Mackie U15's bring home the Bowl

Caledonia Bowl final 29 April 2012
Mackie U15s vs Grammar

The two teams met on a bright but breezy Sunday in St Andrews.
Mackie started with the wind behind them, and took the first kick. Obviously enthusiastic, they were up at the try line almost immediately, where they broke through Grammar’s defence line in the early minutes to score the first try of the game.
5-0
At the restart Grammar boys surged deep into Mackie territory. Showing what they had learned in training, Mackie turned the ball over in a ruck and kicked the ball into space, but it was unfortunately caught by the opposition who ran a dangerous looking attack until being pushed into touch by a heroic tackle from the backs. Mackie lost the ball in the resulting lineout but dominated a subsequent scrum and then spun the ball out wide to the backs, then back into the centre for another try, converted which was converted.
12-0
At the restart an unbowed Grammar side put pressure on Mackie by driving for the try line. Desperate defence from Mackie resulted in a penalty being awarded against them in the Mackie 22 and Grammar found a gap and scored a try.
12-5
Following the restart the Mackie forwards Mackie again demonstrated their improved skills in the scrum and lineout. Despite this Grammar, took possession of the ball and their backs made inroads into Mackie territory but were stopped by some great tackles by the Mackie backs. Sadly Grammar took control of the ruck, and scored a second try which they converted.
12-12
Finding themselves on level pegging with the opposition, Mackie took a huge kick at the restart and chased the ball, the forwards placed intense pressure on Grammar at the try line. A try looked inevitable, and quick hands in the backs and a surging run produced it. Extra points were added by the conversion in gusty conditions.
19 -12
At the restart, Mackie received the kick but fumbled it, resulting in a loose ball that was picked up by a Grammar player and almost touched down but a brave interception by Brody Fotheringham saved the day. In the resulting 5 yd scrum Grammar took the ball and passed out to the wing for what looked like a certain try, but the ball was dropped and knocked forward. 5 yd scrum again, and Grammar took the ball towards the line again but rebuffed by the Mackie defence who’s driving and rucking came into the fore. A further scrum resulted in a penalty to Mackie and the ball was kicked into touch just at the half time whistle
19-12
At the restart Mackie caught the Grammar kick but knocked the ball on. Grammar took the ball at the scrum and romped through a hole in the Mackie defence with what looked like an easy try, and which they converted.
19-19
With the score even, play was a little scrappy following the restart. A penalty to Grammar was kicked into touch but Mackie took the stole the ball in the subsequent lineout and surged towards the try line, but the referee blew for a forward pass. Mackie seemed to find renewed spirit and their rucking skills forced penalties from the opposition. In this way Mackie worked their way up the pitch. After Mackie penetrated Grammar’s 22, the referee sin-binned one of the grammar players, leaving them a man down for 10 minutes. Mackie capitalised on this by running in a try.
24-19
Grammar were not prepared to give up and at the restart forced their way towards the try line. The Mackie defence stood firm at the 5yd line and they managed to turn the ball over and run it up into the oppositions 22. In a resulting scrum the Mackie forwards seemed less dominant than in the first half. However they still regained possession of the ball and in a great show of fast running and good hands passed it out to the wing, back to the centre and then out to the other wing to score again.
29-19
At the restart Grammar threatened again and some scrappy play by Mackie in their own 22 resulted in a penalty and a converted try for Grammar. Only a few minutes to go, and still anyone’s game!
29-26
Realising a win was still possible for them, the Grammar lads made a big effort and pressurised the Mackie side, leading to a scrum in Mackie’s own 22. The Mackie supporters in the sidelines became very vocal and we will never know whether this helped the Mackie defence, which held strong with a Mackie turnover and kick into touch just before the final whistle. Well done lads!
29-26
Mackie have played Grammar on many occasions, but this was one of the best matches between the two clubs. Mackie showed spirit and resolution when Grammar were coming back at them and played some very controlled and skilled rugby. The result was a close match, but Mackie were always just ahead………… and brought home the Bowl.