S1 Team
Saturday 28th August - George Watsons College v Howe
Howe S1 take on George Watsons in the first match of the season
The Howe made the perfect start to their Midi career in Edinburgh on Saturday scoring five tries to three in an 18-11 win. The pack led by Dougal Fenton competed and rucked well and secured enough possession for captain Lucas Ellis to bring his speedy back line into play. Wingers Ben Webster and Cameron Patrick both scored along with new boy Ross McFarlane in the centre who looks like he has more to offer. Up front Dougal Fenton and new recruit, Dahir Gallo both finished off some strong forward play with scores from close range. Cameron Laing converted three for the valuable extra points. A short lapse in concentration either side of half time and just before the end and some hesitant defending allowed Watson three tries (two converted) which flattered them a little as the Howe had a strangle hold on for most of the game. Staying focused and a more aggressive “rush defence” will help them back up their attacking play which also needs to be more direct. Things to work on but, most encouraging for the coaches, the whole squad played and contributed to the team win which gives them a well deserved confidence boost for the Season ahead. Three home matches now follow with Dollar next week who the Howe ran very close in a friendly earlier in the year. The Howe boys will be relishing the challenge after such a promising start.
Saturday 20th March - Howe v Madras
Howe played hosts to Madras in the local derby match at Duffus on Saturday. Madras were looking to even the score after just loosing out to Howe 11 - 8 at Station Park in October. It was a very close fought game with end to end rugby right from the start.
Madras opened the scoring with an unconverted try but Howe responded with a well worked try and conversion for Fraser Ellison from a lineout deep in Madras territory. Howe defended well on the restart with much improved tackling after the midweek training sessions, hard work by the forwards won possession that was fed along the line in text book fashion and Fraser was over for his second but the conversion failed to cross the bar.
The Madras pack worked well winning ball for their backs leading to a great run by one of their forwards shrugging off 4 poor attempts at stopping him for a converted try under the posts and it was all square again. The Howe responded quickly with a good run down the wing by Keiran Bremner and a try in the corner. Half time Howe 10 Madras 7.
The second half saw Madras start strongly with a lovely dodging run through the centre of the pitch and they were over for another try and it was all square yet again! The parents on the sideline were getting fair excited now just who was going to walk away with the spoils this time! Some strong work in the mid field won possession for the Howe and the ball was fed right along the line putting Fraser McCallum over in the corner to snatch the lead again, the conversion attempt hit the post and bounced out.
With no more than a minute to go failing to release in the tackle on the Howe 22 saw a penalty go to Madras, taken quickly while the Howe were having an early snooze saw Madras score under the posts and yet again the score was tied. Could Madras snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? It was all down to the last kick, what pressure for a young S1, but he was up to the task a struck a fine ball over the posts and Madras had their win. Final Score Howe of Fife 13 Madras 14, well done to all the boys on both sides for a fine, and sporting, game of rugby.
Saturday 13th March - North Berwick v Howe S1
The Howe S1 travelled to North Berwick on Saturday 13th March on a perfect spring day for a good morning’s rugby. This was truly a game of 2 halves that kept the stand-in coaches Donald and Andy wondering what they had let themselves in for! The Howe showed their lack of match practice in recent weeks with a weak start. North Berwick quickly opened the scoring with a converted try from a break away after some loose tackling. A second try soon followed from a great run from one of their whippet like wingers but the strong wind thwarted their kicker in what would prove to be tough kicking conditions. The restart saw the Howe step up their game with Callum ‘Get out my way’ Harris driving over strongly under the posts for a try.
North Berwick then took hold of the game with their strong pack winning lots of ball and punishing our forwards for being too slow into the ruck and loosing valuable possession, that with some weak tackling resulted in 3 more tries to North Berwick one of which was converted. The Howe responded with a good drive over try for Callum from a well engineered line out just before half time with Berwick leading 17-6.
