Strathmore can take the positives from defeat

Strathmore…….…....….10 Lasswade………...…......19
Strathmore could take plenty of positives from the weekend, despite defeat. Pic by Richard PayneStrathmore could take plenty of positives from the weekend, despite defeat. Pic by Richard Payne
Strathmore could take plenty of positives from the weekend, despite defeat. Pic by Richard Payne

Strathmore headed to this game fourth from bottom and still, arithmetically at least, not clear of the relegation zone.

By contrast, Lasswade are closing in on promotion and possibly the league title.

On paper at least this should have been a bonus point win but it was not to be for the visitors who were given a stern test by the Angus side.

It wasn’t a personnel problem as the Midlothian side now have a squad of 25-30 players all worthy of selection.

Strathie more than held their own in the early exchanges, sharing territory at least equally with the visitors but neither side really threatened the other’s line.

Lasswade broke the stalemate after 10 minutes with a Matt Smith penalty after a deliberate knock on

Butchart missed an opportunity to equalise 10 minutes later but was successful on the half hour.

Matt Smith retook the lead with another penalty for the visitors just before the break to end a rather scrappy first half of less than accurate passing and resultant handling errors.

The second period continued in much the same vein with two more Smith penalties being the only scoring in the third quarter and Butchart again being off target for Strathmore.

The hour was passed before Lasswade finally broke the line.

From a scrum on the left, 22 metres out, the ball was moved through hands to the right where Gladstone made a half break and slipped the ball to Kay to finish off in the corner and confirm his grip on player of the match.

Matt Smith converted from the touchline.

Strathie didn’t give up and were finally rewarded when Lockhart ghosted through a gap to touch down beside the posts, making it easier for Butchart to convert.

With two minutes left, Butchart had the chance to grab a loser’s bonus point but was off target for the third time.

Strathie took a lot of credit from the game game having held the league leaders to one try and penalties.

Lasswade will reflect on an opportunity squandered.

The Six Nations returns this weekend meaning the club calendar is virtually empty. On Match 26, Strathie travel to West of Scotland.