Under 16s edge out Hillfoots

With the sun shining and good underfoot conditions despite overnight frost everything was set for the meeting between ourselves and Hillfoots / Bannockburn. Previous encounters have always been close and with our hosts undefeated so far this season in the league a tough encounter was expected and this game didn’t disappoint.

Before kick-off both squads and spectators observed a minutes silence for Remembrance Day.

Dunfermline had the better of the opening exchanges with the backs moving the ball well only for Callum to be stopped with a good cover tackle in the 22. Pressure continued on the Hillfoots line and Adam opened the scoring with an excellent dummy and run in. The boys then had to endure a lot of pressure with Hillfoots playing some great offloading rugby and their scrum half making several breaks but to the boy's credit, the defence held firm. Hillfoots eventually opened their account with a good try when the centre ran a good angle and crossed under the posts. Halftime: 7v7.

Playing up hill second half, Dunfermline earned a penalty which Mark kicked to put the U16s ahead however failure to clear the ball on restart meant we were under pressure and after a series of attacks Hillfoots scored their second try, this time unconverted. The game then ebbed and flowed between the 10 metre lines with defences on top, however a Hillfoots infringement was punished again by Mark with an excellent kick to put the boys back in front. Hillfoots though returned to the attack and a failure to deal with a stolen line out ball on our line meant the ball spilled free for Hillfoots to score the third try, again unconverted. Back came Dunfermline and we went close to scoring with Craig and Mark combining to almost set up Chris in the corner before the ball went to the opposite side and Mark gave Callum space to run in our second try.

With just a point in it, the pressure mounted and with both teams going for it in the closing stages and distant crys of 'do it for the badge' encouraging the boys to stand firm it was unfortunate that as Dunfermline did just that, a turnover on the final play led to a fight breaking out, correctly resulting in two players being carded. The reversed penalty allowed Hillfoots a final kick for goal however this was missed so a hard fought win was achieved.

Still plenty of things to work on particulalry at the breakdown, however this was a good win in the end against what as a strong, physical Hillfoots side who played some good rugby. Thanks to everyone who came along to aupport the boys and to our hosts for the game and hospitality afterwards. Well done to Mark on his man of the match award and his victory afterwards.

No game next sunday - enjoy the break and the South Africa match.