IF AN early loss this season suggested Boroughmuir had a new vulnerability, Saturday's convincing win over Watsonians at Myreside thrust forward an alternative view.
They may still lie four points behind leaders Ayr, with their meeting at Burnbrae on Saturday week now a hotly anticipated fixture, but the manner with which they dominated proceedings in wet and blustery conditions pointed to a steely desire to stay
on top.
Malcolm Clapperton has two Division One and two Scottish Cup winner's medals safely tucked away, but the 30-year-old's determination to attain hat-trick status was as clear when he came off the field on Saturday as it had been for the previous 80-odd minutes on it.
Clapperton has been a linchpin in Boroughmuir's rise to the top, a central talent in their often-stunning style of expansive rugby, but he wore a wide smile after his side had gripped a game which sides of the past might easily have fallen out of.
"I know what this squad is capable of and we've been playing well within ourselves," he said. "I've been fortunate to play in some very good Boroughmuir teams, but I would say that this could be the best, if we stick together and work harder.
"Before this game, we hadn't played at 80, in fact 60 per cent of our ability this season, but we've been winning. The coaches, senior players, everyone, had their say before training last week where the gist was that we had to lift our intensity. The training was excellent after that and we carried that into the game. It might not have been a pretty match – the weather played a part in that – but we still won comfortably and there were more tries there that we didn't take."
Now 30, Clapperton could easily be the most consistent club player over the past decade. He might have greater accolades if circumstances had been different and he was afforded a place in the pro ranks, mingling with better players. He is too modest to dwell on it, but clearly has a drive to ensure this Muir squad do not fall short of their promise.
Saturday's performance, in that regard, provides a good foundation in terms of the way Muir worked hard and aggressively in defence to blunt the hosts' attack and then clinically pierced Watsonians' armour with potent strikes.
Torrie Callander's side fought with a real spirit, but their drifting, lateral running – one of the few exceptions being hooker Gregor Wood, who provided almost all of Watsonians' impetus latterly – both owed something to and aided the visitors' defence.
Boroughmuir had built up a 21-9 half-time lead with tries finished by wing Ed Mills and Freddie Lait, the prop, from a superb counter-attack launched by Greig Cottrell, and the pack's picking-and-driving skills. Three penalties and a conversion from Elgan O'Donnell also outshone three penalties from Watsonians' fly-half Mike Ker – scant reward for good periods on the front foot in the Muir 22 – but a five-minute spell midway through the second half painted the difference between the sides in bright hues.
A speculative high kick from deep in Watsonians' territory bounced on halfway and while home players danced about, Greig Scott, the Muir lock, took possession and galloped past defenders and round the last one to score at the posts. Four minutes later, Watsonians butchered another attack by taking ball into contact with men out wide, Muir again turned them over and drew each defender and passed to leave Olo Brown and Tom Bury with a 2-on-1 which the flanker exploited to send Bury in for a bonus-point try.
That summed up Muir's display: it seemed simple, but was built on great industry, something Clapperton hopes will differentiate the club's season from this point on – it was at Myreside last year where they suffered their first defeat – to that of the first five weeks.
"People saw us as favourites because we were champions and you'd say the ELVs suit the way we play, but you still have to work very, very hard. We are known as a counter-attacking side, but we worked hard to improve our skills in that this summer. The ELVs provide great chances at turnovers, but you have to be quick and determined to get the ball, and make the quick passes away from the breakdown.
"It can be difficult repeating success, but we've got a team full of guys who want to win things, who want to play representative rugby when that comes round and who want to be the best in their position in this league, and that's why I think this could be the best Boroughmuir team yet."
It is a compelling argument and one that falls to Heriot's this weekend and then Ayr to dispute. Boroughmuir won their first silverware on Saturday in the shape of a trophy presented by Val McNish to Meggetland skipper Fergus Pringle, in memory of Allan McNish, who played for both clubs.
If Boroughmuir's improvement and work-rate continues along the lines Clapperton desires, it is already an even-money bet that there will be more heading to Meggetland this season.
Scorers: Watsonians: Pens: Ker 3. Boroughmuir: Tries: Mills, Lait, Scott, Bury; Pens: O'Donnell 3; Cons: O'Donnell 3.
Watsonians: A Nash; A Rowe, R Minto, J Blackwood, T Saena; M Ker, E Howe; A Fisher, G Wood, K Coertze, T Callander (capt), A Tweed, S Paulo, J Pelter, G Hills. Subs used: G Scott, N Hart, B Di Rollo, D Brown, I Condell.
Boroughmuir: G Cottrell; T Bury, M Clapperton, E O'Donnell, E Mills; M Cannon, C Cusiter; C Costigan, B Ross, F Lait, G Scott, F Pringle, O Brown, E Matheson, A Martyn. Subs used: S Waddell, J Hare, N Malloy, A Sievewright, K Eseonu.
Attendance: 400.
Referee: A Healy (GHA).
