On Saturday, 21 September, players and spectators were granted the opportunity once again to experience what is thought to be the world’s oldest varsity match in Edinburgh Rugby’s Hive Stadium. Whilst the capacity of this new venue cannot rival its pre-Covid predecessor, Murrayfield, the atmosphere around the venue certainly tried to.
A healthy selection of food vans, pint stands, and kilted bagpipers helped the occasion to imitate a game of a professional standard, with the home of Scottish Rugby looming large over our heads. After finding our place in the standing section Terrace C, promised by various members of the rugby club in the weeks previous to be “full of chat,” and tucking into a couple of Vitamin Ts, we were absolutely ready for the 2pm kick off. Along with the other 4500 spectators that attended the game, we watched both teams come out through the tunnel and line up for a heartening rendition of ‘Flower of Scotland.’ Under Edinburgh’s characteristically imposing grey skies, the Saints’ fly-half Christopher Schreuder kicked the ball up into the floodlights, and the game began.
The hosts started strongly, scoring first to make it 5-0. Heading back to the changing room, St Andrews had answered back, but Edinburgh still held the lead at 8-5. At this point, Edinburgh supporters produced the majority of the noise. Whilst fans were replenishing pints and grabbing a bite to eat (the Greek street food truck had excellent reviews), St Andrews’ head coach David Morris delivered words of wisdom to his side, who were trailing by three. Whatever he said, it worked. The blues returned to the pitch all guns blazing, quickly capturing the lead, and went on to dominate much of the second half.
Despite a commendable fight back, and various meaningful possessions that put points on the board, Edinburgh were unable to stop the bleeding. Schreuder’s accuracy from the kicking tee proved too costly for the reigning varsity champions. The final score was 24-13 to the visiting St Andrews side, with the Saints retaining the Varsity title after their win at their home ground last year.
Whilst a home defeat is always disappointing, there are lots of positives for the Edinburgh side to take into the new season, as they head down south for a testing fixture against Loughborough this week.
Photo Credits: Nick Argyle