East Lothian Courier | Sport | Late penalty robs Scarlets of Murrayfield Cup dream

Saturday, 17th May, 2008

Published: Thursday, 10th April, 2008 09:35

Late penalty robs Scarlets of Murrayfield Cup dream

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Haddington 10 v 11 Jedforest

Haddington missed out on a SHE Cup semi-final place by the narrowest of margins, eventually losing out by a single point to a Jed side who had done their homework since the 39-17 defeat to the Neilson Park side two weeks earlier.

In that game, Haddington held all the aces up front and the Scarlets midfield, Calum Mark, in particular ripped through the Jed defence.

Haddington could, and perhaps should have won this game given the greater possession they enjoyed throughout, but Jed ended up worthy winners by creating more try scoring opportunities.

The first 10 minutes were played at a frantic place with both sides running the ball at every opportunity. Jeds inside centre Gary Hill looking particularly dangerous with well timed angled runs.

He had the first opportunity on 18 minutes to open the scoring with a penalty but his kick came back off the post allowing Jamie Peters to clear his lines.

The game continued to be played at a frantic pace and following a charged-down drop goal attempt, Jed retained possession and it took a tremendous cover tackle by Haddintons Brock Gibbon to keep the home line intact.

Jed did get their reward moments later, however, when flanker Robert Ferguson found a gap to go over from close in on 25 minutes.

Haddington responded immediately when a good run by Calum Cockburn forced Jed to concede a penalty which Jamie Peters stroked over.

Jed came roaring back and only the touchline denied Jeds McFarlane a try in the bottom left hand corner. The winger finding the outside and brushing aside some pretty ineffectual tackling out wide to create the chance.

Jed kept the pressure on and forced a five metre scrum, charging down a Jamie Peters clearance. But the stand off quickly made amends with a long kick when his pack turned over Jed ball.

Two minutes into first half injury time, Haddington were dealt a double whammy when home centre Calum Mark was yellow carded for handling in the ruck and Hill landed the resultant penalty to give Jed an 8-3 advantage at the break.

Haddington kicked off the second half and enjoyed the majority of territory and possession for the opening period.

On 50 minutes, Jamie Peters had the chance to claw back three points, but the stand-off’s kick didn’t threaten the posts.

Jed then went back on the offensive and Hill missed a difficult penalty on 65 minutes.

Haddington got their noses in front for the first time when, following good work by the forwards turning over Jed possession, Graham Crawford broke on the right wing, kicked ahead and was tripped by a defender going for the touchdown.

The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty try and Jamie Peters was able to add the conversion fro in front of the posts.

Haddington were now in the driving seat, but couldn’t capitalise on their advantage as too many misdirected kicks and wrong options let Jed back into the match. It was no surprise when the Haddington backs were adjudged offside and up stepped replacement Donald Grieve who made no mistake with his penalty kick.

With the clock running down, Haddington threw everything at Jed but they just couldn’t find their way past a resolute Borders defence.

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