Forward play lesson for Reds
Linlithgow Reds were given a harsh lesson in finishing by Murrayfield Wanderers as they fell to a 33-10 defeat at home in an East League Division One clash on Saturday.
The visitors took the lead early on thanks largely to the power and drive of their forwards in what was an ominous sign of things to come throughout the afternoon.
Murrayfield secured a line-out close to the home line and drove over with fly-half Murray Hastie adding the conversion.
The hosts were pegged back in their half for long periods and the defence finally broke once again as Murrayfield scored their second try through Fraser Strachan. Unfortunately for the Reds, they also lost flanker Cal Thomson to a broken cheek bone in that passage of play.
The home side upped their game in what was left of the first 40 minutes and, although they were unable to score, went into the break with confidence high that they could get back into the game.
That optimism was short-lived as Ieaun Webb crashed over shortly after the restart for his side’s third try although he was sent to the sin bin shortly afterwards with the Reds making the most of the advantage as Ross Plenderleith scored in the corner. That score didn’t signal a comeback, however, as Murrayfield replied almost instantly to make the game 26-5 as Adam MacFarlane ensured the visitors left with a bonus point for scoring four tries.
Another Wanderers yellow card led to the Reds’second try and Jack Frame sliced through the defence to touch down, but was unable to add the two points.
Ewan Elay would round off the scoring for a Murrayfield side who looked every bit the title challengers they are expected to be this season.