Peebles RFC U16’s, sponsored by Bordermix, travelled up to the Capital to take on Forrester/Murrayfield RFC in the semi finals of the Edinburgh & District U16’s Cup hoping to emulate both Colts and the High School XV’s who are due to play in their own finals at Murrayfield.

Peebles started well with the wind behind their backs and immediately put pressure on the Forrester team who held out well against the early Peebles onslaught in which forwards and backs linked together well. Forrester weathered the early storm and drove well back up the park to score an unconverted try.

The next period of play was dominated by the powerful Forrester side and after an infringement close to the line the number 5 went over for a converted try. Peebles rallied well and once again encamped themselves in the Forrester 22 and were rewarded with a penalty which was easily converted by Buster Davidson. Forrester dominated the rest of the half playing well into the stiffening breeze and snow showers. Peebles finished the half strongly and some good driving play saw the half end with Peebles being held short. Half time 12 - 3.

The second half started with Forrester using the wind to good advantage and soon scored an unconverted try this spurned Peebles into action and after some fine driving play ross Thomson accelerated through a gap in the Forrester defence to dot down for an unconverted try. Forrester came back into the game well with two tries one of which was converted. Peebles lost McLaren, Grieve and Britton to injury and replacement scrum half Jordan Gibson to a yellow card. Peebles competed well with 14 men but lost much of their shape an composure that said they did well to drive up the pitch and score through Stewart Blackie. Forrester used the wind to good effect for the last period of play and soon scored another converted try to take the score to 36 -13. Forrester finished the game strongly with 2 unconverted scores to make the final score 46-13. So ended a good run in the east regional cup for the wee pees and whilst not making the final they have undoubtedly improved since start of this competition.

A massive vote of thanks has to go to all the supporters who, despite the horrendous weather, turned out to cheer the lads on.
Our next match is at the High School on Sunday 17th March, k/o 10:30 against a touring side from Shawnigan Lake School, Vancouver.