At first glance, the above score might suggest a result that was one way traffic throughout the game. But this is far from it. This was a very young and inexperienced side, some of whom were playing their first competitive game of senior rugby since leaving school, and they gave their much larger, heavier and older team a run for their money. Only one member of the starting line up had been in the starting line up at Biggar.
During the first quarter they pinned Blaydon into their own half and most of that into their 22. Only once did the English side venture into the Hawks half.
The problem was that Hawks simply couldn't score due to a number of wrong options and a super, watertight defence. Three time rucks on the line ended with goal line drop-outs. A new law not popular with players and spectators alike. As early as the 5th minute, the Blaydon No.8 was yellow carded, but still Hawks couldn't take advantage of the numerical difference.
In the 27th minute, Blaydon scored against the run of play. A penalty was banged into touch near to Hawks goal line and from the lineout the heavy pack surged over for the opening try. 5-0.
10 minutes later the Blaydon three-quarters used the possession from a scrum and found a gap for a try in the left-hand corner 10-0 half-time.
The referee's whistle for the re-start brought on a shower of biblical proportions, and from then on, handling the ball was like taking an orange pip out of a bubble bath. Both sides frequently spilled the ball, resulting in a multiple number of scrums. Although the Hawks forwards scrummaged well against their heavier opponents, this eventually took its toll on their loose play.
In the end, Blaydon took their chances better than Hawks and scored tries in the 56th and 66th minutes, both converted. In the late stage of the match, Hawks bounced back but still couldn't get over the line despite several opportunities.
The two match weekend tour was excellent from the coaching team perspective as it gave them an opportunity to see how new players would cope in a game situation and although a number of players were unable to travel due to work commitments and other reasons they must now have an outline of who they will field in the first league match against Heriot’s this Saturday.
Finally comment must be made on the facilities at Blaydon Rugby Club. They have a magnificent all weather pitch paid for by the Rugby Union (oh what foresight), three flood lit pitches, and a superb multipurpose clubhouse. Moreover, they are a very welcoming club, and we thank them for organising the fixture and their hospitality and wish them well for the coming season.