Glory: Super 2s win first title in 27 years

Greetings Northerners,

Where to begin. For those who missed it - the boys did it. For the first time since 1998, Northerns 2nd XV won a title.

Before we go into the record of the day, a word first for our hosts on Saturday and title challengers, Caledonian Thebans. Having played in the East Regional leagues for over a decade there is categorically not a nicer club to visit, and their new home at Royal High is fantastic.

On the field, the development of the club in the last decade has been nothing short of astonishing - something that Stuart, Sam, Simon and co should be very proud of. The only way is up for them, and all at Northern look forward to the challenge they bring next season.

Match Report

Northern started brightly, racing into a 14-0 lead with tries from Joe Lewis and Freddie Reece. With Northern strutting their stuff in the spring sun, a triumphant march to the title seemed on the cards. But rugby isn't like that - you can be cruising and before you know it your in the proverbial.

Thebans came roaring back. Their first try was after a period of sustained pressure on the line. Their second was the result of a speculative kick being lost in the sun and fortunate bounce grubbered through to score. The pressure mounted, along with the penalty count. Northern were on the ropes.

At that point, some idiot decided to split their leg open - photos available on request - and cause a 45 minute stoppage. One pitch change later and the game was back underway.

A third Thebans try came shortly, and the game was 19-14 at half time. The second half proved to be a very even contest. A lovely try from Chris McKenzie put Northern level, before a fourth Thebans try saw them ahead. Freddie Reece, our magnificent Fijian centre scored again, before Luke O'Riordan knocked over a penalty to make it 27-26. A cagey last five followed, with Freddie knocking in over the line before the final whistle blew to scenes of jubilation.

Our thanks to Uncle Joe for running touch once more - a happier day for the man with the flag - and the very vocal supporters club on the sidelines.

We approached triumphant 2nd XV skipper, Ed Russell for comment on this terrific achievement at the end of season soiree - thanks to the Jammies and Baffies for another great evening. Sadly, words were beyond our giant of a skipper, and he was last seen stumbling into the early morning darkness of Inverleith Park, supported by his wife and wearing a red baseball cap - if you come across him let us know!

The Season

Although 22 men took to the field yesterday, the season wasn't just won at Royal High. It was won in the 21-7 turnaround at home to Haddington, Cameron Gillies last minute try at Cougars and Sean Bulls glorious effort at Leith. It was in the turnovers, the lineout steals and the last ditch tackles. All those moments will be lost in time, but the simple facts remain.

Glory follows virtue as if it were it's shadow. Not everyone could play yesterday and notable mention for those not on field yesterday must go to, and by no means an exhaustive list - Eoghan Parkes, Scott Hilson, Alan Burns, Calum Miller, Charlie Souttar, Brendon McMahon, Peter Tierney, Scott McKay, Dave McLean and club man of the year for me at least - who else bring post match cheese!? - Andrew Parish.

There are others who in my excitement I've forgotten but it was a team performance, and a team title win - the victory is yours.

Players Dinner

With the season wrapped up we move to the players dinner, being hosted by the wonderful Herringbone next weekend. I've no idea if there's space for any more, but drop Jamie McCann or Ed Russell a message if you want to get involved.

Blyth + Blyth Sevens

With the 15s season concluded, we now move to the champagne component of the rugby calender - 7s. As always, Northern host their annual 7s tournament on the 19th of April. If you've no other plans, come along for an afternoon if sunshine, pints and running rugby. If you've got other plans, cancel them, and we'll see you there.

We hope you have a lovely week, and we look forward to catching up with yourselves in the sunny weeks to come.

Yours in rugby,

Edinburgh Northern

Michael Mawdsley

Credit to Rugby Folk on Facebook for images