It was our Colts 2nd game in the East of Scotland Cup. They had beaten Duns at home the previous week and were travelling to the oldest club in Scotland unconvinced that any pitch could be playable given the weather. Two hours later, they reached Langholm's own little eco climate on a pleasant Saturday afternoon.

It was important to show spirit from the start and our supporters were not disappointed. After securing the ball from the kick-off, it took a couple of minutes to settle. Four minutes in and 'Muir had a line-out just inside Langholm's half. Everything clicked, line secured and the ball was fired out the line to Johnny Byrne-Leitch on the wing. Try number 1 in the far corner with no conversion. 5-0.

Langholm retaliated quickly from the restart, willing to front up to a bigger, tighter pack and pressured 'Muir, resulting in a penalty on the 'Muir 22. The kick went wide and the counter attack was on. After several phases of play, 'Muir had an attacking line on Langholm's 22. The lineout was again sound and the driving maul took them to the line. Ross Latto peeled off for try in the corner on 15 minutes. From the restart, more pressure was applied by the home team, forcing yet another penalty in front of the posts for off-side. A reprieve again. Phew!!

'Muir didn’t hold back and pushed forward straight away, turning over a line and pushing the ball out wide. When the ball moves smoothly, good things happen and we weren’t disappointed when Andrew Bulumakau made a great run in from the wing for 'Muir's third try and duly converted by Rory Scott. The home team continued to pressure 'Muir but in a common theme of good counter attack, 'Muir caught a failed clearance and applied the formula of expansive rugby and good secure phases resulting in Ross Latto getting his second try after some cheeky side stepping out wide. Converted cleanly again by Rory Scott, this brought the score to 24-0 as half-time approached.

Never giving up, Langholm were keen for revenge and as the clock passed 35, they were rewarded by a try under the posts as the whistle blew. H/T 7-24

With team changes applied and a relatively tidy first half under their belt, it took Muir 10 minutes and a few dropped balls to score again, compliments of Jack Hall on the wing with a great run down the line. From the restart, the ball was caught cleanly yet again by Alistair MacKenzie who was safe and sound with the high ball all day. The game took a turn at this point and for the last 20 minutes of the game, ''Muir could not clear their half. Defending was sound but the counter attacking didn’t result in any scores. The poor weather and disturbed training perhaps showing through.

However, the full-time score of 7-29 takes the team to the next round. Thanks to Langholm for their hospitality. They have a promising future at only 2 seasons old.

Saturday 6th March sees Muir at home in the next round against Kelso Quins

Saturday 13th March again at home in the National Cup versus GHA