Insurance Society of Edinburgh RFC versus Belfast and Dublin Insurance Institutes RFC 2016

The Belfast and Dublin boys started brightly and controlled the game initially gaining a couple of scores quickly to establish an early lead. The Edinburgh side at this point lacked composure in key areas of the pitch but took great heart from their man of the match Ross Martin’s thunderous tackling in defence.

His actions galvanised the ball carriers who started to come into the game and gain parity at set piece and at ruck time. Edinburgh managed to move it wide from a scrum and a clever little chip from Euan Higgins turned the Irish defence although Edinburgh failed to gather the ball before it trickled into touch.

This move seemed to give further heart to the Edinburgh side and late in the half Edinburgh pulled the score back to within touching distance with a couple of well worked tries in either corner.

Following the turnaround Edinburgh were playing up the slope which prompted a raft of subs from both sides and some reshuffling. Edinburgh’s Edward Sanjaun moved to scrum half and the Scots managed to move the ball wider which immediately started to pay dividends. The game then ebbed and flowed with the sides trading scores.

The Irish managed to keep their noses in front but intuitive running angles from captain for the day Jamie Armstrong allowed Rob Ritchie to create space for the wingers and Edinburgh grew in confidence.

Going into the third quarter of game Edinburgh were forced to chase the game resulting in running adventurous rugby from both sides. The Irish did not relinquish their lead but Edinburgh did have the honour of scoring the best try of the day through David Devlin. After some swift handling , a couple of quick rucks and a one-on-one face-off, David somehow managed to conjure a little grubber that Stuart Hogg would have been proud of and with pace to burn he scored under the posts.
With 10 minutes left there was the opportunity for a 3 Musselburgh legends of this fixture return to the pitch to represent their club: Blair “Boosh” Stewart, Graham “Bob” Jamieson and David “Mole” Proctor, each having played the fixture for over 15 years. These 10 minutes at the end proved that whilst the bodies may be broken, class is permanent.

Many, many thanks to Roy Smith Photography for the marvellous photos, and to Rugby Convener and coach Paul Wightman for bringing together such a fabulous squad. You did us proud!!

Planning is under way for next year and 2018, if you know of anyone who wishes or should be involved please send Paul Wightman their details to paul.wightman@scottishwidows.co.uk