NB suffers defeat in final game of the year

North Berwick came out on the wrong side of a hard fought contest in Greenock that brought their winning run to an end. Despite the 19-15 defeat Nb retain their 4th spot in national League 4 going into 2024.

Both sides were evenly matched throughout in wet and windy conditions with well organised defences , solid structure and adventurous running play despite the conditions. It took 25 minutes for the first score and it went to NB who had a multi phase plays that kept them in the Greenock 22. When the ball went to fly half Alex Williams he spotted space out wide and a well placed kick saw the winger Olly Bonnington gather on the bounce and go over in the corner for a try.0-5 NB. The Geenock side responded well and piled on pressure to the NB defence which finally broke on 30 minutes when the centre crashed over under the posts. 7-5 Greenock. A similar phase of play and result was repeated on 35 minutes with Greenocks 2nd try , unconverted this time 12-5 to the home side. NB responded well but despite going close couldn't break the Greenock line. However, and offside gave NB a penalty and they slotted the 3 points to make the half time score 12-8. The second half was back and forth with well structured play from both teams. Greenock extended their lead on 60 minutes with what the crowd thought was a try out wide in the corner. However, a knock on in the tackle was ruled which was then overturned for a high tackle preventing a score and the award of a penalty try. 19-8 to Greenock. NB responded well with retained possession and on 78 minutes after a series of strong ball carries Kristian Thompson took a final short pass to crash over and score with Fraser Flockhart landing the conversion. 19-15. With 2 minutes remaining NB again put together phase after phase to put them in the Greenock 22 to give them a final chance. Alas, a knock on saw the final whistle blow . final score 19-15 to Greenock Wanderers. NB get a bonus point and the despite the defeat NB spirits and confidence remain high going into the New Year with a record that shows 8 wins from 12 games