Three Teams, Two Wins, One Weekend at ENRFC

Greetings Northerners

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday for what was a magnificent occasion and a fantastic way to begin the new campaign. We take great pride in being one of only three clubs in the region to field three senior men's teams on the opening weekend, placing us in rare company.

Our sincere thanks go to all those working tirelessly behind the scenes, whether recruiting new players, retaining existing ones or, in the case of the 3rd XV, performing near miracles to secure opposition and ensure the fixture went ahead.

Across Scotland, 18 fixtures were conceded last weekend, double the number from the equivalent weekend last season. Against that backdrop, our ability to consistently attract and retain players is something the entire club can be proud of. It is a reflection of the culture that exists throughout Edinburgh Northern, from current players and coaches to the Gents and generations of former members who continue to support the club.

That strength of community remains the foundation of what makes us one of the best places to play social rugby in Edinburgh, and for many, a genuine home away from home.

1st XV

The 1st XV opened their East 2 league campaign in fine style with a deserved 31-19 victory away to Leith. With seven players making their league debuts for the club, there was plenty of anticipation heading into the fixture, but the squad delivered an impressive all-round performance from the outset.

Playing with ambition and intensity, Northerns established control for long periods and looked dangerous whenever they moved the ball. The only blemish on an otherwise excellent afternoon came during a familiar 15-minute post-interval slumber, when the hosts were generously invited back into the contest with two converted tries. Fortunately, any thoughts of a comeback were short-lived. The lads regrouped, tightened things up and reasserted their authority, finishing strongly to secure a well-earned bonus-point win and an excellent start to life back in East 2.

This Saturday sees the first home fixture of the season as Hawick Linden make the journey north. Last season's three meetings between the sides were all decided by the finest of margins and provided enough drama to take several years off the life expectancy of those watching. With recent history suggesting there is very little between the teams, supporters should settle in for another fiercely contested and delightfully nerve-shredding 80 minutes at Inverleith.

2nd XV

Unfortunately, the 2nd XV couldn't quite replicate the winning start made by the 1st XV, going down 33-21 to Haddington at Inverleith. While the scoreline may appear relatively straightforward on paper, it tells only part of the story.

A blend of experienced campaigners and new recruits produced an energetic and committed performance, taking the game to Haddington and creating a number of opportunities with ball in hand. Indeed, with 20 minutes remaining, it was very much Northerns' game to win. However, as often happens against strong opposition, a couple of lapses were ruthlessly punished, with two late breakaway tries allowing the visitors to pull away and secure a result that arguably flattered them.

Despite the defeat, there was plenty for the coaching team to be encouraged by. The performance showcased the growing strength in depth across the club, with players embracing the competitive but enjoyable ethos that has long defined sociable rugby at Edinburgh Northern.

With no competitive fixture scheduled this weekend, Fixture Secretary Ed Russell has once again demonstrated his administrative wizardry by securing a home friendly against Leith. The match kicks off at the slightly earlier time of 2:00pm and will provide another valuable opportunity for players to gain game time and build momentum ahead of the league programme.

3rd XV

Arguably the club's biggest achievement of the weekend was the return of the 3rd XV to the Bunker for the first time in over 20 years. For those in attendance, it was well worth the wait, with Northerns running out 47-34 winners against a Penicuik side drawn from their 1st and 2nd XVs.

The game was a breathless, high-scoring affair where defensive discipline often took a back seat to entertainment. Tries flowed freely throughout, but Northerns combined enough quality, grit and determination to stay one step ahead and secure a memorable victory.

While there were plenty of scores to choose from, the standout moment came courtesy of club Vice-President Jason Thompson. Making his first appearance in five years, Jason swiftly reminded everyone of his uncompromising approach to the game, collecting a yellow card after what can generously be described as an enthusiastic tackle. Some things, thankfully, never change.

The 3rd XV may now return to their slumber, much like King Arthur awaiting the nation's hour of need under Avalon, but after such a successful reawakening, we'd be surprised if Saturday was their only appearance of the season.

In an era when many clubs struggle to put teams on the pitch, seeing a Northern 3rd XV take the field again was a powerful reminder that part-time rugby remains alive and well, and that there is still a huge appetite for inclusive, enjoyable rugby at every level.

Saturday Entertainment

All of this sets the stage for another huge Saturday at Inverleith. The day gets underway with pre-match lunch from 12:00pm, providing the perfect opportunity to catch up with teammates, friends and familiar faces before attention turns to the rugby. There will also be a bake sale in aid of Prostate Cancer, so please do bring some cash and support a very worthwhile cause.

Once the final whistles have blown, the clubhouse will remain very much the place to be. After the usual post-match analysis, celebrations and selective recollections of events on the pitch, live music will be provided by our resident rock stars, Jammies & Baffies, whose generous sponsorship of the 1st XV match is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.

For the uninitiated, "the Baffies" are the biggest thing in music to come out of the 'pans since Tam Paton – a reference for the older Northern – and their eclectic mix of popular hits and good banter are well worth catching if you have the opportunity.

Between good rugby, good company and good music, there is something for everyone on offer this Saturday. Whether you're a player, supporter, former member or simply looking to experience social rugby in Edinburgh at its finest, we'd love to see you there.

After all, there's a reason many consider Edinburgh Northern to be Edinburgh's premier social club.

Yours in rugby,

ENRFC