Jacobsen signs off in nostalgic day at Preston Lodge

Fittingly, Allan Jacobsen scored two tries for hometown club Preston Lodge on Saturday in a match played to mark the end of his professional rugby career.

The prop, known throughout Scottish rugby as Chunk, was the star of the show as a Preston Lodge XV defeated charity side The Pigbarians 47-28 in a cracking “friendly” at the Pennypit.

The home side came out of the blocks flying in East Lothian, notching up two converted tries in the first of three periods played.

Firstly winger Jonny Brash took advantage of a deft crossfield kick to score in the corner and then a great team move led to hooker Stuart McLean crashing over.

In the second period The Pigbarians, due much to the promptings of stand-off David Blair, turned things around and from 14-0 down they were soon 28-14 to the good.

Winger Craig Parker showed good pace and composure to run in a hat-trick of tries and then a good break by full-back Danny Waldman set up other winger Geoff Caldwell for their side’s fourth try.

Just before the end of the period Dougie Thomson managed to grab one back for PL and at 28-21 to the outfit who raise money for Dreamz4U things were well poised. With Jacobsen back in the front row PL took control again in the third and final period, the prop scoring two close-range tries much to the delight of the crowd as they went up 33-28.

Darren Eales and Jordan Eales then also got themselves on the scoresheet to complete the 47-28 victory and finish a worthwhile pre-season run out for all involved.

As well as the match, there was a lunch at which Jacobsen’s career with Scotland and Edinburgh was recalled, and the official opening of Preston Lodge’s new clubhouse at Prestongrange.