Stewart Melville FP RFC (29) vs Kelso RFC (5) - RBS Premier 2 - Stage 1

Pre-Match Report

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Match Report

Stewart’s Melville 29 Kelso 5 ( half time 12-0)

Kelso came back down to earth with a bump after their excellent win against Watsonians last weekend. At a windy and warm Inverleith, Stewart’s Melville showed why they are at the top of the league table. They eventually scored 4 tries but it could have been more as they were over the Kelso line on a few occasions but failed to ground the ball.

The game was even for the first 20 minutes although there were early signs that Kelso were going to have a tough day in the scrums. Early pressure on the Kelso line produced nothing for Stew Mel but a break out by Kelso took play into the home side’s half and Kelso were awarded a penalty which Mark Chester pushed wide. Richard Minto saved the day for Kelso when he caught the speedy Liam Steele in the corner with a try saving tackle. The Stew Mel try came after a moment of slackness on the part of Kelso after 23 minutes, A quickly tapped penalty on the 22 caught the Kelso defence napping as they turned their backs and George Turner drove over the Kelso line.

Kelso missed another penalty chance when Ewan Ford failed with an attempt in the blustery wind.

As half time approached, Kelso had another chance after a penalty had been kicked into the corner but a mix up in the line out brought no success. A scrum on half way produced quick ball for the Stew Mel backs and Steele cut through the Kelso defence to run in below the posts. Stuart Ker converted to put the home team 12-0 ahead. There followed a succession of penalties and then a yellow card for the Stew Mel prop, Reese O’Leary. He was a lucky boy only to get yellow as it was a clear case of foul play with the boot.

The second half started with some end to end play with both sides having their share of possession and chances. Stef Carnegie was helping the Kelso scrum with his pick ups and drives from the back of the scrum. However, just as things were settling for Kelso, they conceded a turn over and fast hands through the Stew Mel backs brought a try for Richard Borthwick wide out. Ker again converted with a fine kick as it was not a good day for kickers.

Kelso scored soon after when they moved the ball across the field, then back again with good continuity and support for Mark Chester to go over in the left hand corner after 60 minutes but too far out for the kick to be successful.

Solid defence by Kelso kept Stew Mel at bay and their only addition was a Ker penalty until a moment of magic and sublime running by Steele put the result beyond doubt as he eluded several tackles on his way to a try from 70 metres. Ker converted to take the score out to 29-5. O’Leary eventually did get his red card after he conceded another penalty. Two yellows make a red!

All in all, it was a disappointing day for Kelso. Too many first up tackles missed was a major cause of their downfall. It was also a day for a lot of whistle, as referee, Mhairi Hay, awarded 28 penalties in the game.