Date: 25/01/2004 18:12
Author: Peter Haveron
Title: Saturday 24th January
Message:There was a time earlier on this season where a home game against Linwood would have been considered an easier fixture. However recent results have shown that this is very much a revitalised Linwood outfit, and Birkmyre were right to treat their visitors with respect. The conditions did not auger well for a good game of rugby, but both teams provided a compelling game under very heavy conditions, with 100% committment from start to finish. Birkmyre started the stronger and were soon 6 nil up thanks to the trusty boot of Tony Ham. Linwood clearly woke up at this stage and were soon to score 10 points through a well taken try from a set move, and a penalty which followed more pressure. Ham got another penalty just before half time to narrow the deficit. It would be difficult to say who had the better of the second half but for most of this period it looked like a Linwood victory was on the cards. Birkmyre took the lead again thanks to the Ham boot, but Linwood soon replied with another try. The score stayed at 17 to 12 right up to 2 minutes to go where a strong move from the Birkmyre pack let Jock make a break and his scoring pass found Captain Kevin in the centre who touched down to level the game. The kick was a tough one and unfortunately Tony just missed. The game ended shortly later with both sides left to rue what may or may not have been. Next weeks fixture is away to the Police with a 2.30 kick off.