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1st XV - Report
Date: Saturday 16th February 2013 - Kick Off: 15:00
RBS West Regional Leagues - RBS WEST LEAGUE DIVISION 3
| Oban Lorne | 26 | vs | 13 | Uddingston |
Revenge is sweet for The Green Machine
Oban Lorne secured a vital bonus point league victory over Uddingston at a very wet Glencruitten Park.
Uddingston, the only team to beat The Green Machine this year travelled north full of expectation and chasing a second consecutive win over the joint league leaders. However, another impressive performance from the home team ensured that the outcome was very different.
Oban Lorne fielded a strong team, including the seasoned general, Douglas Pender at scrum-half, and an on-form Graham MacEachen at fly-half. Team Manager, Darrell Williams was keen for his team to prepare for next week’s Regional Bowl final with a big win.
The game began with Oban receiving the kick-off facing the Clubhouse, as the sizeable home support looked on. The early phases of play were dominated by fierce rucking from both teams, as each side looked to take the upper hand in the fixture. The young Uddingston back line threatened early with some quick handling and agile running. Soon, their determination paid off, winning a penalty at the breakdown within kicking range. As their confident number 10 sent the ball through the posts, the away support were buoyant.
There were no signs of any heads going down at this stage however, with Oban pushing forward from the restart. Battle-hardened second-row, Neil Rimmer gave his opposite number some real problems with his determined running into contact. It was clear that The Green Machine were not going to hold anything back. With Cammy Smith contributing his ever-evasive footwork, Oban were soon in a prime field position to do some damage. However, some basic handling errors prevented the home team from getting on the scoreboard.
At this stage, nothing was going to halt the incredibly powerful Oban pack, led by the intimidating frame of captain, Robin MacQueen. After some textbook phases of passing play and tactical kicking, Oban found themselves only five metres from the try-line. Oban’s scrum has quickly become one of the most feared units in the league, and Uddingston soon found out why. As the referee called for the put-in, it was clear that the sizeable weight difference was going to be a big factor in the outcome of the game. After Uddingston failed to sustain the hit and keep the scrum steady, the referee called for a penalty try, much to the home crowd’s delight. A successful conversion made it Oban Lorne 7-3 Uddingston.
With the lead now taken, The Green Machine knew that they had to take charge of the game. Uddingston are renowned for their tenacity, and dug in for a hard fight. Their youthful centre pairing began to run with real purpose at the Oban line, drawing big hits from the likes of Andy “Beast” MacDougall and Tommy Sutherland. Eventually, the physicality of the game began to take its toll on the players on both sides. Oban Lorne forwards, Neil Rimmer and Liam “Lomu” Burns had to receive treatment on the sidelines after some epic collisions.
Once again, a surge of power from Oban pinned the visitors back on their own try line, with little chance to clear the ball. Another dominant scrum followed, with an impressive push from the huge second-row led Uddingston backwards. It was left for the South African supremo, Corrie Louw to touch the ball down for the try. With the conversion once again splitting the posts, Oban found themselves 14-3 up.
In the first fixture between the two sides in Lanarkshire, Uddingston caused Oban lots of problems due to the pace of their winger duo. A moment of déjà vu prevailed five minutes before half time, as a loose ball was worked beautifully down the left wing by the visiting back line. As the Uddingston back sailed over the line for the try, nervous sighs permeated the Oban touchline. An accurate conversion brought the scores to 14-10 as the referee blew to end the opening half.
At half time, the injured Craig Wright could be heard encouraging his team mates from the sidelines, as Robin MacQueen instilled a sense of calm in the Green Machine players. The captain reminded his team that with Oban sitting joint top of the league, only a bonus point victory would be accepted by the loyal home support.
From the kick-off, the tempo of the game increased, as did the intensity of the tackles being made. Bodies became strewn across the pitch as the passion of the game took over. Neither team were willing to give ground, as the tussle for domination became more and more compelling to watch.
Ryan Jackson, the versatile Oban stalwart once again put in a mammoth shift, this time at full-back. The Napier University student, who normally plays in the front row looked calm and composed clearing the line to keep The Green Machine on the front foot. The game once again swung in Oban’s favour soon after, as the forwards demolished the opposition’s defences. Despite some uncharacteristic inconsistencies in the lineout, Oban once again found themselves in a position where the scrum could create problems.
The sound of the scrum hit echoed around Glencruitten as Uddingston were helpless to stop the drive. As the returning Mark MacQueen screamed from the sidelines, Corrie Louw once again was on hand to force the ball down for his second try of the game. The number 8, who is also the Head Coach of the club has now the joint-top try scorer this season. Although the conversion sailed wide, Oban could take comfort in the fact that the lead was now extended to nine points.
This period of relief soon ended, as Uddingston again pushed forward with more smart passing and set plays. Some indiscipline at the breakdown from The Green Machine again gifted the Uddingston fly-half with the chance to reduce the lead. Another routine kick brought the visiting team to within a try of the lead.
The game once again became bogged down with some scrappy errors as nerves took over and the rain lashed down. There were some flashes of brilliance on show, as Allan Wright broke the line with an impressive turn of pace and kicked the ball into touch a few yards from the Uddingston line. Unfortunately, Oban Lorne again fell foul to poor decision making, and the pressure wasn’t turned into points on the board.
Eventually, as the clock was running out on the game, the dynamic fly-half, Graham MacEachen popped up to seal the bonus point with a smart dart from the back of a ruck over the line, much to the dismay of the Uddingston coaching staff. The pocket rocket showed why he has impressed so many onlookers in recent weeks with an intelligent break for the line. A conversion from the substitute, Craig Wright sealed a win that could be the ideal platform for Oban to push for promotion.
