Banff RFC men secure the top position again, after a tight win against Moray.

The match was due to be a difficult one from the start, with high spirits from both teams and a constant downpour of rain that had no intentions of stopping. Early in the game, Banff found themselves under pressure after an early penalty and dominant scrummage from the Moray pack. Despite this, the men successfully turned the ball around and found themselves with the first points of the game, coming from scrumhalf Rory Allardice who dived over in the corner after a scrum. A challenging kick for Gordon Robertson close to the touch line left the ball just short of the posts. Moray took the next points, after a scrambled defence from Banff. No conversion. The next twenty minutes of the game were tense, both teams trying to get over the line but to no avail. Banff finally jumped into gear, allowing flanker Nico Clark to use his explosive power to drive over the line after some well constructed phases. Again, the kick was just short. These would be the last points of the half, leaving the score at 5 - 10 to the visitors.

Both sides went into the second half eager to prove a point. The conditions on the pitch meant it was a constant mud bath, however the men ploughed on towards the whitewash. The Moray defence lost structure, giving Allardice the chance to take his second try after picking the ball quickly from the back of a ruck and sliding his way over the line. Robertson with the perfect kick. The last twenty minutes of the game were almost constant defence for Banff, who held the home team off from scoring countless times and put them under tremendous pressure coming forward in attack. Moray eventually got the points after numerous phases, and got the try. The conversion looked to be going through, but the ball rebounded off of the posts. Banff knew they had to hold on now, as the gap could be filled by a converted try. Robertson had the chance to take the lead further with a penalty, but was just short. Again the defence was flawless from Banff, and they managed to take the ball for themselves. The last play was called and, after securing the ball, Robertson could send the ball out of the pitch to end the game. The supporters and players could breathe easy once more, with a full time score of 10 - 17 to Banff.

Next weekend the Banff men face RAF Lossiemouth away, and the ladies are at home against Shetland.

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