On what was the dreichest of nights these two old foes served up a really enjoyable match under the aptly named newly renewed ‘flood’ lights of Mansfield Park. Though the scoreline suggests a tsunami of a victory, the Souters never gave up and played their part in a thoroughly entertaining match for the large crowd in part as they are so used to performing on a paddy field.
Very early on, before the deluge fully soaked and chilled everyone, Deaglan Lightfoot scampered over in the corner for a try to open the scoring. Not long after that, with a very welcome return to the 9 jersey Ben Scott drove hard through the heart of the visitors’ defence to plunge over, with converted centre Bailey Donaldson converting.
Although the rain continued to pour down, the Force lads poured on the slick handling moves and Eli Hamilton broke damp tackles to score under the posts allowing Donaldson to convert for a 19-0 half time scoreline.
The second period, with Hawick now sailing upstream, again saw bold, attacking, running rugby from the home side and Donaldson stroked over penalties, brought about by Frizzel and Bell working harder than a pair of 1950s Clyde river stevedores with relentless pressure. The Force were re-enforced by Messrs Hall and Halfpenny amongst others and the latter drove through for a try before Scott struck late with another after his quick thinking led to another surf over the disappearing, rain washed, whitewash to finish the night’s entertainment.
The match was played in dreadful conditions but still provided as much entertainment as a cinematic blockbuster. Ali Weir starred late on as the Return of the Jedi, while Roy Cook on the touchline puffed the lads onwards like an extra from Cocoon. Never ending running through puddles by the likes of winger Sean McMichan was reminiscent of Forrest Gump and on the other wing Justin Tait was Frozen, whilst the dancing feet of Hamilton saw him Singing in the Rain and Corbyn Cumming, distinguished by a never say die attitude and a black scrumcap, reminded this writer of the unbeatable Dark Knight. This was a town performance and the Force are indebted to The Mighty Quins for providing players, the Youth for bringing on the youngsters so well and to the Linden coach for coming to observe and encourage. Hopefully, after drying off the lads could toast their success with Whisky Galore.
