Kings Park was the setting for a top of the table clash today between Dalkeith RFC and Edinburgh Northern RFC. Dalkeith started the game as the only team in the league with maximum points.

The game started positively for the home side with some early possession and strong ball carrying from the larger forwards. Northern’s defence was solid however with few gaps being found by Dalkeith. Northern set the tone for the afternoons set pieces when they turned over Dalkeith’s first line-out.

First blood went to the visiting side on 5 minutes when they were able to exploit some poor defensive line speed and work the ball out to the wing for an easy try by their veteran #20; conversion kicked by #10.

Northern had the better of the play, finding space behind the Dalkeith line with some accurate kicking from 10. Most of the early play taking place in Dalkeith’s half. Some last ditch tackling on the wing preventing Northern from scoring again. Dalkeith relying on some good kicking from Stephen Paton to relieve the pressure. 15 Minutes in and Northern had an excellent chance after stealing the ball in a scrum, poor passing from the Northern backs a welcome relief for Dalkeith. Dalkeith slowly started to return to their forwards ball carrying strengths. Scott Rae and Colin Tait carrying well. Northern’s kicking behind the lines a constant threat throughout.

Northern continued to apply set piece pressure with some excellent scrummaging and line-out turn overs. The visitors seeming to be the more aggressive of the two teams. Some excellent hands from the Northern forwards following a line-out drive and maul proving too much for the Dalkeith defence. Gaps formed and a great line ran by Northern’s #15 providing the visitors second try; conversion kicked by #10.

20 minutes in and the visitors lead 14-0.

Dalkeith reacted positively with an excellent restart kick by Paton, Dalkeith’s number 8 Tokarski chasing down and levelling Northern’s #5 with a strong tackle. Some sloppy play from both teams slowing the pace of the game. Both teams focusing on ball carrying forwards. Dalkeith struggling to breach an organised Northern defence. Dalkeith’s #12 Andrew Hamilton the only home player finding spaces in the Northern line with some excellent breaks but poor passing from the supporting Dalkeith backs preventing any progress. With Dalkeith penned in their own 22 some quick hands by Northern again releasing their veteran winger #20 for a near identical try to the visitor’s opener; Northern’s #10 missing the conversion.

27 minutes played visitors lead by 19 points to 0.

Dalkeith again reverting to forwards ball carrying drawing in the Northern defence allowing #12 Hamilton to break the line but again poor passing from the supporting backs causing the move to break down. Dalkeith started to grow into the game. Scott Rae and Colin Tait again with some excellent carrying. Dalkeith’s Euan Lockhart and Mitchell Goodman beginning to take the game to the visitors. Dalkeith unlucky several times with some excellent defensive tackling from Northern preventing points being scored by the home side. Positive and strong running from Dalkeith’s #8 Tokarski almost providing an opportunity but again an organised Northern defence proving too much for Dalkeith to penetrate.

Overall a very disappointing display from the home side with Edinburgh Northern heading into the break deserving leaders 19-0.

Dalkeith started the second half positively but again poor passing by the backs saw the ball thrown straight into touch. Some good play from the Northern forwards breaking Dalkeith’s defensive line creating space for #14 to run in Northern’s 4th try of the game; conversion missed. Northern lead 24-0. Northern dominated the early possession with Dalkeith relying on some excellent tackling to prevent Northern stretching their lead further. Dalkeith #10 fortunate to avoid a yellow card for a tip tackle. Dalkeith did increase the pace of their play with several quickly taken penalties forcing Northern back into their own 22 zone.

Excellent wing play by Robbie Lockhart providing Dalkeith with their first score of the day. Unfortunately, Euan Lockhart’s conversion was charged down after attempting a 10 yard run up despite only being 5 yards from the posts.

Northern struck back immediately with a well-executed chip and chase over the Dalkeith defensive line. Northern’s #12 getting the ball down over the line.; conversion kicked by #10. Poor passing and handling by the Dalkeith backs again preventing any pressure from being applied to Northern. Some strong running by Robbie Lockhart and Andrew Hamilton being the main threat from the home side. Some crunching tacking by the well organised Northern defensive line preventing the Dalkeith forwards breaking through.

30 minutes into the second half and Dalkeith started to dominate possession with the home team still trailing 31-5.

Following a good run by Euan Lockhart who evaded some tackles on the right wing, Andrew Hamilton offering the supporting run gets over the line for Dalkeith’s second try of the game. Again conversion missed by Euan Lockhart. Dalkeith really upping the tempo, some excellent passing between the Tokarski brothers sees the ball worked out quickly to the right wing for Jamie Simpson to score; conversion by Euan Lockhart. Visitors lead 31-17. Despite an increase in tempo in the final 10 minutes Northern run out deserving winners 31-17.

Dalkeith’s poor opening 30 minutes ultimately deciding the game.