The second half saw a transformed Howe team take control, Fraser Ellison made a good run from midfield to score and he made a great conversion. The forwards really took the game to North Berwick and intimidated their strong pack winning lots of ball and suddenly we were right back in the game. A quickly taken penalty saw Fraser streak up the pitch for a try, but North Berwick were not finished yet and got a quick try from the restart. Stronger play from our pack saw Murdo ‘I’ll tackle anything’ Sinclair steal the ball from North Berwick and it was fed nicely along the line sending Fraser over for another try that Murdo converted and all was square!
More good rucking by a strong looking team and more good tackling saw Murdo and Liam Sanderson combine to win the possession we needed feeding the ball through the backs and ‘lightening boots’ Ellison was over for another try and Howe were in the lead. Their tails were really up now and Callum barged strongly passed 5 defenders with strong hand-offs and he was under the posts again. Fraser had found his kicking form and converted. The restart saw Steven Dalrymple free for a long sprint up the wing and over for a final try again converted by Ellison and Howe were home free with a well deserved 28 – 20 win.
Saturday 10th October - Trinity Academy v Howe S1
Howe S1's travelled to Edinburgh minus several key players due to the holidays. Playing down the slope in the first half the Howe boys quickly stamped their mark on the game spreading the ball wide to scatter the inexperienced Trinity defence. Good strong running from the inexperienced back line soon lead to Liam San Roman driving over for the first try of the day. The conversion attempt missed, the Howe boys quickly settled down and immediately forced a penalty 10 metres out which was taken quickly and a stunned defence could do nothing when Murdo Sinclair drove over for the converted try. This was followed by further tries from Jamie Hay, who had an excellent game at full back, and scrum half Euan (the snail) Harris. The second half saw the home team step up a gear, pressurising the Howe defence and going over for a converted try. With the game almost over Liam San Roman drove over and scored between the posts making the final score 18 - 4 to the Howe.
Due to mid term, there will be no matches this weekend. We resume the following week (24th Oct) with matches against Dundee High School.
Saturday 12th September - Howe S1 v Dunfermline
Howe S1's hosted their first competitive match of the season against Dunfermline. Historically, previous matches through the mini rugby age group had nearly always gone the visitors way and the away crowd once again sensed an easy victory against the more inexperienced Howe team. Kick off saw the visitors win the toss and elect to play down the hill clearly to build up an early lead, and after some strong forward running against a shell-shocked Howe defence the first of the visitors 3 tries was scored. The conversion attempt aborted by the match official due to too much time being wasted allowed the Howe boys to re-group and get them selves in to the game. Further pressure was absorbed by the endless tackling of Murdo, Liam, Callum Harris and Fraser "the bolt" Ellison which began to frustrate the more dominant team and force mistakes and turnover ball. The Howe boys held out for most of the fist half but conceded a try 5 mins form the break. With the away side upbeat and relaxed the Howe boys began the re-start with renewed self belief and a more aggressive approach towards the more physical opposition. Just before the break they were rewarded when "The Bolt" scored under the posts and converted the try.
A relaxed but stern half time talk installed a bit of self belief in to the Howe boys and playing down the slope the boys started the second half with more optimism. Even though 2 of the Howe players were playing thier first ever game of rugby and 2 more returning to the fold after a couple of seasons away, the determination began to prove frustrating for the away defence which in turn made the Howe boys even more determined this was not going to be an easy day for them. After a further try apiece the last 10 mins saw the Howe trail by 3 tries and one conversion to 2 tries and 2 conversions. With heads held high and some inventive back play form "muscles Dalrymple" at stand off the Howe found them selves camped on the visitors line. A well rehearsed peel from the back of the line out caught the visitors defence napping and suddenly the Howe boys were in front. The final 2 minutes of the game found the Howe boys once again camped in the visitors 22 and a sliced from a panicked defence kick again offered the home team another opportunity to come off the back of the line. This they did so and Liam sailed in between the two static centres for the score and conversion which sealed the match for the home team. Final score Howe S1's 15 Dunfermline 10.
