Match Reports for games against Fetttes

Boys' Rugby

1st

Another nice day for rugby, another game for the Belhaven firsts. On the back of three wins in a row, Belhaven turned up with a confident attitude despite facing a tough opposition. Fettes quickly showed their quality after three minutes by making a strong break down the right going in under the posts for the first score. There was no panic from the Belhaven team and after a fine break from Harry Br, Archie showed a clean pair of heels to go in the corner. Another great break from Belhaven, this time through the middle by Jamie, got Belhaven behind Fettes. A pass to Harry Ba this time left him a lot to do, but with some good dancing and acceleration Harry went in for a fine score. Fettes replied soon after with a score of their own to regain the lead. This was not the last time the lead would change.

Half time score: Fettes 14 - 10 Belhaven

This game was there for the winning and Alfie finished off a fine move down the blind side to retake the lead for Belhaven. The defensive pressure was excellent from Belhaven at this point, and this paid off as Jamie made a fine intercept score. Belhaven now had an eight point lead. Fettes came roaring back however and their strong runners again carried them over the line. Belhaven now had a one point lead. Fettes though extended this lead soon after skirting round the outside of the Belhaven defence at pace. Belhaven were not finished though, and Harry Br drove over from close range after some good phase play from Belhaven. The teams were again separated by one point. It was however Fettes that had the last word as they again found space out wide to extend their lead again to eight points. Try as they might, Belhaven couldn’t find their way over for a final score and the match ended with a close fought loss.

Final Score: Fettes 35 - 27 Belhaven

Player of the match: Jamie and Archie

Belhaven Hill 1st rugby team

Coach’s thoughts: Despite the defeat Belhaven can be pleased with the performance today. Not least the resolve they showed in continuing to fight on to the last whistle. It is always great to win, but much like in the defeat to Merchiston all those weeks ago, the performance was immense. Sam and Wilf had fantastic games stepping into the first team and it is also evident to see the growth in confidence across many players. Our season now rests in the balance after three wins and three losses. Hopefully this is the motivation the players will need to finish well against Loretto next week.

U11B

Wednesday was a cold, windy and wet day, however the boys approached the game with the same amount of enthusiasm as always. Our warm-up beforehand was hectic, though energetic, and it was clear the boys were planning to put on a spectacle. With the whistle blown they immediately gained possession of the ball, thanks to some encouraging shouts from Lukas as always and a brilliant tackle by Jack. Once in possession the boys wasted no time in giving the ball to Tristan, who ran through the Fettes defensive line with ease.

This became a running pattern throughout the game with Tristan scoring a total of 8 tries. The game however was not without some impressive competition from Fettes, who consistently kept the score within 2 tries throughout the game. However, it was to be a Belhaven victory in the end thanks to some brilliant defensive work by the likes of Tommy and Jack.

At half time I gave the boys the challenge to complete their tackles first time and to try and offload the ball more often. This led to one of my favourite moments of the game in which the dynamic duo of Fergus and Bertie managed to pass their way around the Fettes defenders from their own half, and eventually score a brilliant try.

A final highlight to be mentioned must be Tommy’s try. After working tirelessly as a defender Tommy managed to get himself in the perfect position and intercept a pass to then go on to score a try. Overall, the boys were incredibly impressive and improved throughout the game, which in turn led to a well-deserved victory.

Final Score: Belhaven Hill 13 – 11 Fettes

MOTM: Tommy

U9

It was particular fun for me to host my old employer to Belhaven to play this match – especially as we won the main touch rugby game we played! The match started well, and we worked hard to keep our shape and stay spread out across the pitch. This helped with our defence but also allowed us to play some good running rugby.

We won this part of the game 6 - 2.

All the boys played well – Xander again scored some nice tries; Alexander, Innes, Leo and William worked tirelessly, and Robin did well to make some good touches. Both coaches then wanted to play a short game of contact rugby as, although we have practised it in training, neither side had much experience with this in matches. The boys rose to the occasion and there was some good tackling on display – particularly from Ben and Oak who tackle larger boys very effectively. We will be working on holding on in the tackle to make sure the carrier is stopped.

The score in this section was 4 - 4.

It is lovely to see the match teas back and the boys hosting Fettes so well.

Girls' Hockey

U11A

This Wednesday, the girls had a glorious day of Hockey against Fettes, even though the score line did not go our way. The sun was shining as we had the first push back. The first few minutes were a bit scrappy and Fettes scored two early goals. But suddenly Belhaven got their act together and the second half of the first third was a different game. Daisy made some huge tackles and sent the ball wide. The whole team did well to pre-scan the pitch before making brilliant passes, lifting the ball slightly so that it skipped over the opposition's sticks to our forwards.

The second third started superbly, Wendy making the key pass out to the wing and then Maggie dribbled down the wing, flicking the ball over the defence's sticks before feeding the ball into Ottilie. She had one last defender to dodge, which she did with a quick reverse stick and swept the ball into the goal!

This gave the girls a boost and we had a number of close shots made on goal. Emily used her super speed to get past the players but we could not get the ball past the goalie. Willow defended a number of short corners with the help of her defenders – India and Daisy.

Even though we did not get the win, I was so impressed with the level of hockey the girls played and how much they have improved since their first match. They play as a team, used the new skills they have been learning and are thinking about their play. Well done girls! You were all stars today.

U9

Belhaven 7 – Fettes 2

After a morning of rain, the skies cleared and the sun even made an appearance for the U9 hockey match this afternoon. Anastasia was captain today and having won the toss, the Belhaven team took to the pitch and started with the ball.

Some fast and determined play from the team today. With Sophia and Chloe away due to the ‘bug’, the U9 girls played in different positions today and, my goodness, were they adaptable. Anastasia and Holly made some good passes of play to Alice who was waiting in the circle for the ball and, despite many shots at goal, they were just wide each time. Alice’s perseverance continued and she soon found the first goal of the match. Some good saves by the Fettes defence kept our score line low in the first 10 mins, but it wasn’t long before a great pass was made from Isabella forwards to Holly, who then made a great run and scored the next goal of the match. Using the width of the pitch and playing as a midfielder today, it was Lara’s turn to drive the ball forwards to our waiting attack and another few shots at goal and a second goal over the line for Holly.

Belhaven Hill Girls Under 9 hockey team victorious in a game against Fettes Despite leading with goals, Fettes made some great attempts to get the ball into our circle but Isobel was as steady as ever in defence, clearing the ball and, working together with Sylvia, both made some great saves. Fettes managed to get their first goal in the second quarter of the game and kept fighting hard for possession of the ball.

Some great mid field play from Isabella and Lara, ensured the ball stayed in the Belhaven attacking half and both girls set up the ball nicely for some further goals from Holly. Meme came on to give Lara’s legs a rest and made a great addition to the team. She went in to tackle the ball and made good use of the space to drive the ball forwards.

Well done today girls – great determination all round and it was lovely to hear the Fettes coach compliment you upon your game.

Three stars and a wish from today:

Super determination and play from every member of the team