Saints miss out on Murrayfield

May 1 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

THIS National Shield semi final kicked off in bright sunshine at Park Farm, a big crowd had gathered to cheer on the Saints and a good number of Peebles supporters had made the trip.

The Borders side narrowly missed out on promotion from Premier 2 to the Premier 1 this season, finishing third, and were on a 10-game winning run in all competitions, no mean hurdle for the Saints to overcome.

Peebles had the early territorial advantage but Saints had the first scoring opportunity when a back row move off the scrum released their backs and speedy winger Jamie Farquhar almost made it over in the corner.

Peebles came back at Saints, their forwards were working well at the set piece and looked well drilled in the loose. From a line-out Peebles caught and drove, Saints didn’t seem able to get them to the ground and it was touch and go whether they were using truck and trailer tactics but the ref was happy and Saints were penalised. Fortunately the penalty kick attempt drifted wide.

The game ebbed and flowed as both sides tried to impose themselves when in possession but both defences were on top. The first quarter passed with no score and Saints hooker Keith Geddes managed to take a scrum ball against the head but they were unable to take full advantage of it.

Tom Hiddleston almost made a break through with a clever chip and chase. Peebles countered but an excellent tackle from Andrew Whiteford snuffed out the danger

Again Peebles piled on the pressure and were unlucky to be held up over the line. After 35 minutes when it seemed Saints might make it to half time their defence eventually cracked under the pressure and after several phases Boughtwood went over for Peebles in the corner.

Saints went back on the attack, running three quick tap penalties in the middle of the park which got them deep into the Peebles 22. They may have been better off kicking for points, though, as from the resultant scrum a back row move failed to breach the defence and Peebles cleared to touch on the half-time whistle.

Turning round with a strengthening wind behind them and only five points behind, Saints were still very much in this semi-final. Peebles had other ideas and attacked the Saints from the kick off.

The Saints scrum was under pressure now and Saints just couldn’t get possession. Peebles patiently built the phases giving a lesson in ball retention before eventually Boughtwood crashed over in the corner for another try, 10-0 to Peebles.

Saints now had a mountain to climb and they went back on the attack, Tom Hiddleston was narrowly wide with a drop goal attempt and a penalty, costly misses for Saints.

With 15 minutes left Saints suffered a fatal blow, in trying to halt what they saw as an illegal truck and trailer driving maul they once again fell foul of the ref who yellow carded the unfortunate Keith Geddes.

Peebles now went for the jugular. A period of sustained pressure eventually cracked the Saints defence and Sangster went in to score near the posts, the conversion left Saints 17-0 with only 10 minutes to go.

The weather turned nasty with heavy rain enveloping the ground reflecting the mood of the Saints supporters. Saints still kept going though and attacked to the end to earn a consolation try when sub Doc Satala dived over from close range. Tom Hiddleston converted.

Team: G McCall, K Geddes, R Dunlop, B Stanley, A Mather, R Henderson, J Little, S Clanachan, K Brown, A Bryden, J Farquhar, T Hiddleston, K Henderson, A Whiteford, R Steele. Subs all used; A Sloan, J Currie, D Satala, C Bryson.