First-class show from seconds as unbeaten leaders lose record

Jan 22 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LIVINGSTON Rugby Club’s second XV recorded a stunning victory in their first league match of 2009.

The Livvy boys welcomed Lasswade, previously undefeated league leaders, to a wet and windy Almond Park.

In a hard-fought first half between two evenly matched teams, there were few scoring opportunities as the wintry conditions reduced the ability of both teams to spin the ball wide.

Under-16 coach Ian Steel turned out for the Livingston side in his first home match after almost three years out with a serious hand injury.

Steely’s experience helped the young back division organise their defensive lines superbly.

And it was a piece of individual brilliance by Steely that unlocked the Lasswade defence as he waltzed past a number of despairing would-be tacklers to dot down under the posts. Colin Cantley converted to take the score to 7-0.

Lasswade were spurred into action and almost immediately had the West Lothian men under pressure with a number of last-ditch tackles being made in a desperate attempt to keep their try line intact.

Eventually, the pressure from the visitors took its toll as a well-worked drive by a Lasswade forward resulted in a try being scored just before the half-time whistle sounded, which reduced the deficit to 7-5.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, the Livvy boys dominated proceedings and a little more composure when in possession would surely have paid more dividends.

The victory was sealed when Colin Cantley and Donald Gillies combined to drive over in the corner to score the deciding try.

This was a fabulous victory for a side that was made up primarily of under-18 players, with a handful of older players helping guide the boys through the game.

Meanwhile, the first XV welcomed back Neil Scobie and Craig Bolan from long-term absence and they seemed to inspire their team mates to a much-improved performance through in Glasgow against Hillhead / Jordanhill.

The Livingston players matched the second-placed team in the league for 65 minutes where the score was 17-10.

Unfortunately a couple of unforced errors allowed Hillhead to score and the final score of 36-10 is not a true reflection of the closeness of the contest.

Both Livingston senior teams return to Almond Park next week as they entertain Ellon and Stewarts Melvilles respectively.

It will be a busy day at the club as the 40th anniversary reunion celebrations are also scheduled to start at 12.30pm.

With tickets selling well, a bumper crowd is expected.

Further information on all of the club’s activities is available on the club website. The address is www.livingstonrugbyclub.com