Battling performance deserved full points

Howe of Fife remain without a National League win this year but their performance against Jed-Forest at Riverside on Tuesday night more than merited a first result in 2016.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Apr 2016, 10:27 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2016, 10:29 BST
Stewart Lathangie's try helped put Howe into a half-time lead. But Jed roared back to win the game 33-24.Stewart Lathangie's try helped put Howe into a half-time lead. But Jed roared back to win the game 33-24.
Stewart Lathangie's try helped put Howe into a half-time lead. But Jed roared back to win the game 33-24.

The Cupar side defied the wet conditions at the Borders ground to run in four tries for a bonus point but it was not enough to topple Jed-Forest, who scored five tries for a fourth-finish in National League One.

“Given the conditions I thought we played a lot of rugby on the night,” said head coach Gary Horne.

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“We wanted to play with a bit of ambition and try to move the ball.

“We got a bonus point - so we’ll take that.”

“Every little helps at this stage after a pretty tough run.

“Tonight was a really great performance from the boys.

“I thought our defence was outstanding .

“Jed had us under a lot of pressure close to our line but we held them out.”

Despite playing under continuous rain and on a sodden pitch, Howe showed remarkable skills, moving the ball effectively and defending tenaciously.

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Jed looked to be heading for a comfortable win when they led 12-0 after only thirteen minutes but a well-taken try by winger Ben Mitchell from a break by Fraser Clark and a clever kick ahead from full back Graham Thomson and the conversion by stand-off Angus Guthrie brought the visitors back into the game.

Effective ball retention and subtle passing gave Howe further first half tries by scrum half Stewart Lathangie and lock Rob Lind gave Howe a 17-12 lead only for Jed to regain the advantage with a converted try on the cusp of half time.

Jed then extended their lead with two converted tries but Howe hit back effectively with a try in the final minute by their powerful centre, Fraser Clark, to earn the bonus point, Guthrie completing the scoring with his second conversion in the game.

Howe of Fife - Thomson; Mitchell, Ellison, Clark, Mann; Guthrie, Lathangie; Player, Steedman, Henderson, Henderson, Lind, Lawrie, Steven, Runciman

Subs - Wilson, Aitchison, Frearson, Ellison, Hodge.

Related topics:National League