Saturday 29th August - Howe S1s v George Watson's
Howe S1 opened their first game of the season against a strong George Watsons side in thier first 13 a side game. With depleted numbers due to unavailability the visitors assisted with the extra players to give the Howe a full team. Play began with Howe playing up the slope and the boys started the game matching the more experienced Watson's boys in every department. The new half back pairing of Euan Harris and Steven Dalrymple proving to be effective, and with Fraser Ellison joining the line from fullback the Howe boys had the visitors defending more than they anticipated. Eventually though the Watson's boys scored two tries from overlaps with the Howe defence not covering quickly enough to give the visitors a 2 try lead at half time. The second half saw the Howe playing down the slope and very quickly replied with a try to bring them back in the game. The boys played well in the second half but inexperience at the 13 a side game saw a couple of loose kicks and turnover ball providing the more experienced team with the possession required to break down a tiring Howe defence a further 3 times to end the game 5 tries to 1. Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6.00 - 7.30pm, all players and new players welcome.
Boys Finish a Fantastic Season in Style
Howe of Fife's S1 boys were at the back pitches of Murrayfield on Sunday in the scorching heat, to take part in the IRB7's Festival of Rugby. They were competing against fifteen teams from throughout Scotland and teams were not only judged on their rugby ability but also Teamwork, Conduct and Sportsmanship. The boys started of against old foes Ellon and played exceptionally well in their first competitive sevens match running out winners by 7 -1. Next up were the unknown quantity of Kelso who had gone through the season unbeaten. Howe dug deep to pull off a 4-3 victory. The last game was against Linlithgow and again the boys turned on the style to record a 6-1 win. At the presentation of prizes it was announced Howe were the outright winners of the Jim Telfer Fair Play Cup and the even bigger prize of playing the runners up, Ayr, on the main Murrayfield pitch on front of more than ten thousand fans.
The boys went on to a carnival atmosphere and found themselves 2-0 down within the first minute and looked as if their previous efforts in the heat had taken their toll, however the found the reserves to come back and claim a 3-3 draw which was a fair result for both teams.
The coaches would like to thank everyone of the boys in the Sunday's squad as well as the other squad members for their commitment, attitude and behaviour throughout the whole season which culminated in this fantastic win and they can be rightly proud of themselves for being a credit to the club, their parents and most of all to themselves. They have worked hard as a squad for the last few weeks for this tournament and got the reward. Thanks should also go to the large contingent of family, friends and supporters who came along to cheer them on.
The squad for the day was:
Harry Winter, Chris Docherty, Callum Stuart, Andy Dorrans, Robert Douglas, Greg Smart, Denis Potter, Shaun Rennie, Joe Middleton, Lewis Steven, Calvin Edwards and Pat Williams
Stirling 10s
Howe S1 travelled to Stirling for a 10 a side tournament. This was a first opportunity for the boys to play this abbreviated version of the game against teams they had never played at Midi level. First up was Boroughmuir and the boys can certainly count themselves lucky to lose by only two tries to nil as they were very much second best through out the match. Next came Stirling Castle and despite winning 23 7 with tries from Robert Douglas, Denis Potter (2), Harry Winter, with Robert converting three goals the score line flattered Howe. It was a winner takes all against Melrose in the last pool game with a semi final spot for the winner, the boys did pick up the pace a bit and went into the last minute level with Melrose who would go through by virtue of the fact they scored first, however Harry Winter charged through and over the line to allow Howe to scrape into the Semi final. Other scorers were Chris Docherty and Calum Stuart
It was Stirling Monument, who in their pool games, had scored over seventy points that Howe were to meet. The boys really got stuck into this game determined to make up for the previous games and were really unlucky to go down 7 - 5, with Denis scoring Howe's only try. Who knows with a wee bit of luck and consistent refereeing things may have been different. The coaches were pleased that the boys showed their potential in the semi, but disappointed that it took three games to reach that level.
The boys should be proud of what they have achieved in their first season at Midi level, winning more than two thirds of their games against some good opposition, they also picked up the S1 Midlands tournament in March. The coaches would like to thank the boys for their hard work and achievements and look forward to next season in S2. Training will continue on Thursday evenings up until the Summer holidays.
