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Hat trick Hero Bryson leads try onslaught
Creighton 0 – Dumfries Saints 2nd XV 62
Last weekend a young second string made their way to north Cumbria to play a Creighton side smarting from the defeat inflicted on them at Park Farm earlier in the season. Left to its own devices the result does little to tell the story of the game. What now looks in the record books as an easy win for the Saints doesn’t do them or the opposition justice.
Creighton fielded a big strong side with some good youngsters and some old heads. In the second’s line up a welcome return to duty by Ian Leyden and a debut for Bruce Haggerty introduced new blood. The inclusion and impressive showing of two colts Stewart Kennedy and Fraser Paul into the pack augers well for the future.
With the game only five minutes old a good Saints move saw the ball switched wide. Craig Bryson rounded his man and ran in from the half way line for an excellent opening score. Burgess missed the touchline conversion. Five minutes later Ian Leyden showed he has lost nothing of his skill or explosive running to breach the defence. This time Burgess added the conversion.
The seconds were playing an impressive style of rugby with the forward drives causing no end of problem to the home team. Excellent linkage between backs and forwards kept the Creighton side deep in their 22 metre zone. Three tries from forwards, Paul, Ross Henderson and Crichton followed. As the half drew to a close Leyden crossed for his second and the Saint’s 6th try. With Burgess adding two conversions the half time score read Creighton 0 – Saints 36 and the Saints in total control
In the second period the Saints continued to play impressive rugby and never let their opponents into the game. Further tries were added by Bruce Haggerty, Mo Macrae, and Craig Bryson with two text book “bump and birl” scores. Burgess kicked three of the conversions for a final score of Creighton 0 – Saints Seconds 62.
This was an impressive showing by the entire team who stuck to the game plan, played to their strengths and never allowed their opponents time to settle. Only down side was the injury to Ben Hawthorn which could see this very unlucky youngster miss out on the rest of the season. Highlight of the day was Richie Davidson’s dive for the corner straight through a six inch deep puddle caused a near tidal wave earning him straight sixes for presentation. An old Creighton wag remarked that it was the biggest splash since the QE2 was launched. Poor Richie froze for the rest of the game.
There were positives aplenty with new man Bruce Haggerty and youngster Fraser Paul being the pick of a hard working pack. Behind the scrum Minty and Burgess combined well. Ian Leyden was well the old Leyden and his display gave the youngsters around him renewed confidence. Bryson was the pick of the bunch with his flawless defensive work, his eye for a gap and his peerless finishing.
Team
B Hawthorn, C Bryson, D Henderson, I Leyden, R Davidson; S Burgess, G Minty, S Robertson, F Paul, A Guest, S Kennedy, J Hanekom, B Haggerty, D Crichton and R Henderson.
Replacements M Macrae and B Gates (both played).