Match played: 19 January 2008
It was a welcome return to competitive action after the layoff caused by the festive season and cancellations. Despite the recent poor weather we had a good day and the pitch was in a remarkable condition. There were a couple of late call-offs in the pack but the back line looked to be more settled with the return, after pneumonia of Chris Thomas. A reasonable crowd was there and the scene was set for a good game.
Straight from the kick-off Portobello took the game to Penicuik and maintained that pressure for the whole of the first half. Some fantastic defence from Penicuik kept the Penicuik line intact and two penalties from Connor MacLeod was scant reward for the home sides efforts.
Half Time: (6) Portobello vs. Penicuik (0)
The second half was a much more even affair and Penicuik are too good a side to keep down. Some good driving pressure from a line-out sucked in the Portobello defence and the ball was spun wide on the blind-side for the Penicuik wing to score. A very good conversion followed and Penicuik were ahead. Back came Portobello and the forwards again began to dominate laying back a stream of good possession which finally resulted in some slick passing among the backs to put Ronnie Gallon in at the corner. Despite their pressure Portobello could not score again and another Penicuik driving line-out resulted in a further try which was again converted. The home team launched a number of attacks from deep which resulted in a spilled pass and Penicuik scored again.
Full Time: (11) Portobello vs. Penicuik (21)
This was a much improved display from the home team.
There were several notable performances with Chris Thomas and Dave Hardy both having big games in the backs. Peter Mauritzen played with his usual gusto until going off injured, Graeme Porteous scrapped well throughout and Chris Davis had his best game in a Portobello shirt. Connor and Chris Weir both played well but their front row colleague, Chris Sinclair was outstanding. Biggles scrummaged well, led from the front in the loose and is beginning to look like he is enjoying rugby again. He is this weeks Man of the Match.