Saturday 28th March - Howe 19 v 11 Dollar
Howe entertained Dollar who narrowly beat them earlier in the season, the boys eager for revenge. Howe started brightly on a bitterly cold wind with Denis Potter and Harry Winter scoring, Dollar pulled one back , only for Lorne Christie to keep the two score advantage. Dollar scored again prior to half-time. The boys knew they had to dig in to beat Dollar and promptly ran in a further three tries by Harry, Lorne and Calum Stuart with Robert Douglas converting one score. Dollar did pull one but it was too late as Howe took the win. The boys played well but and had a bit of belief in being able to beat Dollar. Training continues for the Stirling Tens tournament in April.
Sunday 22nd March - Howe 7 v 8 Dunfermline
Dunfermline gained revenge for their Midlands Tournament defeat over a depleted squad of Howe S1, which was depleted even further in the first fifteen minutes with Lewis Steven and Robert Douglas leaving the field injured for the remainder of the match. Dunfermline went two tries up through their very fast fullback, whom Howe failed to contain. In the second half Howe started to dig in and work as a team resulting in two tries for Lorne Christie, who also coverted one of them. The boys continued to fight and compete well but just couldn't find the winning score, however it was pleasing to see that the boys who stepped in for the absentees put in a solid performance against Dunfermline's best. Next week it's Dollar so hopefully the boys will play to their potential from the first whistle.
Saturday 21st March - Howe 35 v 3 Madras
Howe entertained their close neighbours Madras at Duffus, the Howe started brightly with a well taken try between the post for Robert Douglas, a further three tries were scored through Lorne Christie, Denis Potter and Harry Winter before the break, with Madras pulling one score back. The second half was much the same with fine tries coming from Harry, Denis, Andy Dorrans , Chris Docherty and Shaun Rennie, with Robert converting eight out of his nine attempts. Whilst Howe won very comfortably the boys seemed to have worked it out that they didn't need to play to their potential against a weaker but keen Madras side and should really have doubled the score, particularly if the boys had passed the ball around more, never the less a good work out for them in preparation for Dunfermline the next day.
Saturday 14th March - North Berwick High School 15 v 15 Howe
Howe went down to North Berwick on a high from the week before. Playing in a howling gale Berwick kicked off and Howe replied with good teamwork to score 2 tries from Lorne Christie and Calum Stuart. They then sat back and allowed North Berwick back into the match who replied with their two scores, Howe pulling another on back straight away from the kick off from Harry Winter. The second half was fairly even with Howe scoring from Andrew Dorrans, with Robert Douglas converting his third of the day. Due to ref's decision not to award a blatant penalty to Howe and then reversing the put in for the given scrum allowed Berwick to score and the match was declared a draw with the referee's blowing for full time earlier than expected.
The boys did what were asked and got of to a flier but then, thinking they had done their job relaxed a bit and they know they allowed a team that they should have beaten draw with them. Next week its Madras and Dunfermline, both at home.
S1s Lift the SRU Midlands Under 13 Cup - Sunday 8th March
Howe S1s lifted the prestigious SRU Midlands tournament at a very cold and windy StAndrews on Sunday. This is only the second time in nearly twenty years that a Howe S1 team have won this trophy. The first game saw the obligatory gift of two tries to a large Stirling side in the opening game the boys could have let this affect them, however Howe pulled one back through Denis Potter but despite continual pressure couldn't find another score, losing 7 -3 The boys stepped up a few gears to take on an even bigger Perthshire team and showed how the game should be played, with Denis scoring another three, with Chris Docherty and Harry Winter also scoring, Robert Douglas converting three ensuring an 18 0 victory
It was Dundee Eagles in the Semi Final and after spending the second half in Dundee's 22 no tries were scored by either side, so it was down to the toss of a coin which Howe won, not the best way to progress.
In the final it was Howe's old foes Dunfermline whom were an unknown quantity at Midi level. The boys took the game to Dunfermline with some excellent team work from both forwards and backs resulting in tries from Calum Stuart and Shaun Rennie. Dunfermline scored a consolation in the last play by which time it was Howe's trophy by virtue of the 6-3 result
The coaches would like to thank all the parents for their support throughout the day and especially each and every boy in the squad who, when on the pitch, gave their all and can quite rightly be proud of how they all played and upped their game when required.
