Last Sunday, the Dundee Valkyries 2nd XV faced a formidable Kelso side, one of the favorites for promotion to Division 1 alongside Perthshire. While we knew this would be a tough contest, the focus was on improving key areas of our game as we prepare for a potential cup run next year.

Our emphasis going into the match was on improving contact skills in attack, particularly in winning collisions to provide quick ball for our backs. Over the course of 80 minutes, I was pleased with the progress we made. Players were attacking the line with good footwork, lowering their body position, and showing fight in the contact area. When our support players arrived, they were accurate in the breakdowns. Despite the final scoreline of 67-7, there were plenty of positives for the coaching team to take away.

Kelso brought a mix of powerful ball carriers and swift, skillful backs. They dominated possession and territory in the first half, and although our team showed grit in defense, a combination of missed tackles and a lack of structure led to Kelso building a significant lead by halftime.

The second half saw an improved performance from the Valks, with strong defensive sets and better phase play in attack. While Kelso continued to add to their try count, the resilience of the Valkyries was clear. Heads never dropped, and the effort across the board was something we can build on moving forward.

A huge congratulations to our players of the day, though in truth, all 17 players on the field gave their all. There were no weak performances; everyone committed fully for the full 80 minutes.

We've faced the two best teams in the league in our first two games, and while the scorelines haven’t gone our way, the team’s effort and spirit have been fantastic. Our next focus will be on improving our defense, and with the same dedication in training, we’re confident good results will follow. Well done to the squad—despite the challenges, the future looks bright!

Players of the match:
Forwards: Steph Lindsay & Jordyn Stuart
Back: Lianne Storey

Written by Gary Mathieson - Dundee Valkyries 2nd XV Head Coach