NB take the honours in a close game with Musselburgh

The game started at the usual hectic pace with North Berwick going through the phases but unable to break through a resolute Musselburgh defence. After some sustained pressure in the in the Musselburgh 22 it was Wood who opened the scoring for NB finding the gap between the centres. Slater added the extras from in front of the posts. The lead should have been extended on several occasions however stupid handling errors kept it close. Mid way through the half Musselburgh drew level when their speedy Australian full back found space on the wing, escaped the cover tackle and scored under the posts. The conversion was added. Minutes later Musselburgh took the lead from a penalty for handling in a ruck directly in front of the posts. The NB lads lifted the pace of the game and regained the lead through Salisbury and then extended this just before half time when Smith managed at last to catch a pass and hold on to score near the posts. Slater kicked the conversion to make the score North Berwick 19, Musselburgh 10 at half time.
The second half started as the first had finished with NB having most of the possession. Again mistakes restricted the scoring before Smith scored out wide. Musselburgh managed to get back into the game through a further penalty and a try that completed the scoring. Both teams worked hard and dug deep but defences from either side prevailed. Final score North Berwick 24, Musselburgh 18.
The Musselburgh team have improved significantly in the past year and have recruited some good new players to their squad. The North Berwick lads know that they have to be more clinical and reduce the errors if they want to keep up their league challenge.
Next week’s match is away at Linlithgow. Kick off 1400