NB get win over Local Rivals

It was Derby day at Recreation Park as North Berwick hosted Ross High in the return national league 4 fixture. In heavy conditions NB did the double over their fellow East Lothian Nat 4 rivals with a 28-19 victory. In muddy conditions it always looked as if the forward packs would settle this contest and that was underlined with a man of the match performance from Kristian Thompson who bagged a brace of tries for NB. However, NB didn't have it all their own way in the match as it was Ross High who started strongly and dominated for 30 minutes. A deep kick into the NB half on 3 minutes resulted in a srum for Ross High and the forward drive allowed the No 8 to pick up and go over for the first try. The successful conversion put them 0:7 up.Ross High backed that score up on 20 minutes with a number of short forward drives that saw the prop crash over for try number 2. 0:14. NB hadn't had much possession until 35 minutes where they put together some good ruck phases and the back row of Chapman and Martin found space but were stopped just short of the line. NB kept RH pinned in their half and got the break through on 39 minutes when Thompson was on the end of a tip pass, found the gap and went over for the try. The conversion by Alex Williams made in 7:14. There was time for the restart which NB used well , building field position with good ball possession and varied phases. They were rewarded with a penalty with the last play of the half and Williams slotted for 3 points 10:14 at the break.

NB started the second half playing downhill towards the clubhouse and build pressure from the Kick off. They went close to scoring but the Ross High defence held out. However, the quickness of their play caught RH offside and NB were awarded a penalty. Despite having RH on the back foot they chose to kick for goal and the reliable boot of Williams did not let them down 13:14 on 42 minutes. A similar pattern followed from the kick off with attacking pressure from NB resulting in a penalty for a high tackle. Williams stepped up again and took the 3 points to put NB in the lead for the first time in the match 16:14. NB pressed on and this time the RH defence gave way when Thompson was on the end of a multi ruck phase to crash over from 10 yards for his second try, converted by Williams on 50 minutes. 23:14. NB continued to press and got their 3rd try on 70 minutes when Robbie Paton was on the end of a well worked backs interchange., cut a great line and went over to score. 28;14. Ross High got their 3rd try with the final play of the game when forward pressure resulted in a scrum and another pick up and score for the No.8. NB remain 4th in the table with RH needing a turnaround to avoid a return to regional rugby. A hard found derby, a deserved win for Nb but a spirited performance from RH