Cross Border Raiders

The S3/4 team played their fixture on Sunday this week away to Berwick, just
over the border into England. Berwick were short of players, so a big thanks to
Mark Armstrong, Benedict Elliot, Simon Duke and James Martin who all played for
the opposition in order for the game to go ahead.

Given that it was Remembrance Sunday, all the players showed respect with 2
minutes silence for all those who have fallen in war prior to the game.

Once the game kicked off, it was Berwick who had the majority of possession, but
this was mainly in their own half and good defence by Knox kept them pinned
back. It wasn't long before that defensive pressure paid off when James Dewar
intercepted a wayward pass for Knox and jogged over from 30 yards out for an
easy first try.

Straight from the kick off, Callum Learmonth caught the ball and tore up the
field through several tackles into Berwick's 22. Good counter rucking allowed
the home team to clear the ball. But Knox came back again. However, Poor cover
at the ruck allowed Berwick to pounce on Fraser Wright and after a couple of
quick passes it was in the hands of their speedy winger to draw it level at 7
points each.

It didn't take long for Knox to regain the lead as strong defence from Kyle
Eadie and Ewan Jack put more pressure on Berwick resulting in a loose pass which
Dewar snapped up to run over for his second try.

Once again from the kick off, Learmonth took the ball cleanly and some slick
handling with Gregor Booth saw good yards made again. Knox kept the pressure on
and Berwick were penalised for going offside just as their defence was
stretched. A quick tap penalty by Paul Cunningham caught Berwick off guard and
he was clear under the posts to give Knox a good lead at the break.

Half time: Berwick 7 Knox 21

The second half started evenly with both teams making breaks and Berwick's quick
winger denied twice by great last ditch tackles from Dewar, Jack and Alastair
MacFarlane. Stuart McQuade went off with a knock to his hand, but Knox kept
playing with one man down. This seemed to spur them on and they worked their way
up the pitch. A quick line out by Booth released Cunningham and after some slick
handling Dewar broke through for his third try of the day.

Berwick heads went down and soon after Duke turned over ball and, after some
neat interplay with Booth, Cunningham broke through for his second try of the
day.

And there was more to come. Another good win of the ball on the ground by Duke
and a quick pop from Wright released Aarron Thomson to finish off the scoring
for the day.

Overall some good broken play from Knox in attack and solid defence, but a lot
more work required at rucks to ensure ball is retained to release the backs who
are looking more dangerous every week. Next up will be the team's first home
game of the season against Portobello.

Final Score: Berwick 7 Knox 42

If any S3/4s feel inspired by Scotland's big win against Argentina, or Knox's
good start to the season, then speak to Mr Wands or Mr Marnoch for all the
details for when to come along to training and give it a go.