The squad travelled South to Moffat encouraged by their previous two visits, having won the tournament in 2012 and 2013. Having had success last season at this tournament, we went on to win the league and gain promotion, so this year’s Moffat 10s would be a great addition to our pre season training.

As always, the travelling Green Army Support were vocal, enthusiastic and cheered the boys on throughout. A surprise at this year’s tournament saw Dalkeith stalwart Tony ’Rambo’ Aitken’s stag doo descend on Moffat and this more than doubled the support, to which the boys could show off their rugby talent.

In the first game, Dalkeith were due to play Annan but as they were a no show, the organisers decided to do a round robin with the group. The first game was against Creighton RFC, an exciting side from South of the border. Dalkeith, right from the off, took the game to the opposition and quickly ran in 3 unanswered tries. The second half saw much of the same, turn over ball, this in turn was quickly distributed through the hands and a score under the posts.
Final score Dalkeith 54 Creighton 0.

The second game saw us take on old foes Earlston. Like Creighton before, there was no stopping the now fast flowing Green Machine. Confidence was sky high and every turn over ball was ran back at the now bewildered Earslton defence. Great defensive work from Reid, Ramsay and Duke at the breakdown often produced the ball or a penalty decision from the referee for holding on. Power, pace and precision saw Dalkeith run out worthy winners of the round robin group 29-0.

With Annan unavailable, this victory saw Dalkeith grace the final for the third year in a row and would await the winners of the other group. Hawick Quins were victorious with a proud record of played 3 won 3. A great final was now expected.

The final started competitevely, with both sides eager to attack when they had the ball, but great defence from both sides saw the first half ebb and flow between the sides. Dalkeith began to get the upper hand in the tackle and the ruck, and superior fitness was now beginning to tell. Turn over upon turn over saw the ball move out into the space and the tries started coming. The Quins began to wilter in the heat of battle and as tempers began to rise, the referee had no choice but to ask the Quins number 8 to leave the pitch for foul play. This would not deter the mighty Greens from scoring a further 2 tries. As the final came to an end, Dalkeith’s white wash was breeched for the first time, a consolation try for the Quins. As the referee blew the whistle for full time, the jubilant Dalkeith support and players alike celebrated success at the Moffat 10s for a third year in a row.
Final score Dalkeith 31 Hawick Quins 5. Dalkeith Captain Ryan Reid accepted the new trophy and the Shield and all the players celebrated out on the pitch.

Dalkeith RFC Moffat 10s squad - Rae, Hay, Whitson, Duke, Dahlstrom, Nethery, Banks, McMillan, Hamilton S, Hamilton A, Ramsay, Walker, Brady, Swanson and Reid (Capt)