Saturday 7th March - Howe 7 v 9 Dundee High School
Howe started the game hoping to learn from the week before, however for the first 20 minutes it was evident they hadn't and were lucky to be down by only two Dundee tries. After that the boys showed the style of rugby they are more than capable of and scored through Harry Winter. Howe started the second half where they left off resulting in Denis Potter intercepting and running three quarters the length of the pitch to touch down, Robert Douglas converting. The match continued to be evenly matched but Dundee scored in the last minute to take the victory.
The coaches were happy that the boys eventually showed their potential but the boys still need to work on their supporting play and winning the ball in the tackle which Dundee were very good at.
Next week its a hard game against North Berwick High School.
Saturday 28th February - Howe 3 v 23 George Heriots
Howe won the toss and elected to play uphill. The first half was continual pressure from Heriots and Howe acquitted themselves well enough to be 3 scores down at half time. Howe managed to score a well worked try for Andrew Dorrans in the bottom corner, and spent more time in the Heriots half but were unable to get anymore scores. Heriots managed to score another 3 tries, one of which was an excellent team effort. Overall Howe were well beaten. The style and manner of the Heriots win should be an incentive for the Howe players to raise their own game.
Saturday 21st February - George Watsons 3 v 13 Howe
Howe visited George Watsons for only their third game in three months. In very windy conditions, Watsons kicked off
only for Howe to keep possession for the next ten minutes resulting in a fine try by Andy Mellon. Howe had most of the possession for the rest of the half, mainly due to great work by the forwards who were excellent at the rucks and scrums, this eventually resulted in a try for Denis Potter. The second half was much the same with a bit more defensive work required due to lack of match fitness beginning to show but still managed two fine tries by Pat Williams, Robert Douglas converting one try. Watsons scored a consolation try but the result was never in doubt. The coaches were pleased the way every boy played and hope they can have a good run in towards the end of the season. Next week George Heriots visit Cupar.
Sunday 18th January - Howe 19 v 13 Perthshire
Howe entertained a much improved and bigger Perthshire on Sunday and were a try
down in the first minute, however the boys responded with a good score from
Guy Wade. Perthshire continued to make life difficult for Howe and scored another try
but again Howe responded with try from Denis Potter. Howe eventually ran out winners with another two tries from Guy and Greg Smart scoring also. Robert Douglas converted four of the five tries.
The boys played better than the previous day and the coaches were pleased with the commitment.
Saturday 17th January - Howe 7 v 18 Glasgow Academy
Saturday saw the S1s play Glasgow Academy in their first game in eight
weeks and it certainly showed over the course of match. After a deadlock for the
first fifteen minutes Glasgow broke through for a couple of tries, both down
to poor tackling. Howe responded with a try from Robert Douglas which
went unconverted. Glasgow scored early in the second half, only for Howe
to score again through Stuart Amos with Robert converting. Glasgow scored
a final two tires to ensure the win.
The long layoff contributed to the rustiness of some of the play but all boys
must commit to the tackle, be more quicker and eager to get the ball and
also retain the ball when going into contact as that was where it was lost on
countless occasions to a very well drilled Glasgow team, particularly their forwards.
Next week the boys are at home to Buckhaven HS where hopefully the boys
will be back into their stride.
Saturday 22nd November - Howe 23 - 0 Strathallan
Howe entertained Strathallan on Saturday afternoon at Duffus Park. They started
very positively, putting Strathallan under immediate pressure which resulted in
a try for Howe by Andrew Dorrans. The boys took the foot off the gas a bit but still
scored a further five tries coming from Guy Wade, Harry Winter (2), Andy Stalker and Lorne Christie with Robert Douglas converting five out of six.
With the squad increasing weekly the boys are going to have to start proving their position in the starting line up and turn the training drills in to action during the
matches. Next week will judge the progress of the boys this year as Howe
welcome Stewarts Melville for the return match.
