James Wilkies kick off was followed up by Tom Archer who put in the first big hit of the game, which was to dictate the physicality to come. From the resulting ruck the ball was kicked clear by Lindisfarne's captain and no.10 which gave the Whitgift boys a chance to attack. We looked dangerous in attack in the backs with, again, good strike moves however nothing came from the first attack. The boys then forced an early penalty within kicking range, which James Wilkie pushed just wide. Lindisfarne then responded by winning themselves a penalty around 22 yards out which the captain also kicked wide. At the score still 0-0, Lindisfarne's back line put into play an impressive strike move which tore through the Whitgift defense and saw the no.15 bursting through a gap to score the first points of the match. The conversion was good.
Next, Whitgift pushed on and made valuable territory. This payed off when Tom Nicholls executed a successful "coke" to see Marland scoring under the posts after his trademark sidesteps. The conversion was solid. This drew the score to 7-7. As the physicality of the game escalated, more and more arguments began and after a minor incident (very minor in comparison to some other incidents) the referee saw Charlie Hopkins' shove to a Lindisfarne player enough to take 10 minutes in the bin.
The game remained in the balance until just before half time as a deep kick came over into Whitgift's half from the captains right boot which put pressure on the left winger Will Smith. Lindisfarne were up suddenly and Will's kick was charged down well, the loose ball was pounced on by a player in red and the try was given. The conversion was no good, bringing the score to 12-7. The half time whistle blew and the players huddled in.
Shortly after the whistle blew to begin the second half Eddy Peglau came off the field having once again hurt his left shoulder. However this injury is not serious and after some ice and treatment he should be fit to play on Monday. At this stage replacements came on to the field. Rob White replaced Julian at inside centre and shortly after Lawrence replaced James Wilkie and pushed James Canty to the wing. Finally Jack Munnery replaced Will Smith as he went into outisde centre pushing Marland out to wing.
After this the Lindisfarne captain pushed through a cheeky grubber kick which was recovered leaving Whitgift's last line of defense on the back foot which lead to Lindisfarne's third try. The conversion was good bringing the score to 19-7. The substitutions proved valuable as Jack Munnery made a definate impact, darting through the Lindisfarne defense using quick feet to force another Whitgift try bringing us right back into the game with the score at 19-14 after Tom's solid conversion. From then on out the boys gave it all in an attempt to claw back the crucial points however Lindisfarne attacked quickly on the counter and as Marland found himself in a very difficult 3 on 1 position down the wing he was unable to stop Lindisfarne scoring the fourth and final try. The conversion was missed however this didn't matter as seconds after the final whistle blew. Ending the game 24-14.
The boys we're gutted to have lost however left with valuable feedback crucial for our game on Monday and with our heads held high.
Written by Chris Crane, with a little help from Canty (before he fell asleep).
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