Sporting all-rounder Freddie Owsley was named Watsonian Rugby’s “Player of the Round” after the full back grabbed a ‘hat trick” of tries in a 45-22 away win over Selkirk in the Arnold Clark Scottish Premiership.
It was his first “hat trick” in the club’s colours and adds to a distinguished sporting CV.
Freddie, who has represented Scotland at seven-a-side rugby on the strength of a granny from Govan, was once a member of Bristol City Football Club’s development squad.
Turning to competitive athletics Freddie represented Great Britain at under-20s level in the 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m, and earned a place in the British indoor and outdoor senior 200m final.
Rugby was his calling it appeared and he found his way to Myreside via Edinburgh Rugby where, despite scoring two tries in a European Challenge Cup tie with Brive in 2022 the 27-year-old found opportunities limited.
Last Saturday’s win ensures ‘Sonians remain in third place six points behind Heriot’s and 11 adrift of unbeaten Ayr when the competition resumes on 23 November.
Watsonians restart with a game against Glasgow Hawks at Myreside.
Head coach, David Wilson, was full of praise for the exciting Owsley, saying:
“Freddie has an X factor for us. He can score tries that I don’t think anybody else in the Premiership can do at the minute. He is exceptionally quick if he gets space will do damage. Three tries against Selkirk, and when he is in full flight, was a joy to watch.”
Freddie Owsley summed up his and the team’s performance, saying:
“It was a real tough, dogged game. Selkirk really took it to us, backed by a really good crowd. Altogether, our team dug in and had some nice moments, and played some good rugby in wet, dewy conditions. I guess that shows a sign of a good team just building together and winning those games on the road?
“I certainly enjoyed getting a first hat trick.”
Evergreen sports journalist. Previously published in many publications around the world. Send me your local sports stories. billlothian1008@gmail.com
