Rugby: Going back to roots paying handsomely says Di Rollo

Premier B will start shortly comprising the bottom four in the top rank and the leading quartet in the second tier competing for two places in a new ten-team club elite.

Di Rollo, 33, gained 21 Scotland caps between 2002-07 all at centre but is nowadays turning out at full back in a ‘Sonian team that combines experience, overseas influence and some youthful prospects such as flanker Chris Scott and centre Jack Ferguson who came off the bench to show neat touches in midfield.

“It can be difficult stepping down but at the end of the day it’s just another game of rugby,” said Di Rollo in response to a question about how frustrating it can be at grass roots having enjoyed – in his case – a Calcutta Cup triumph in 2006. “Of course it is different from running out at Murrayfield but I’ve got a bit of history at Myreside having been to Watson’s College and grown up loving to play on the main pitch. I’d definitely recommend playing club rugby after playing professionally.”

Referring to how a sojourn with Toulouse ended dramatically amidst conflicting opinions over the outcome of a medical which restricted him to a brief appearance for the French club, he said: “I finished in difficult circumstances and had two years out. That’s when you realise what you are missing. There will come a time when I can’t do it but I’d advise anybody to play as long as they can. If you get paid as well, great. If not there is plenty of satisfaction to be gained in the club game and hopefully Scottish rugby is coming out of a lull. Maybe with new league restructuring there will be a bit more onus on the club game maybe even to the extent of going semi-pro. I don’t know whether it will happen or not but at Watsonians we want to be in position to develop young players whatever happens.”

Di Rollo’s appetite for coaching took him to a match between East Lothian and the Co-Optimists Select last Spring where he talent spotted one of the key figures in the current ‘Sonian team.

Scrum half Brian Walls was then with a newly-relegated Musselburgh but was keen to remain in the premiership and pitched up this season with ‘Sonians.

Sixteen of the home points came from the boot of Walls who also served his line well. “It’s great to have Brian whose crucial penalty at one stage left Biggar requiring three scores. His goal-kicking is an ace up our sleeve.

“We spoke before the match about having it in our own hands to qualify for Premier B and not rely on others.

“After a nervous start overall there were good performances thoroughout. Danny Moussa switched to hooker from prop this season and is doing well while open side flanker Paul Tuala, a Samoan, is very aggressive, really good over ball and makes big tackles.”

Another who caught the eye was winger Ally Rowe who appeared constantly involved including when setting up the opening try which settled ‘Sonians.

Marcus Di Rollo’s attempted cross-kick came off the side of his boot actually finished up behind Rowe who rescued the situation to send in centre Tom Hart for 8-3 after Walls and Hata Wilbore had exchanged penalty. Tries by Moussa and Marcus Di Rollo took Watsonians to 22-3 but apparently there is a predilection to take the foot of the gas.

Marcus said: “There is a tendency from us to ease off a bit when ahead but Biggar are a good side who had won their previous two games. A key factor was that we were a bit better organised in defence.”

That defence was breached by Charles Cochrane driving over from close range and Hata Wilbore going over out wide – Biggar really should have spread the ball more often – to cut the deficit to 25-15 but two more Walls penalties secured victory. Now we have to sit down and plan our approach to the Regional Cup which starts next week on a sectional basis. Players like Kian Coertze are carrying niggles and may be best rested. On the other hand trying to further develop a winning mentality might be the best way forward.” There is a spirit and determination about Watsonians which suggests they will continue to do well and epitomised also by second row Harris Grant and the redoubtable Coertze.

The “catch 22” is retaining ambitious players in order to break out of Division Two in an era where to gain individual recognition means appearing at the highest level possible often with “guidance” from national team authorities.

One way, as Di Rollo points out, is more recruitment of ex-pros.

Scorers: Watsonians: Tries: M Di Rollo, Hart, Moussa. Conversions: Walls (2). Penalties: Walls (4). Biggar: Tries: H Wilbore, C Cochrane. Conversion: H Wilbore. Penalty: H Wilbore.

Watsonians: M Di Rollo, D Brown, T Hart, R Aitken, A Rowe, B Di Rollo, B Walls, K Coertze, D Moussa, D Brass, H Grant, C Harvey, C Scott, M Johnson, P Tuala. Subs: T Wright, E Hunter, J Ferguson, J Niven.

Biggar: A Wilbore, C Parker, R Aitken, J Gardiner, H Wilbore, C Lavery, I Renwick, C Arthur, M Rutherford, S Faamausili, J Harvey, G Owens, C Cochrane, A Cairns, J Scheres. Subs: K Amderson, A Peacock, D Notman, D Reive.