Out of Position? No Problem!
Leith Women 19 – 36 Perthshire Women
Players adapt in re-jigged line up to dismisseth Leith.
The rain finally stopped for long enough to allow this much postponed fixture to go ahead on a sunny Edinburgh afternoon. Perthshire fielded a new look squad with 6 players starting out of position due to injuries, illness and unavailability. The team started brightly, an early turnover and some slick team play, including 3 offloads, allowed Becca Carrol to score on her senior debut. Soon after, a penalty was won close to the Leith goal line and Alex Ward took a quick tap and went over for the second try.
Leith’s first try also came from a turnover and they worked it out wide to their winger who went over in the corner.
After around 30 minutes Anna Davies was lost to injury. Chloe Bennett did a great job of covering scrum half for the rest of the match and Paige Klinkman came on to play centre for the first time, coping brilliantly with the challenge.
Just before half time, Heather McKenzie effected another great turnover and ran 60 metres, breaking multiple tackles, to score. Sarah Blackwood converted to make the HT score 5-17.
Leith started the second half well. A fantastic kick pass from their talented stand off was picked up well by their winger, but she was tackled brilliantly into touch in the corner by Lydia McGinley.
After a couple of clearing kicks by Sarah, Heather M collected lineout ball on the Perthshire 22, ran around 70 metres this time but was tackled just short of the line. Two successful rucks followed and Alex went over for her second try which was converted by Sarah.
Another try came from the new Alex/Heather M lineout combo, followed by some more efficient ruck ball and Heather M went over for her second try which was converted by Alex.
Perthshire’s final try was a real team affair, started by a strong run by Paige, through at least 5 pairs of hands and with a strong finish from Heather Kirkman.
With a small squad, Perthshire started to tire and despite some determined goal line defence, Leith scored two well worked converted tries in the closing minutes.
A great performance that demonstrated real team spirit. The first part of the season completed and the Women are in 2nd place in Caledonia Midlands/East Region League 2. This will split with the remaining matches to be contested for the League title.
With thanks to Leith for their hospitality and we wish them well for the rest of their season.
Photographs taken from Rugby People.
