Livingston work hard in Defeat against League Leaders

Livingston welcomed league leaders Dalziel to Almond Park on a blustery Saturday afternoon.

Livingston fought hard from the very first whistle but went behind to a Dalziel penalty. Livingston were playing well against the Lanarkshire side and were rewarded with a try after a period of sustained pressure. Livi took the game to Dalziel, the Livi pack got within yards of the line when Craig Bolan crossed for the home team. Bolan converted his try to put Livingston in the lead 7-3.

Livingston continued in the same vain but were unable to cross the Dalziel line. The pressure led to only one penalty, which was duly converted by Bolan. Livi led 10-3. Dalziel clawed their way back into the game and scored a try after some resolute defence from the home team. The Livi fans voiced their displeasure as it looked like at least one forward pass during the move. The try was unconverted and the home team led 10-8. Livingston struck one more penalty before half time. However Dalziel scored another try just before the break and a penalty. The half-time score was 13-16 to the away team.

Dalziel kicked another penalty to take the score to 13-19 just after the break. Livingston were competing and deserved to come away with something from the game. However, their hopes of this were dented when after a sliced kick the offside Dalziel winger knocked the ball on by at least 5 meters. Unfortunately the referee was oblivious to all of these factors and awarded the away team the try. The try was converted and score was 13-26.

The home team kept fighting but failed to turn possession and territory into points. Dalziel were to score one more try before the end of the game and take the score to a flattering 13-31. Livingston can be proud of their performance, they defended as a team well, the backs made good line breaks and the forwards gave a good account of themselves dominating the scrummage and maintaining parity at the lineout.

Livingston now have won 4 and lost 4. They next entertain Royal High Corstophine at Almond Park and would hope to get back on winning form.

The Livingston team was:

1. Scott Cantley
2. Ally Laird
3. Brian Middlemass
4. Stuart Mushet
5. Gary Wilson
6. Robbie Wilson
7. Stevie Logan (c)
8. David Stone
9. Alistair Scobie
10. Craig Bolan
11. James Stuart
12. Glen Mushet
13. Mark Douglas
14. Ian Simmons
15. Richard Cooper

Replacements.
Stephen Hay, Jamie, King and Lewis Cantley