The next round of the Tennant's East League 3 saw Dalkeith on the road to the Borders to play Walkerburn RFC. After last weekend's disappointing defeat, Dalkeith's sole focus all week was to come away with 5 League points to keep up the pressure on league leaders Edinburgh Northern.

With the wind and rain at their backs, Walkerburn kicked the match off. Conditions were always going to play a factor in this game but for the whole match neither side seemed to have any problems. Dalkeith looked the fitter and stronger side and certainly showed I'm the early exchanges that they were here for the sole purpose to win. Rae and Davidson in particular were carrying the ball well and making inroads through the home defence. The young lock looks as if he is enjoying the step up from colts to senior rugby.

The first try came from good inter passing from the forwards to set up Groom who passed out to Paton and with a gap in the defence, he breezed through to score with Lockhart converting. The next score came from right wing Howden, who used his power and pace to go round his opposite number to race in a score near to the posts. Dalkeith now led 14-0.

Walkerburn even this early in the game were showing signs of tiredness and this played into the hands of the dynamic Dalkeith team. Young full-back Lockhart was next to score, his raw pace in open play is a joy to watch and with space aplenty in front of him he just pins his ears back and goes. He outpaced 4/5 defenders to score and convert his try. With the restart and some excellent carries from the forwards, Tokarski was next to score. Dalkeith now had the try bonus point on the half hour. With the kick successful, Dalkeith were looking comfortable at 28-0. Rae was relishing the restarts as he caught everything kicked at him and on another catch and run he made good ground before being tackled. With support on hand, he set up a ruck and quick ball to the onrushing Mackay, the big prop set up another ruck. Cummings, Henderson and Tait showing great awareness at the breakdown allowed another quick pass to Graham - who was starting his first league game this season - to fend off a defender and run in to score his second try in Dalkeith colours a la Chris Ashton bellyflop! Again, Lockhart was on hand to kick the conversion. 35-0.

The game took a turn for the home side with a very opportunist try. A mistake in the Dalkeith back line saw Walkerburn gather the ball and head towards the line. Although Dalkeith made a good effort in defence, the home side managed to get the ball over the white wash for their first score of the day. Missed con. 35-5. With time ticking down to half time, good work from Tokarski at the breakdown allowed Dalkeith to gain possession. Quick ball from Groom to Paton allowed Simpson to catch and pass to No 14 Howden to score his second try of the game.

HT 42-5.

The second half got underway and straight away Dalkeith's aggressive approach was clear to see. Dalkeith forwards overturned the ball and good support play from Tokarski and Smith saw the veteran full-back go over for a 7th Dalkeith try. Lockhart was on hand to kick the conversion 49-5. Over the next few phases of play, the referee somewhat decided to slow Dalkeith down by giving the home side penalty after penalty. With nothing coming from them, Dalkeith went up another level and scored a good try through Rae. The Dalkeith VC playing number 8 looks at ease picking and going from the scrums and at the rucks. He was on hand to score for Dalkeith's 8th try. Lockhart missed his first conversion of the day. Walkerburn were still wanting to play rugby but when the Dalkeith backs were given the ball, the pace in attack was simply too fast and good for the home side. Next to score was left winger Goodman, having received the pass from Simpson, he cut inside and ran in to score a well worked try. Dalkeith brought on Cooper, Allan and Taylor to have a run out.

Dalkeith's next try was a carbon copy of the previous one. Good hands and support play saw Goodman score again. Lockhart converted. Tokarski again was proving a thorn in Walkerburn's side, he turned over the ball and quick hands saw Rae cross the line for his second score of the game. Paton duly converted.73-5.

Walkerburn didn't give up the whole game and with good hands scored nearvthevpists with the conversion slotted, 73-12. Dalkeith came straight back and with Captain Simpson running really well and assisting all day set up the ball for Dalkeith to secure possession. From the ruck, Paton once again glided past to score. He duly kicked the conversion. Dalkeith now led 80-12 going into the last 15 mins. The conditions overhead and underfoot were not great for rugby but Dalkeith seemed to relish this. After more pressure from the Dalkeith pack, Tokarski received the ball and danced over the line. The final points of the game coming from the try scorer himself. 87-12

This was the best way Dalkeith could bounce back from the disappointment of last weekend.

Everyone deserves a huge pat on the back for their efforts. Next Saturday sees us play the last team in the league - Queensferry. With this, we will see what we have to do to when we start the second half of the league. Great win for the boys, they never let up the whole 80 minutes. From a coaching point of view, I couldn't be more happier and prouder of the lads to bounce back the way they did. Well done all, next up Queensferry - on an all weather artificial pitch.

Mike Goodman
Head Coach