02/02/2026
๐ MATCH REPORT: Waid Academy 5โ37 Bannockburn RFC
Another away day. Another bonus point. Another top-tier bus journey.
There are few fixtures the lads look forward to more than an away trip to Anstruther โ a tough game of rugby, famously good hospitality, an award-winning chippy, and (usually) a lively sing-song on the way home. This weekend didnโt disappoint, as Bannockburnโs 1st XV came away with a 5โ37 bonus-point win over Waid Academy.
Burn set up to receive the kick-off and, after a few early exchanges, immediately began applying pressure. An early break was illegally stopped, and Captain Oliver Mole had no hesitation in taking the three points on offer to open the scoring.
Moments later, the backs really started to click. Some slick passing and a superb tip-on from winger Scott St. John put Claudio Swinton through for the opening try, with Mole adding the extras to make it 0โ10.
Waid responded well and put Bannockburn under sustained pressure after a kick-off wasnโt fielded cleanly. The home side camped in the Burn red zone for a period, but strong defence, patience, and a crucial stolen lineout allowed Bannockburn to escape and flip the pressure.
Back in open field and playing with confidence, a quick tap penalty from Nick Davidson caught Waid napping, and winger Kieran Marsilli finished smartly in the corner for his first try for the club โ helped along nicely by club stalwart Mark โSparkyโ Wetton, who generously provided the assist. Conversion missed, 0โ15.
Burn were now in full flow. Stretching the pitch and using the width well, Scott St. John was again the architect, this time sending Captain Mole under the posts for the fourth score of the half. Mole converted his own try to take the lead to 0โ22.
To their credit, Waid lifted the tempo and capitalised on a few Bannockburn errors and penalties, spending the final minutes of the half on the Burn line. After a solid defensive stand, the pressure eventually told and Waid crossed just before halftime. Conversion missed, 5โ22 at the break.
Knowing nothing less than a five-point win would do, Bannockburn came out fired up for the second half. Waid, playing their final home match of the season, werenโt going quietly โ but ill discipline cost them dearly. After a bit of handbags and pressure building, Sparky Wetton showed heโs still got the glide, crossing the line to secure the try bonus point. Conversion missed, 5โ27.
Then came one of the moments of the match: โBig Alโ MacDonald went on a rampaging carry that sent defenders scattering โ and unfortunately sent Waidโs prop to the sin bin after a high hit in frustration. With uncontested scrums on offer, Burn kept the pressure on. Another Waid penalty followed, and Mole again made the sensible call to take the three points: 5โ30.
With fresh legs on and the game stretching, Bannockburn werenโt finished yet. A loose exit kick late on fell straight into the hands of Cammy Samuel, who needed no second invitation. From around 30 metres out, Cammy pinned his ears back, beat two defenders, and finished brilliantly for Burnโs fifth try. Converted to round things off at 5โ37.
Coach David had this to say "Really proud of how the lads have bounced back this week. After the disappointment of last week for the lads to travel and secure the bonus point in the manner they did was great. To see all the hard work at training being applied during the game was great to see"
A tough, physical contest and a professional performance away from home โ bonus point secured, spirits high, and attention now turns to the next challenge.
๐ Next up: Away to Arbroath โ 7th February.
