gathered the ball, passed to James and sent Hugo in to the corner. Ardvreck were not yet beaten and came back to score next. However the next three tries went to Belhaven, all thanks to James. The first came from excellent team passing, the next he blasted through the defence to score and the last to wrap up the scoring came from a good jinky run.

Final score: Ardvreck 8 – 39 Belhaven

Man of the match: James Townshend

Coach’s thoughts: This was not Belhaven’s finest performance this year, and the positive thing is that the team has identified that. Too many penalties were given away and too many tackles were missed. Nonetheless the strengths of this side, offloading, running at space, and counter-rucking, saw them win comfortably. Sterner tests await but this continues to be a really good, developing side which is scoring 9 tries a game. The team should be tremendously proud of how cohesive they are and how they are meeting each challenge so far presented to them.