WITH both clubs having played little rugby for almost six weeks and with the ground heavy under foot it is not surprising that this game was not a classic. There was little sign of running rugby. Added to this both clubs are close to the relegation p
ositions and being a Border derby it was always likely to be a tight affair in this Scottish Hydro National League game.
The game started slowly and the first 10 minutes saw both sides make a number of errors as each side tentatively tested each other out. Both sides were like boxers sizing each other up by the odd jab without really committing to the attack.
It was Langholm who claimed the first points of the day and they came from the first of a series of penalties awarded against the Scremerston side. With a Berwick player coming in from an offside position Colin Jardine slotted the simple penalty.
Berwick started to come back into the game but after a series of drives and forays into the Langholm half it was the visitors who increased their lead. It came after Berwick lost a lineout and the ball was moved across the backline. The Langholm number eight joined the attacking line and after drawing his man gave a pass to Jamie Little who evaded the Berwick covering defence to touch down out wide. The conversion was a difficult one with the heavy ground but Colin Jardine superbly converted from the touchline to make the score 0-10 to Langholm.
Berwick struck straight back with a penalty from Jack Webster after Colin Young was a victim of a high tackle. The game continued to be scrappy until Langholm extended their lead in the 16th minute when James Warcup was caught offside at a ruck. Langholm's Jardine continued his excellent kicking form to stretch their lead.
The Berwick pack started to enjoy a better period and they made a series of powerful drives and enjoyed dominance in the scrum. However, the Berwick backline lacked penetration and inventiveness when the ball was shipped wide. This was in no small part due to the hard working Langholm defence but handling errors also played a part. In contrast Langholm looked dangerous with the ball in hand and their quick centres made the gain line on several occasions. Berwick then enjoyed their best period of the game in the run up to half time but despite plenty of effort there was no impact on the score. Half time saw the Blacks trailing Langholm 3-13.
The second half started with Langholm again making good use of the ball as they consistently kicked the ball deep into the Berwick territory. Berwick then received a helping hand when Langholm had their prop sent to the sin-bin for persistent infringements. During this period Berwick were able to score their only try of the game when after a scrum the Berwick forwards were able to make good ground via a rolling maul which allowed Richard Hume to touch down for the score. Jack Webster superbly kicked the conversion from a difficult position to bring the Blacks right back into the game at 10-13.
Unfortunately, Berwick continued their bad habit of conceding a score just after scoring themselves when they gave away a penalty for being offside and Jardine popped the ball over. As Berwick fought back into the game they just couldn't get a score.
A pivotal point came in the 65th minute when Berwick opted for a scrum on the 22 when they could have taken the penalty attempt. The position was eminently kickable but a scrum was taken. This decision back fired on the Blacks as Langholm pinched the ball and kicked down the lines to force back into their own 22 – this was a massive turnaround.
Langholm completed the scoring in the last five minutes of the game when fly-half Keith Davidson saw some space and using his experience darted through, drew his man to allow Little to score again. Although the conversion was missed this effectively finished the game and Langholm ran out winners 10-21 to put some space between the teams in the league.
Berwick now face a bitter relegation battle and next week's game away to East Kilbride will be a true test of character for the team.
