Whitecraigs win at Peffermil

This was a feisty encounter from the off, with both sides guilty of basic mistakes in handling and positioning. The University dominated the opening minutes with strong challenges, driving Whitecraigs back. Sure enough Edinburgh took the lead on 7 minutes, through Andy Bryans’ penalty kick following an offside post-scrum. It was a dream start for the University, with both Bryans and Niblock showing quick feet in the opening exchanges, and causing Whitecraigs problems.

It wasn’t long though before the visitors established themselves in the contest. With a powerful front pack and strong backs, Whitecraigs’ mauling was a major factor in their success. This was indeed the build up to their first try after 17 minutes, Fraser Campbell piling over in the corner. Unable to convert, the away side took a 3-5 advantage.

Edinburgh had a chance to regain the lead when the referee found Ryan Moffatt guilty of holding on in the ruck. Bryans stepped up, but his kick was a poor one, and Whitecraigs were again on the attack. Knock-ons were rife in a game, which, in truth, was full of mistakes from both sides. Edinburgh were pulled up on their line outs on a number of occasions in the first half, losing valuable possession in important areas.

It was an unnecessary knock-on which led to Whitecraigs’ second try after 34 minutes, a maul driven straight from scrum down and dived on by Ben Blamire, the Whitecraigs prop. The half finished with Whitecraigs on top, and the University defending tirelessly. The score as they reached the break was 3-10, a score line which reflected the work rate and defensive strength of the University.

The second half began as the first ended; with Whitecraigs dominating. The University however drew first blood again, after an excellent defensive clearance from James Walkinshaw led to a penalty for obstruction. Bryans converted the kick and Edinburgh went on the hunt for that elusive try.

It was Whitecraigs, though, who scored next, awarded another penalty for offside, before a University drop goal brought the game back to 9-13. However, luck then went against the home side and Whitecraigs began to dominate.

After 65 minutes the Edinburgh defence cracked under the mounting pressure of the Whitecraigs forwards. The ball broke to Ryan Moffatt, who ran under the posts for the try, converted by Stevenson. It then went from bad to worse for Edinburgh, when Bryans put the ball down out of bounds, only for the referee to miss it and award a try to Kieran Eddy, the Whitecraigs centre. A bizarre decision from the official who had been under increasing scrutiny for missing seemingly obvious offsides in both directions.

Edinburgh’s misery was compounded when Bryans was sin binned for arguing his case. Whitecraigs then scored two tries in quick succession, making the extra man count. With one converted, the score stood at 9-37, Edinburgh looking thoroughly well beaten. The home side did get a breakaway try in the dying minutes, Ben Manning finishing a well worked manoeuvre. A deserved win no doubt, however a score line that flattered the away side and doesn’t tell the whole story for the University who made it a real battle throughout.