Sunday 24 February 2013

T T T at Murrayfield


Timothy's Tynemouth Tours  (TTT) led a very successful trip to Murrayfield today.  YC, Emma and Chris Smith were very happy to be escorted to an exciting game of rugby.  Scotland's form has not been the best of late.  But with a recent victory over Italy, and Ireland's loss to England, hopes were high for Scotland to notch a second win in the Six Nations.  This looked unlikely in the first half.  Ireland dominated possession, with inside centre Luke Marshall making several impressive breaks.  Scotland also had a man sin binned.   Ireland were leading 3-0 at halftime, and scored a try through Craig Gilroy at the start of the second half to make it 8-0. 

At this point Scotland's chances looked poor.  Rev T was even lacing up his boots in anticipation of a call-up to the Scottish bench.  In the end his services were not required and Scotland managed to get themselves back into the game.  Greg Laidlaw kicked 4 unanswered penalties, while Ireland missed kicks at goal and generally fluffed their lines.  There was a nail-biting last 5 minutes while Ireland were encamped on the Scottish line.  But Scotland hung on to notch up a 12-8 victory.

Over a de-briefing pint of Bellhaven IPA in The White Hart (Grassmarket), Rev T rapidly entered eulogise mode, declaring that "it had been a great day", "he could die a happy man", and generally leaning on unsuspecting members of the public to join TTT. 

TTT next venture north in 2 weeks time to see Scotland take on Wales.  Don't all rush at once.