Clydebank 1st XV poor away form continued as they were defeated 42-7 at Stewartry. A second half collapse saw the team leak 5 tries as the home team secured the bonus point victory. The frustration for the 2nd team continues, as opponents Paisley called off late on Saturday to deny them a game and had to make do with a training session as it was too late to try and arrange another fixture. They have now only played one competitive league fixture since the season started.

Clydebank arrived to a barbecue and marquee as Stewartry were celebrating 20 years since the building of their fine clubhouse. The home players seemed to be in party mood as they took the lead within 5 minutes after breaking through several poor attempts at tackling as the forwards powered through the middle for the opening try that was converted. They continued to attack for the next 10 minutes but were guilty of going off their feet at rucks and diving in and conceding penalties that Clydebank gained territory from by kicking to touch. The lineout was working well for Bank although they were under pressure in the scrum. Handling errors were frequent as both sides tried to play running rugby however both defences were sound despite Clydebank not dominating the tackles and allowing the home team to gain extra yards by not putting the man down on the initial collision.

Stewartry were reduced to 14 men just after the 20 minute mark after the referee yellow carded a home back rower after giving enough warnings for diving in off their feet at the breakdown. Bank then raised their game and had their best period of the match. Centre David Howie was prominent and Alex Allan made a great break up the right after a miss pass in the centres freed him. He was stopped 5 metres short after great covering tackles and support was in short supply and the opportunity was lost. Ross Moffatt had a chance from a penalty from 40 metres a minute before half time but was just short to the right.

Clydebank then let Stewartry take control of the match in the second half as the poor tackling continued and the home team powered their way through the weak defence. Time after time the first up tackles were not aggressive enough and a supporting runner was always ready to take the offloads and gain more yards before being brought to ground. Stewartrys No. 8 and captain in particular was showing flashes of his power from the back of the scrum and in open play as he scored 2 finely taken tries. Euan Cuthbert thought he got under the ball to prevent a score however the referee deemed downward pressure was applied and the try stood. Michael Starkey was posted missing on is own line and a mix up gifted Stewartry their 4th of the half. Clydebank never gave up and got one back through Robert Parr after some slick handling sent him clear after some excellent work by the forwards from a lineout that Moffatt converted. Stewartry added one more and with their kicker having a perfect day the games ended 42-7. Clydebank will need to regroup before their next game at home against Strathaven in a fortnight as they have a free weekend next week and work on defence that is so strong at home but have yet to replicate that agression in their away games. The 2nd XV face Dalziel at home next week.