Saturday 15th November - Morrisons Academy 4 - 16 Howe
A large squad travelled to Crieff on Saturday to play Morrisons Academy. After good
defensive work from the Morrisions' kick off, which found touch, Howe began to put
pressure on Morrisons which resulted in a try from Chris Docherty. Morrisons came
back to score to level the match. After that the boys started playing as a team which
resulted in a further three tries from Harry Winter, Denis Potter and Lorne Christie, with
Robert Douglas converting all four scores.
It was very encouraging to see the forwards working as a unit and providing good ball
for the backs who then used it well. All in all a very good team performance from all boys.
This must be carried forward for next week's visit to Strathallan which will
provide a tough test.
Saturday 8th November - Merchiston Castle 11 - 7 Howe
Howe were away to Merchiston Castle for an afternoon kick off. The match started fairly balanced
and only poor tackling allowed Merchiston to open the scoring. The boys battled back with Lorne Christie
going over for a good score. Merchiston scored another two, again through poor tackling, Howe pulled another one back with Harry Winter scoring, Robert Douglas converting the kick. The match was spoilt
by the home ref persistently blowing for infringements most of which were against Howe to everybody's
frustration and amazement. However some good rugby was displayed by the boys, with their
tackling letting the opposition score soft tries being the only negative on show. The coaches were pleased with the boys attitude and effort to play a flowing game of rugby and will be working on the tackling for next weeks game away to Morrison's Academy.
Saturday 1st November - Howe 41 - 3 Harris Academy
Howe entertained Harris Academy at Wetlands and kicked off uphill. After some
good backs work, Guy Wade scored the first try. The boys continued to play good rugby
throughout the game, resulting in a further ten tries from Lewis Fraser, Stuart Amos,
Robert Douglas, Harry Winter(2), Cameron Durie, Chris Docherty(2) and Lorne Christie(2),
Robert converting eight of the tries. During the game, Howe took the opportunity to mix
positions to practice for future cover in certain positions but in the end Howe were too
strong for Harris, who never gave in. It was good to see the backs had learned from training and are playing better running rugby. Hopefully, this good play will continue next week in what
will be a stiff test against Merchiston Castle.
Saturday 25th October - Dundee High 15 - 4 Howe
After a week’s inactivity last Saturday, the boys travelled to Dundee High School
with a depleted squad due to the holidays. Dundee scored first with an interception
and preceded to score another two tries in the first half. Howe came back stronger
in the second half with some good strong play resulting in a try by Guy Wade, making
his comeback after a lengthy lay off due to injury, with Robert Douglas converting.
Dundee were restricted to one try in the second half. Dundee were the better team
on the day, particularly in the first half, but the boys will need to be switched
on from the beginning and also learn to play the referee and exploit his interpretation
of the rules, no matter how strange. Next week Howe are at home to Harris Academy,
where a full squad is expected.
Saturday 11th October - Trinity 0 - 44 Howe
Howe scored early on with Robert Douglas under the posts. Scrappy play followed for the next 5 minutes before the boys upped their game and ran in a further ten tries from Chris Docherty (3), Greg Smart, Andy Stalker, Lorne Christie, Andy Dorrans, Denis Potter (2), Calum Stuart with Robert converting all eleven tries. This was a good opportunity to mix up the positions and the boys responded well to this. The coaches were pleased with most of the play with the boys showing great touches at times but also know that better sides would take advantage of the few pieces of slack play. Linlithgow High is next week's opposition.
Sunday 5th October
S1s played their second game of the weekend on Sunday, entertaining Kirkcaldy RFC
at a sunny Duffus Park and the boys had learned from the day before and picked their
game up with some great support play from everyone. Scorers were Denis Potter,
Chris Docherty, Andrew Dorrans, Pat Williams, Lewis Fraser, Lewis Steven, and
Greg Smart with Robert Douglas converting six tries. The coaches hope this effort
is repeated next week away to Trinity High in Edinburgh.
