Match Report - Madras 27 Waid FPRFC 29

Waid Academy FP RFC made the short trip to St Andrews to seek a fifth win in a row this season and to recover the David Joy Vase (played for annually between the clubs.) So far this season both teams were undefeated but Waid had played matches in 4 consecutive weeks while Madras had played just 2 matches and had not played the week before.

The mostly-young team of Waid players took to the pitch eager to entertain the crowd and did not disappoint. From the start Mark Guthrie recovered the kick and good forward support set the backs up to show their capabilities. A neat kick by Dylan Muir swung the play in the other direction and the Madras winger was overcome with aggressive play by captain Alan Drysdale and others, allowing Dylan Muir to get the ball again and score. Madras did not lie down however and they scored twice to first level the scores and then to take the lead. Their lead was short lived, however as Waid hit back with Muir to score again and level the match at 12 all.

Waid hit a sizeable number of unhelpful refereeing decisions with the local referee missing several late tackles on the Muir and the centre pairing of Drysdale and MacIver, the latter of whom had to leave the pitch for the rest of the match. Madras took advantage of such a late tackle on Muir to recover the lead before half time.

The second half started with the same pace as the first and Waid showed their determination to win when Alan Drysdale forced his way through the Madras' tackles and then Muir showed a lovely touch with a deft kick through the onrushing Madras' backs for Robbie Allen to touch down. The lead went back to Madras as the match drew towards an end but the Waid players showed great levels of determination at all breakdowns and set pieces, and put their hosts under lots of pressure. Eventually that pressure told, and Waid forced a penalty close to the Madras' line. As Madras turned away to retreat, Waid hooker Andrew Marley took advantage of their lack of attention and forced his way through the defenders to score and level the match. All now turned on the conversion which Dylan Muir calmly took and - despite having had a prior attempt charged down – slotted over to win the match. With little time remaining the Waid forwards took control of the ball and safeguarded it until the 80 minutes were up and the ball was kicked dead to take the trophy, the league points and a try-bonus point as well.

A great performance from all of the Waid players who have showed increasing team spirit and skills as the season progresses. And a clearly enjoyed away win for the large travelling support (who vastly outnumbered their hosts), whose attendance and encouragement made the Waid players' effort very worthwhile.

Final score – Madras 27, Waid 29
Waid try scorers – Dylan Muir (2), Alan Drysdale, Robbie Allen and Andrew Marley
Conversions - Muir (2)