1st XV v. Murrayfield W – 20.9.14
Another victory on the road puts Saints on top of the league after 3 wins and 3 bonus points. In perfect weather for rugby Saints got off to a shaky start losing flanker Ross Mawdesley in the warm up with an ankle injury, lock Ali Mather in the first minute after a clash of heads with a teammate then centre John Carlisle as few minutes later with a hand injury.
The first try came at 15 minutes and started with a run out of his own 22 by Michael Yates, Andrew Wilson carried it deep into the Murrayfield half before passing inside to Jordan Kerr who chipped ahead and chased to touch down under the posts. It was converted by Ben Johnstone who added another 3 points with a well taken penalty 5 minutes later.
Saints first up tackling was immense and when Murrayfield had possession they were being forced backwards. Ben Johnstone struck again with a tremendous piece of interpassing to Euan Laverty and back to Ben to score in corner then convert it himself from the touchline.
After Murrayfield missed their second penalty they gave one away in front of the posts for Ben to take the score to 20 nil. Just before half time what looked like Murrayfield about to capitalise on scrappy line out ball on the half way was exploited by Saints scrum half Jack Johnstone darted through the line out, got behind the defence to feed Michael Yates who set it up for Adam Prentice to crash over. Another conversion for took the half time score to 27 nil to Saints, 17 of them from Ben Johnstone.
Murrayfield started the second half with a bit more vigour and six minutes in the first missed tackle of the game gave Lewis Pratton the Murrayfield stand off a score in the corner, the conversion was missed. Saints did not respond and the rest of the game was a bit lack lustre till near the end a penalty to Saints near the centre was kicked to touch by Jordan Kerr for a 5 metre line out. A clean take and feed out to Paddy Coupar who drew 3 defenders and set up quick ball which went right out for Euan Laverty to touch down in the corner. The conversion fell short and the game finished Murrayfield Wanderers 5 Dumfries Saints 32.
Squad: Gareth McCall, Cammy Taylor, Adam Prentice, Ali Mather, Lee Scott, Ross Henderson, Paddy Coupar, Ally Jackson, Jack Johnstone, Jordan Kerr, Euan Laverty, John Carlisle, Michael Yates, Andrew Wilson, Kenny Henderson (capt), Craig Goldie, Kevin Lowrie, Ben Johnstone and Blair Milligan.
Next week Saints have a home game against West of Scotland who are sitting 4th in the league after a home defeat from Preston Lodge.
