Cambrian Welfare 30

Walkerburn 5

WALKERBURN made the long, long trip to South Wales last weekend, and as part of their trip for the international they took on their cousins from the valleys.

The fixture is now in its 32nd year having started two years after Cambrian was founded as a Sunday rugby team (knick-named the God Squad).

The match took place on their second pitch due to their first team pitch having been waterlogged – the seconds pitch itself was very heavy with mud – the option of cancelling the game was not mentioned as was closing the stadium roof !

J B Little was awarded the captaincy for the tour and following the journey down overnight the players were welcomed by the Pipe Band.

Scotty Mac as stand-off kicked off for Walkerburn to a resounding slap as the ball hit the mud and failed to bounce.

Perhaps Cambrian are more used to the conditions as they made an attack early on with the ball in hand and the scrum half was able to find a rarity – an Englishman at No 4 playing for them who was able to stride out for the first of a number of tries he was to make that afternoon.

From the restart Craig Hope got into the game in tackling their winger.

Shortly afterwards Walkerburn were able to make their first attack through Boney Anderson and Stevie Irvine combining only to be edged into touch. Lindsey attempted to take a quick line to the alert Scott Elder only to be disallowed by the referee.

Perhaps because Cambrian had prepared better (fewer beers and fewer miles) as they managed to run in three more tries in the first half - but the game was played in much good humour that the scoring became academic.

Sandy Walker was able to use his strength to make a good run from Burn 22 to Cambrian's 22 before being brought down by a retreating defence. From the resulting possession Cambrian's Englishman showed ability to side-step both Scotty Mac and the referee who by this point was feeling the need to help level the sides.

Having eventually stopped the tall No 4, Walkerburn's kick ahead unfortunately went over the dead ball line.

The second half had Walkerburn change of tactics and keeping the ball tight and drives by the forwards which gave greater rewards and a reduction in the amount of running.

An attack by Andrew Johnson was supported by Boney and captain JB on the right wing which was stopped on the five metre line.

There was good work by all players to keep possession allowing Scotty to kick forward from the half way line which industrious Wallace followed up on and was able to score a consolation try on the right wing. It was 25-5 for those still counting.

From the restart the Cambrian scrum half was caught in possession by Scotty Mac who proceeded to pick him up and start marching down the pitch. Complaints by Cambrian players were dismissed by the referee as the player had not been dropped.

Eventually Scotty's energy levels stopped the march of what by now looked like swamp creatures.

The game ended with that Englishman scoring his third try of the day.

The end of a most enjoyable game played in good humour by all.

The Burn touring party were made most welcome by their hosts all weekend and are grateful for the help of BARC Coach Hire for their help in making a great weekend for all.