Reds fail to convert territory into points

Lack of cutting edge lets North Berwick steal win

Linlithgow Reds suffered a narrow 19-14 loss at home to North Berwick in the opening fixture of the BT East League Division One season.

The visitors have shown themselves to be one of the league’s strongest and most consistent teams over the last few seasons so the early signs are positive for the Reds despite the late defeat.

Coming off an inconsistent campaign, Linlithgow were keen to get up and running quickly and they were on the attack from kick-off.

Although generating plenty of possession and pressure, the hosts were too flat in attack and unable to generate enough support runners to take full advantage of their strong start.

They were able to get their noses in front thanks to a Jack Frame penalty while an unconverted try from Calum McKeown game then an 8-0 lead.

North Berwick got themselves on the scoreboard thanks to a penalty, which was promptly answered by Frame.

A pair of penalties either side of half-time for the away side reduced the deficit to 11- 9 as the game wound towards the latter stages. Unfortunately for the Reds, North Berwick simply had more in the tank although their cause was certainly helped by a couple of injuries to key Linlithgow players.

Frame’s third penalty of the day ensured the visitors had to score a try to get themselves on level terms as the Mains Park side were 14-9 in front with 15 minutes left on the clock.

They would score not once, but twice, in the final minutes as their ruthless attack and expansive play exploited a tiring Reds side, who slumped to an opening defeat as they start their bid for promotion to the National Leagues.

It was a frustrating end to the game for Linlithgow, who showed no lack of effort but were made to pay for a string of poor decisions when they were very much on the front foot.

They will be looking to pick up their first win of the campaign on Saturday as they travel to Duns (3pm kick-off).

Elsewhere within the club, the Second XV battled hard after falling 24-0 behind to Musselburgh Second XV in a pre-season friendly.

Linlithgow’s comeback fell just short as they scored 17 unanswered points, but slumped to a 24-17 loss to a team three divisions above them.