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 In his opening
speech at Sunday Morning's SRU proposed 4 year business plan to a packed
President's Suite @ Murrayfield, SRU CEO Phil Anderton (pictured) commented on
how he had been to a rugby match the previous day and watched an exciting No 10
do the damage on the opposition. He wasn't talking about Johnny Wilkinson
either! He was talking about Broughton's Stand-Off Paul Hamer who's
hat-trick of tries helped put Broughton back to the top of the pile as fellow
title challengers Lasswade defeated 2nd top Penicuik 16-10.
Anderton made several references to the set up at
Broughton and the pride and passion which he found was at the heart of a club
playing grassroots rugby in what is troubled times for the game North of the
Border.
The pies made way for the homemade sarnies for the
arrival of the big chief and fast flowing and dynamic rugby was also on the menu
of the day. However, the starters were off as it was boot of Dunbar
Stand-Off Jamie Peters who slotted over the opening points by way of a penalty
in front of the posts. The restart was delayed as the referee requested a
new ball due to the lack of air in the original. Plenty of hot air was
supplied at this stage from the Tourist's technical area to blow a thousand
balls!!
The write-up deteriorates at this point as shortly
afterwards, Broughton's Adam McFarlane had to retire after a blow to the ribs
and your scribe had to put down his pen and take the field to restore the scrum
numbers.
Thankfully, most of the 4 Broughton tries were
scored when pace was involved so I still had a great view from half-way!
The outstanding try of the day came after a speculative kick up-field in the 2nd
half by the Dunbar outfit bounced over Sarge (not difficult at 3ft something!)
and into the hands of Paul Hamer who danced through several attempted tackles
tight on the far touchline to go over the line for his second of the day.
His hat-trick try came from a kick through which he chased and out-paced the
Dunbar defence in a one on one race to the line and his close control soccer
skills allowed the ball to sit up nicely for him to get downward pressure on the
ball.
Dan Arrandale notched his 3rd try in as many weeks as he
combined with No.8 Duncan Nicolson at the back of a Broughton scrum near the
visitors line and a neat inside ball allowed our man from Soap-Dodger City to
crash over in front of the sticks. It has been some time for Dan of late
as he proudly announced that Naomi is pregnant. There is no truth in the
rumour that Coxy will bring in a DNA kit from work shortly after birth (June
time I hear) to check Dan's Paternal claim!!
So, a great day at the office for a Broughton
outfit who go back to the top of the table, one point ahead of Penicuik and 2
ahead of Lasswade, both of whom have to visit Wardie, where Broughton have not
lost in the league so far this season.
Dunbar will be disappointed not to have penetrated
the Broughton line despite camping in the home red-zone for some 15 second-half
minutes and it is defensive displays like these which make or break the season.
Next week, we aim to end the year on a high when
we travel up to Inverleith Park to take on 3rd bottom Royal Infirmary. We
won't take them lightly as they have a couple of strong players who will make it
difficult for us and they will be aiming to end the year with their first back
to back victories, having disposed of Portobello 17-12 at the weekend.
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