Watsonians RFC v Cartha Queens Park RFC

Watsonians RFC v Cartha Queens Park RFC Jan 15th 2022.

The game took place in dry conditions.

Prior to the game it had been learned that that coach and scrum half Tam Davidson would miss the game because of his involvement with Kelvinside school team. Joe Ross was promoted off the bench in Tam’s place and Tony Lopez brought onto the subs bench.

A couple years ago the Watson’s clubhouse had suffered severe fire damage. The rebuild had been completed and the clubhouse was reopened for the first time today. Well done to Watson’s, the new clubhouse is lovely and the purvey set out post game for the committee was first class.

Watson’s went into this game in last place in the league and if they have to have any hopes of surviving almost certainly had to win. Watson’s kicked off and shortly after this CQP picked up at the back of a ruck and put the ball straight into touch outside their own twenty two. This was followed shortly afterwards by a CQP penalty which was hit long and failed to find touch leading to a Watson’s counter attack which produced their first try with only fives minutes played. The try was converted and Watson’s had a seven point lead which they increased to fourteen points seven minutes later. Watson’s we’re playing well with a lot of pace and good ball handling. CQP on the other hand were letting themselves down with poor and occasionally panicky passing and poor tackling. However with just over thirty minutes played CQP got on the board with a try by hooker Ryan Howie. Wayne Burrows took the conversion kick but the ball struck the top of the right hand post and bounce away leaving the score at 14-5. A couple of minutes later an overthrow from a CQP line out saw Watson’s add a third converted try. Immediately before the break Watson’s secured their bonus point try cutting through a weak CQP defence. With the easy conversion taken the half time whistle went leaving the score at 28-5 in the home teams favour.

With only ten minutes of the second half played Watson’s scored another try behind the posts. After this Wayne Burrows moved into the number ten spot and Stewart Hamilton came onto the wing. This change seemed to motivate CQP whose backs then put together a fine try on the left hand side which Wayne converted. With twenty three minutes played CQP scored again to move the score to 35-19 and the possibility of a comeback seemed on but Watson’s put their foot down again and kept CQP out till the end.

FT Watson’s 35 CQP 19.

There is no doubt that over the eighty minutes Watson’s were the better team and fully deserved their victory. CQP’s first half performance was error strewn and the team seemed to lack composure. To their credit with the changes applied in the second half CQP played much better after the break.

Next up Melrose at home. CQP actually turned round ahead at Melrose at half time. If they play as they did on the second half at Myreside they must have a chance of getting back on the winning trail.