Tough debut for U18s in National league

EK Under 18s had a tough baptism in their first outing in the National U18 League, a step up from the Regional competition. They were away to Currie, a Premier league side with a strong track record in producing good youth sides.

Fokelore (from a Currie touchline supporter) suggested that the core of the Currie side formed their Scottish Cup U16 winning side a couple of years ago. And they currently have a squad of some forty players. At the end of last season, EK anticipated a squad of some thirty players but on Saturday, this had somehow dwindled to a bare fifteen!

Currie were somewhat larger, more powerful and more mature than their EK equivalents, with the bulk of their side aged 17 compared to the visitors who had mostly graduated from last year's U16s. Despite losing an early try to a line out steal and drive, EK played with great spirit. They might even have narrowed the gap to 7-6 but chose not to kick two eminently convertable penalties.

Currie enthusiasm saw them concede a string of penalties which ultimately saw the referee give them a yellow card, after some eight infringements in 20 minutes. EK had periods of pressure in the Currie 22,and judicious kicking by fly half Stott, but could not find any gaps. A Currie break out saw them score another converted try despite great EK defence.

The half ended with another home score, through good play between forwards and backs. Score 21-0 but EK had played well, tackled hard and shown great spirit.

Currie made a number of changes in the second half, reputedly bringing on six players with Edinburgh respresentative experience. This, combined with better Currie discipline and EK fatigue from repelling wave after wave of attacks, finally took its toll in the final fifteen minutes when three tries (out of five converted Currie scores in the second half) were notched.

The EK team showed great commitment and team spirit, but need to be sharper and clinical. Next week they have a home match (kick off 2pm) against GHA.