NB win to remain in National 4

North Berwick hosted Perthshire in the final home game of the National League division 4 and finished off in style, running in 5 tries to cement their place in the top half of the league table. After a close encounter earlier in the season in Perth NB were taking nothing for granted. From the kick off NB gathered and set up a couple of solid rucks looking to clear and move possession downfield. However, Perthshire applied good pressure and from the base of the ruck charged down the clearing kick , gathered and went over to score on 2 mins. The conversion was good and it was 0-7. However, NB looked composed from the restart with good set up, possession retention and varied plays and got the reward on 10 mins when quick ruck ball was moved through the hands and centre Charlie Meyer found the gap and went over for the first NB try. 5-7. NB discipline around the breakdown was good and Perthshire despite having plenty of ball couldn't make gain much ground. The NB pressure paid dividends on 16 minutes when Jake Boswell saw an opportunity to compete for the ruck ball, secured the turnover and drive forward. the ball was quickly moved to the wing where Nathan Teague took the ball at pace and jinked his way over for a well worked try. 10-7 to NB. NB looked in control utilising the full width of the pitch and Perthshire struggled to keep tabs on the movement and conceded a penalty on the 10 meter line. Alex Williams stepped up to slot the penalty and move NB 13-7. 10 minutes later the pack continued to find tip passes and Iain Dove powered through 2 tackles and from the ensuing ruck the ball was moved quickly to the opposite wing and Finlay Mitchell beat his man on the outside and touched down for try number 3. 18-7. A similar pattern of play followed and on 37 minutes it was Iain Dove himself that was of the end of a short pass to power over and score. The conversion was good and the team went into half time with the score at 25-7 to NB. It was Perthshire who scored first in the 2nd half as the forward pack put together a series of drives and ruck ball. The NB defence held until 60 minutes but a scrum on the 5 metre line resulted in collapse and award of a penalty try. 25-14. Williams nudged the score forward with a NB penalty on 62 minutes as NB responded with a forward drive of their own. 28-14. Any signs of a Perthshire comeback when Nb scored their 5th try on 67mins. A break from their own 22 by Alex Williams gained 10 meters and when scrum half Finlay Graham picked the ball up he saw space behind the Perthshire defence put in a kick for winger Finlay Mitchell to chase. He outpaced the 3 defenders kicked on and controlled for the touchdown and his 2nd try of the day. 35-14. NB once again fielded a young team with 5 18 year olds getting experience in the senior squad. None looked out of place. NB have their final game away to Whitecraigs on 23rd March to round off what looks to be an impressive campaign in their first season in the National Leagues.