North Berwick Suffers second lost of the year

North Berwick and Stewartry swap places in National League 4 as the visitors take the points at Recreation Park. Despite a spirited display from a very young NB team they could not live with the multi phase continuity of Stewartry in the 2nd half with the Dumfries & Galloway side running in 7 tries to NB's 2. As the league positions suggested (4th and 5th) the 1st half was a close encounter with both teams strong in defensive patterns and keeping the ball alive through phase after phase. It was Stewartry who got the break through on 20 mins when a line out take on teh 22 saw them maul and drive over for the score 0-5. NB responded from a similar position 5 minutes later when chapman took the line out and the pack mauled and drove for captain Stuart Lorimer to touch down for NB first try. Notley converted and it was 7-5 to NB. That looked as if it would remain the score to HT as the teams traded possession but tackle after tackle held firm. However, on the stroke of half time A Stewarty scrum in the NB 22 saw them pick and go . 4 phases later they found a gap and scored . HT 7-12 but NB had lost their playmaker , Jack Hall through a shoulder injury and needed a reshufflle. Further injuries would follow in the sceond half for NB that disrupted their pattern and Stewartry took full advantage as they went to a forward power play and offloading game. That paid dividends as they scored on 50 minutes to extend their lead. 7-17. Continuity of play, good support lines and phase after phase of possession allowed them to dominate from here as Stewartry scored a further 4 tries in similar fashion. However, NB showed spirit and scored their second try showing a similar capability to retain possession, go through phases and make ground when Jake Boswell went over from short range to score on the final whistle. The NB team had 5 18 year olds (4 starting) and all stuck in well and didn't look out of place. A positive to take into next weeks game at Murrayfield Wanderers where a bounce back is required.