Two players, one from each side, did not make it to the kick-off after breaking down during the warm up. But the pitch was in excellent condition which was a surprise to Burn as previous visits had been mud baths, explained by the council’s work on the drainage during last summer.

Burn started well with pressure on the Queensferry line a number of times matched by some scrambling defence and clearances by Ferry. Unfortunately, this pressure could not be converted into points, although Chris Shand did have one penalty kick which was unsuccessful. After weathering the storm for 10 minutes Ferry developed an attack of their own which got as far as 10 metres out from the Burn line where Burn were penalised for coming in at the side. From the resulting line-out Ferry’s hooker was judged to have not thrown in straight – something both hookers suffered from in the strong and gusting wind all afternoon. Ferry did not help their cause by disputing the decision within heating of the ref who marched them back a further 10 metres.

Burn’s lineout was the more effective and Deano at the front gained three steals. Mid-way through the first half following a line-out, Burn No. 9 Boney Anderson had a kick charged down which led to a penalty for Queensferry which was successful. Score 3–0.

At the restart Burn made a substitution which allowed Craig Elliott to move up from second row to prop and the Burn scrum had more effect and win more ball. The rest of the first half was a tight affair with Burn winger John attempting a number of runs and coming in to get involved in the game & perhaps get warm. John was also competitive in the rucks and was successful in winning a number of penalties where Queensferry players judged to be holding on.

The first half ended with the score 3–0 and, as the interval team talk said for both sides, 'all to play for’. From the kick-off it was Ferry’s turn to use the ball but Burn appeared to have gone off the boil and a move allowed Ferry’s left wing to cross the line & run under the posts for an easy conversion. Score 10–0.

Burn fought back with a number of drives and keeping the game tight. Having been awarded a penalty close to the left wing it was a surprise (after the previous miss) that Shand elected to go for the posts, an excellent kick proved successful. 10–3.

As Burn continued to pressure they were judged offside which gave Ferry two penalties that were successful. Burn’s response was a forward drive through a number of phases which led to an opportunity for Craig Elliott to score a try with a stretch to the line & a plea to the ref. Shand was successful with the kick – score 16–10.

The last 10 minutes of the game were as competitive as the rest of the match with both teams desperately trying to get something out of their exploits in the freezing cold. Ferry were worried enough to try a drop-kick which went wide Burn’s final drive was thwarted a number of times by Ferry holding on in the tackle but unfortunately they were unable to score the try to close the gap.

Final score 16–10. Queensferry leapfrog Walkerburn in the league.

Walkerburn’s final home league match of the season sees them take on Gala YM in the local derby this weekend. The following week, Walkerburn welcome back old friends from Cambrian RFC of Wales up for the weekend as part of the 6 Nations.