Saturday 4th October - Howe 28 - 0 Madras College
S1s hosted Madras College at a wet and windy Wetlands on Saturday. The boys started brightly with Lorne Christie scoring after some good work on the wing. Howe added another two tries before halftime, with Harry Winter and Callum Stuart scoring. Playing the second half downhill a further four tries were scored through Denis Potter, Chris Docherty, Andrew Dorrans and Dan Kesby. Robert Douglas converted all scores. This was a vast improvement from the week before but the boys still need to work more as a unit. None the less, the coaches were pleased with the effort and result despite the terrible conditions they had to play in.
Weekend of the 5th/6th of October
We have two matches this weekend and require all boys to attend
Saturday 4th Oct we play Madras College at home, 9.30am k/o, meet at Duffus changing rooms at 8.45am
Sunday 5th Oct we play Kirkcaldy at home, 1.00pm k/o, meet at Duffus changing rooms at 12.15pm
Saturday 27th September - Stewart's Melville 25 - 0 Howe
S1s travelled to Stewart's Melville College for what would be a tough game.
The first ten minutes Howe were defending their own 22 and Stew Mel eventually
broke through for their first try. Howe continued to play on the back foot for the
rest of the game conceding another six tries. The boys did put a final push in the last
ten minutes but it was a little too late. The boys were well beaten by the hungrier
team and will have to learn to be lot more aggressive, particularly in the breakdown
and keep possession in the tackle. A lot of work needed in these areas before Madras
College next week.
Saturday 20th September - Howe 29 - 0 Queen Victoria School
Howe S1s entertained Queen Victoria School at Wetlands and, once again, started
brightly with an early try from Harry Winter. This week, however, the boys stuck to
the task and, after enduring a lengthy delay for an injury to a QV player, the boys played
excellent rugby. A further seven tries were scored, all due to great teamwork and supportive play. Scorers were Harry Winter (4), Chris Docherty, Lorne Christie, Dan Kesby and Robert Douglas who also converted five scores.
It was pleasing to see the boys had learned from the week before and stepped up to the
plate to play a very good game of team rugby. The coaches were very pleased and hope the same commitment is evident next week away to Stewart's Melville College.
Saturday 13th September - Howe 14 - 7 Robert Gordon's
Howe S1s entertained Robert Gordon's College in a match which kicked off
an hour late. Once again, Howe opened the scoring early on with Lewis Fraser
running in at the corner. The game then turned into a scrappy affair but Howe
scored another try, this time by Andrew Eglinton. Poor play from both sides continued
throughout the rest of the game but again Howe scored another two tries through
Stuart Amos and Callum Stuart, with Robert Douglas converting two kicks. Robert Gordon’s
were gifted two easy tries, which highlighted the lack of committed tackles from the boys.
Whilst the result was never in doubt, the boys know if they continue to play like this
wins will be few and the coaches and boys will be working hard for the visit of Queen Victoria
School next week. Many thanks to all parents who were very supportive.
A Close Run Thing at Dollar - Saturday 6th September
Howe S1s travelled to Dollar in what would be one of the stiffest tests they would face
this year. Howe started brightly with an excellent try down the wing by Lewis Fraser. Dollar
pulled one back and the period was evenly matched, but Dollar scored a breakaway try on the whistle. The second period saw Howe fall asleep yet they still managed to restrict Dollar to only one try. Howe boys came back strong in the third period with some good play by the forwards winning the ball and the backs using it, leading to scores by Lorne Christie and Guy Wade to Dollar's one try. Robert Douglas kicked two conversions. The boys were disappointed with the final result, knowing they could do better and the coaches were very pleased they kept their heads up and managed to come back strongly into the match against a very well drilled Dollar team. Next week, the boys are at home to Robert Gordon’s, who will again provide stiff opposition this early in their Midi career.
Final Score:
Dollar 14 Howe 11
Howe Boys Get Off To A Great Start
Howe S1's welcomed George Watsons for their first proper Midi game. Kicking off uphill at Wetlands, Howe started positively and eventually scoring through a run from halfway by Guy Wade. The rest of the half was fairly evenly matched. Second half gave the advantage of playing downhill and this is where Howe capitalised, by runnng in three well supported tries by Harry Winter, Lorne Christie and Andrew Stalker. All four tries were converted by Robert Douglas. There was some fine work by both backs and forwards and the coaches were pleased with this confidence boosting win and also know the boys can and will develop their game at Midi level.
