PL Surprise Comeback Snatches Victory

It was a lovely morning if a little chilly at Prestonpans as the boys arrived for another double header, this time against Preston Lodge and Dunbar. A twenty minute game against each team, or so we thought.

First up were Preston Lodge who haven't been beaten by an East Lothian team this season. Knox looked confident during their warm up, despite a number of call offs in the week, and came out focussed and determined to start strong. And so they did. A perfect kick off from Cunningham was missed by the defence and straight into the arms of Thomson who stormed over for the fastest try of the season.

Knox were looking like they meant business and the coaching they have received this season seemed to be sinking in as they grasped the game by the throat. The backs had been working on some good moves at training and called one from a good lineout ball on half way. Green ghosted through a bemused defence, but Dewar had started his run a little too early and the clean run through to the try line was gone. Better luck next time.

Knox were varying their game well with the half backs controlling the tempo of the game. Cunningham spotted a rushing defence and chipped over the top. A burst of pace and he dived on the bouncing ball for the try which he converted.

PL are a strong team though and came back. Knox's defensive coaching was paying off as time and again PL came up against a blue brick wall where every boy knew what their role was. Fred Cunningham put in one choice tackle to floor PLs strongest runner. And then PL found a wee gap, but a good tackle and two Knox players were over the ball. Somehow the referee didn't see the PL player holding onto the ball and after a few seconds they managed to retain possession and snuck over in the corner which was well converted.

Knox were still dominant though and after a good scrum, Cunningham spotted space behind the defence and put a kick into touch only a few metres from the PL try line. Something went wrong at the line out as Thomson headered the ball back into touch. Bit more practice required lads!

However, Knox were still putting the pressure on and after some strong runs from Middlemiss and Taylor, Cunningham spotted a gap and cut through the line. He dummied Green and was over for another score.

It was not long to go now and Knox had a scrum on the centre line. Again a good chip through and a fumble by the winger bounced back into the arms of Dewar, only to be disallowed for the PL player having put a foot in touch.

The final whistle went and it was 17 - 5 to Knox who had played probably their best rugby of the season. Or so Knox thought. PL then decided they wanted to play another 20 minutes.

Knox had only 16 players and Middlemiss had picked up an injury. The team shuffled the players around to bring on Elliot and the game went to uncontested scrums.

Knox were still tackling well, but all the changes seemed to disturb their rhythm and PL began to apply pressure. Knox's defence was strong though and they kept holding out until eventually PL's big outside centre cut inside and broke through for a try which was converted. PL had the bit between their teeth now and there was more bad news for Knox as their Captain, Duke, had to come off. Knox had no more substitutes so had to go to 14 players, but PL kept 15 on the park. Shortly after, PL burst through a few weak tackles, again converted, to get two points ahead.

There were 5 minutes left and despite being a man down, Knox held on to the ball and applied pressure in the PL half. Unfortunately they could not break through and the final whistle blew for an agonising defeat.

Final score: Preston Lodge 19 - Knox Academy 17

Despite losing the count on the scoreboard, the players, coaches and supporters were all proud of the performance and knew that with a bigger squad they would have been comfortable winners. The first half in particular was the best rugby the team has played all season as they controlled the game through their half backs decision making, structured play from their pack and adventurous running in their backs.