An End Is A Start: A Warm Welcome to Edinburgh Northern's Blog

Greetings Northerners.

Welcome to the first entry of our new feature, a weekly blog regarding all things Edinburgh Northern RFC – Edinburgh’s premier social rugby club.  

It’s quite a strange thing, starting a blog as the 2024-2025 season comes to a close. So why a blog, you ask?

In this age of 25/8 social media content, and the constant rat race of delivering stakeholder value, nothing quite beats sitting down to “enjoy” a piece of writing, a bit of traditionalism. Dare I say it, it’s a smart shirt and tie versus the easy satisfaction of the sh*t shirt at the post-match – a touch of class in an epoch of cheap thrills. 

What is the blog?

First and foremost let's alleviate the worries of some of our more seasoned readers, this isn’t another Cockerel Cast – our podcast during the Covid pandemic - and you won't have to endure my writing every week. 

It is hoped going forward that others bring fresh ideas to the table and contribute content, with the aim that this becomes a multi-content platform, with items ranging from weekly round-ups, events, match reports and everything else in-between. 

Remember, in the words of Uncle Joe Smith:

ask not what your club can do, but what you can do for your club.

With that spirit ringing in your ears, we would advertise that opportunity is available from now to anyone involved with the club, so please contact the web admin, Cameron Blackwood, if you are interested in getting involved.  

But let’s begin as we mean to continue with our first ever weekly round-up. 

1st XV

For Edinburgh Northern’s 1st XV, the season concluded at Duns on Saturday with an end of season bus trip – no additional excuse required to get a bit carried away. The game itself was a belter, with Edinburgh Northern eighteen points down at one stage. A strong contribution from the bench saw them turn the game around, eventually running out 33-24 winners. Tries were scored by Ben Rutter (x2), Dan Munro, Paul Holland and Peter Cavens. Crebhan Hughes contributed three conversions of the tee. 

That result meant a third place league finish in what has been a tough season, with a dominant Earlston taking both league and bowl honours. There is however great depth to build on next season.

Rugby is a team sport, but on a personal note, Saturday saw Jamie McCann's final appearance as captain. The effort Jamie has put into the club over the period has been exemplary, and although last year’s Regional Bowl is a limited reward for those efforts, the foundations have been built for future success. 

We hope to bring you a short interview with him early next week reflecting on his time leading the club so he can tell you the story of that time in his own words. 

2nd XV

For Edinburgh Northern’s 2nd XV, league action continues for another fortnight, with the very real possibility of a league title. Saturday, however, saw them go down bravely in defeat, losing 43-38 away to Dalkeith RFC – this was later rectified to a 28-0 win for Northern in the name of sporting integrity (due to Dalkeith fielding multiple ineligible players). Tries were scored by Jamie Fraser, Cian Scully, Lee Tenant, Frederick Reece (x2). Luke O’Riordan scored 3 conversions off the tee. 

Familiarity breeds contempt, which meant the Super 2s knew what awaited them in Midlothian, and it was a bruising encounter form the first minute. Northern started brightly before the physical nature of the opposition began to tell. Both sides exchanged scores for 60 minutes, with Dalkeith pulling away in the final quarter. A late red card for a vicious slide tackle saw the hosts reduced to 14 men, setting the scene gloriously for a last minute wonder try by Cian Scully which would have won a crucial losing bonus point.   

The spirit shown by all 22 men was tremendous and despite the Dalkeith side being complimented with a number of 1st XV players, Northern with a touch more accuracy at the breakdown could, and perhaps should have won. In the words of our esteemed team secretary, Peter Tierney, citing his lifelong hero Winston Churchill :

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

Watsons lie in wait at Myreside next week, with another win required to keep the possibility of league showdown at league leaders Thebans on 5 April alive. 

A Date For The Diary  - 5 April 

Regardless of the outcome of the Thebans game, we would like to extend an invite to all associated with Northern to join us at the Bunker on the evening of 5 April to celebrate the end of the season. 

With pre-season having started in July, it’s been eight months of near constant rugby, and there’s nothing better to see out the old than a good knees up. 

With this in mind, the bar will be well stocked, and house band Jammie’s & Baffies will be playing their usual set of raucous tunes till the small hours. Get involved. 

Conclusion

As suggested above, we'll aim to bring that interview with Jamie McCann to you at the end of the week.  

Also, another date for the diary - the Northern 7s will be held on April 19th - get to Inverleith park for a fantastic day of rugby!

In the interim, we hope you have a pleasant week and we look forward to seeing you at the club in the near future!

Michael Mawdsley

Credits to Dalkeith RFC and Duns RFC for the pictures.