Howe Vs Jordanhill
Saturday 1st December 2007
A hard fought game against strong opposition away at Jordanhill, Glasgow. The Howe forwards dominated and controlled the game, giving room for the backs to attack. Of the 7 tries scored, a remarkable 4 were forward’s tries. Aidan Dall's growing confidence and ability led to him scoring 3 tries with Hamish Fenton (2), Ian Dawson and Dylan Groat. There were 3 conversions by Calum Willison, a difficult task due to windy conditions. The final score 24 - 4 proved another great team performance.
S1s Have a Fantastic Weekend
Congratulations to all the S1 squad who emerged unbeaten from the Caledonian Midlands finals in Stirling on Sunday. Following 16 - 0 and 20 - 0 victories against Stirling County Castle and Perthshire respectively, the boys met Dunfermline in the semi - final. The Howe produced a display of flowing rugby and emerged deserved 20 - 0 victors. The final against Dundee Eagles was a stunning demonstration match of quality Midi rugby in the Midlands area, and it was in many ways fitting that neither side emerged victors, with each side conceding an unconverted try. That the cup was awarded to Dundee because they scored first in no way detracts from the achievement of the Howe boys. To reach the final without conceding a single point, and then to emerge unbeaten was a great achievement and the S1s should be proud of themselves as the club is. This followed from a convincing 47 - 0 victory over Strathallan Saturday afternoon - a great weekend for all the S1 squad.
Howe take on Stirling County
The S1 boys played Stirling County at home on Sunday. After three twenty minute sessions, the Howe emerged 25 - 8 winners, scoring 6 tries, 4 conversions and a penalty against Stirling's 2 converted tries. The Hoew forwards are now providing the possession the backs need , and the backs are handling the ball with increasing confidence. It is good to see the boys playing as a team, and while there is still room for imporvement, this was a good result. Some of the boys then joined up with S2 to play against Kinross, with some S2 boys making up numbers for the visitors. After two 25 minute halves, the Howe squad had scored five tries and converted four, while Kinross scored 3 tries, converting 1. The final score was 19 - 10. The match was played in good spirit, and despite Kinross being low in numbers, the boys should all be proud of the way they played.
Howe Travel to Robert Gordons
Howe of Fife S1 squad travelled to Aberdeen to meet Robert Gordons College for the first time.
The game was initially very close, with Howe first to score an unconverted George Horne try and Robert Gordons following with a converted try. Although the Howe lost first choice hooker, Hamish Fenton, through injury, the forwards began to dominate, and the backs came into the game, running in a further 10 tries through, George Horne (3 tries & 7 conversions) Aiden Dall (4 tries)
Calum Willison (2 tries & 1 conversion) David Niven's try was the accumulation of hard work from the forwards and backs that were prepared to run at their opposition with David having presence of mind to support on the outside and run in a truly team try. The squad defended strongly and pressurised at all opportunities. Final score 41 - 4
S1 Team Bring Home the Stirling County 10s Trophy
Howe S1s competed on Saturday 21st April at STIRLING COUNTY 10`s tournament
and after winning their first round of games , including a win over
Stirling County, the boys progressed to the final game against Melrose .
This proved to be a very tight affair against a very quick set of backs
for Melrose who took the lead with a try in the first minute . The Howe
boys responded well shortly thereafter with a well worked wingers try
from Gavin Young who showed his pace to go round his opposite number and
score under the posts .
Half time came with the sides equal .
The second half continued to be a close affair with some aggressive
tackling from both sides . A moment of individual brilliance however
from George Horne , P7 , led to howe taking the lead . Running from his
own 22 , having gathered a Melrose attacking kick , George beat
three defenders on his way to score under the posts . Melrose then
spent the next quarter of the game in the howe half , but the tackling
was sound and a win was secured.