Whilst the more eyecatching headlines may have been created ‘over the fence’ , this was a page 3 stunner produced by a group of young men who simply do not know how to give up.
There were some brilliant performances throughout the Force team on a mudbath, and yet in was Sean McMichan’s searing speed that saw him score the only try , and become the difference between these two fine sides.
With an arctic blast driving play down the Haugh all match long, it was the Force who mastered the conditions best and despite frost bitten fingers, the hard tackling and secure handling was as good as seen anywhere this season south of svarlbard.
Throughout this game Ru MacLeod drove forward, in scrum and loose, straighter than even Deaglan Lightfoot could, indeed both lads performed so valiantly that they are likely starters for the 1sts next time.
Harris Brogan is the team’s Jekyll and Hyde. As laid back as a puffing Amsterdadian off the pitch , he is a man possessed on it and today delivered more good news than even his grandfather could have when on duty at the Haig.
The Welshs were skiing last week ( thankfully fertile papa Rob was left at home) and both Glen and Charlie played like they had never been away, with handling that would have made Meadowlark Lemon proud.
Linden lads Aaron Fletcher and Jordan White were strong in the tight and with dads who are the pride of Hawick, it is no surprise the boys did the town proud.
The sides traded penalty kicks but it was kicking from hand where the hosts had the edge. Cian Riddell has become the 50/22 king, whilst whenever a ground gaining run was needed Grant Huggan stepped forward to answer the captain’s call.
The Force lineout worked well, the wide running so nearly created more tries and ‘Rab the jackal’s’ jackaling was a tremendous asset.
It is hard to put a finger on who was the best player, all 20 men used did everything they could to prevent the line being broken , personified by a try saving tackle from Justin Tait seconds after coming on. However man of the match is the Force coach Matt Landels, his tactical acumen ( manto that means you were clever) in hostile conditions ensured that his side played at their best and to their strengths, and he deserves a pat on his over sized back.
