That’ll teach you
Last updated at 10:57, Thursday, 02 February 2012
Langholm 14 Edinburgh Uni Blues 5 A POSITIVE hard-working performance by Langholm, who pulled out all the stops to get the better of a useful-looking students’ side, brought a rewarding and deserved victory.
It was a real turnaround from the early-season defeat at Edinburgh when Langholm lost by 40-5.
Langholm secured a couple of penalties in the opening minutes but they were well out of range.
The University side looked dangerous when in possession. Their powerful running was proving difficult to stop as they continuously gained ground and the home defence was under considerable pressure.
A kick and chase by fullback Colin Jardine, supported by winger Lewis Miller, saw the students’ fullback caught in his own 22 but the defence scrambled back to clear. The sticky underfoot conditions made it difficult but both sides tried to run ball when possible.
Langholm buckled down to the difficult task and the forwards put in a power of work to win considerable ball in ruck and maul. The home scrum was under pressure at times and the lineout was a bit of a mess but Langholm gave the students plenty to think about.
A ruck infringement by Edinburgh gave Langholm a penalty about 30m out but skipper Niall Cubbon sent the kick wide.
After 20 minutes, a period of University pressure had Langholm on the ropes. The visitors took a quick tap penalty and replacement David Arbithnott scored but the conversion was missed.
The home forwards stepped up a gear with a tremendous work-rate and flyhalf Keith Davidson, along with Jardine, put pressure on with useful positional kicks.
There was a feeling that the match was swinging in Langholm’s favour as the forwards continually secured possession at the breakdown. The backs set up dangerous handling attacks, with Alasdair Cavers and Cubbon making inroads. Scrumhalf Rory Anderson caused problems to the opposition with little overhead kicks behind the defence.
A bout of handling by Langholm, which had both backs and forwards involved, went the width of the pitch twice. Eventually, the visitors’ defence was stretched to the limit and, although the home passing was a bit loose, Jardine gathered to go over for a good try. Cubbon failed to convert from out near the touchline.
Langholm continued to apply pressure and Anderson fed back to Davidson who calmly sent a drop goal over to make it 8-5 after 35 minutes.
The forwards kept up the pressure and two minutes later an infringement by the students saw a penalty awarded which Cubbon slotted to give Langholm an 11-5 lead at half-time.
The students battled back after the interval but Langholm applied much more pressure and went near to scoring on several occasions.
University defended well and the only points of the second half came from a Cubbon penalty six minutes from the finish.
Brian Wilson, the former Scotland under 19 player, returned as a replacement for Langholm but had to go off injured after a short time in action. Jason Ratcliffe and Jamie Ashton-Smith also went on as subs.
Team: C Jardine, R Mackay, A Cavers, N Cubbon, L Miller, K Davidson, R Anderson, D Divers, S Devlin, C Little, A Tyler, S Nicol, J Reid, S Howatson, S Graham. Subs used: B Wilson, J Ratcliffe, J Ashton-Smith.
Langholm face Ellon at Milntown on Saturday at 2.30pm. Ellon have won seven out of 14 and have 35 points. Langholm have won six out of 15 and are on 26.
The Colts are at home to Jed Thistle at 2pm. Langholm won the away game in the Border semi-junior league by 13-10.
First published at 21:37, Wednesday, 01 February 2012
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