Flanker, Struan Smith highlighted the elation of the players following the final whistle: “This really means a lot to all of us. We had a point to prove today and did it the Oban way.”
With Loch Lomond managing a scoreless draw against Arran, Oban now find themselves in the top spot of the RBS West Division 3, with a game in hand over their fierce rivals. If Oban can maintain a 100% record for the rest of the season, they may well find themselves drinking champagne in May.
The Green Machine must now switch their focus to cup action next week, as they travel to Loch Lomond to play in the West Regional Bowl final. This week’s results will no doubt add extra spice to this competitive fixture, and Club President, Dee Bradbury is urging all local fans to make the journey to support Oban Lorne in their quest to play at Murrayfield.
Oban Lorne fielded a strong team, including the seasoned general, Douglas Pender at scrum-half, and an on-form Graham MacEachen at fly-half. Team Manager, Darrell Williams was keen for his team to prepare for next week’s Regional Bowl final with a big win.
The game began with Oban receiving the kick-off facing the Clubhouse, as the sizeable home support looked on. The early phases of play were dominated by fierce rucking from both teams, as each side looked to take the upper hand in the fixture. The young Uddingston back line threatened early with some quick handling and agile running. Soon, their determination paid off, winning a penalty at the breakdown within kicking range. As their confident number 10 sent the ball through the posts, the away support were buoyant.
There were no signs of any heads going down at this stage however, with Oban pushing forward from the restart. Battle-hardened second-row, Neil Rimmer gave his opposite number some real problems with his determined running into contact. It was clear that The Green Machine were not going to hold anything back. With Cammy Smith contributing his ever-evasive footwork, Oban were soon in a prime field position to do some damage. However, some basic handling errors prevented the home team from getting on the scoreboard.
At this stage, nothing was going to halt the incredibly powerful Oban pack, led by the intimidating frame of captain, Robin MacQueen. After some textbook phases of passing play and tactical kicking, Oban found themselves only five metres from the try-line. Oban’s scrum has quickly become one of the most feared units in the league, and Uddingston soon found out why. As the referee called for the put-in, it was clear that the sizeable weight difference was going to be a big factor in the outcome of the game. After Uddingston failed to sustain the hit and keep the scrum steady, the referee called for a penalty try, much to the home crowd’s delight. A successful conversion made it Oban Lorne 7-3 Uddingston.
With the lead now taken, The Green Machine knew that they had to take charge of the game. Uddingston are renowned for their tenacity, and dug in for a hard fight. Their youthful centre pairing began to run with real purpose at the Oban line, drawing big hits from the likes of Andy “Beast” MacDougall and Tommy Sutherland. Eventually, the physicality of the game began to take its toll on the players on both sides. Oban Lorne forwards, Neil Rimmer and Liam “Lomu” Burns had to receive treatment on the sidelines after some epic collisions.
Once again, a surge of power from Oban pinned the visitors back on their own try line, with little chance to clear the ball. Another dominant scrum followed, with an impressive push from the huge second-row led Uddingston backwards. It was left for the South African supremo, Corrie Louw to touch the ball down for the try. With the conversion once again splitting the posts, Oban found themselves 14-3 up.
In the first fixture between the two sides in Lanarkshire, Uddingston caused Oban lots of problems due to the pace of their winger duo. A moment of déjà vu prevailed five minutes before half time, as a loose ball was worked beautifully down the left wing by the visiting back line. As the Uddingston back sailed over the line for the try, nervous sighs permeated the Oban touchline. An accurate conversion brought the scores to 14-10 as the referee blew to end the opening half.
At half time, the injured Craig Wright could be heard encouraging his team mates from the sidelines, as Robin MacQueen instilled a sense of calm in the Green Machine players. The captain reminded his team that with Oban sitting joint top of the league, only a bonus point victory would be accepted by the loyal home support.
From the kick-off, the tempo of the game increased, as did the intensity of the tackles being made. Bodies became strewn across the pitch as the passion of the game took over. Neither team were willing to give ground, as the tussle for domination became more and more compelling to watch.
Ryan Jackson, the versatile Oban stalwart once again put in a mammoth shift, this time at full-back. The Napier University student, who normally plays in the front row looked calm and composed clearing the line to keep The Green Machine on the front foot. The game once again swung in Oban’s favour soon after, as the forwards demolished the opposition’s defences. Despite some uncharacteristic inconsistencies in the lineout, Oban once again found themselves in a position where the scrum could create problems.
The sound of the scrum hit echoed around Glencruitten as Uddingston were helpless to stop the drive. As the returning Mark MacQueen screamed from the sidelines, Corrie Louw once again was on hand to force the ball down for his second try of the game. The number 8, who is also the Head Coach of the club has now the joint-top try scorer this season. Although the conversion sailed wide, Oban could take comfort in the fact that the lead was now extended to nine points.
This period of relief soon ended, as Uddingston again pushed forward with more smart passing and set plays. Some indiscipline at the breakdown from The Green Machine again gifted the Uddingston fly-half with the chance to reduce the lead. Another routine kick brought the visiting team to within a try of the lead.
The game once again became bogged down with some scrappy errors as nerves took over and the rain lashed down. There were some flashes of brilliance on show, as Allan Wright broke the line with an impressive turn of pace and kicked the ball into touch a few yards from the Uddingston line. Unfortunately, Oban Lorne again fell foul to poor decision making, and the pressure wasn’t turned into points on the board.
Eventually, as the clock was running out on the game, the dynamic fly-half, Graham MacEachen popped up to seal the bonus point with a smart dart from the back of a ruck over the line, much to the dismay of the Uddingston coaching staff. The pocket rocket showed why he has impressed so many onlookers in recent weeks with an intelligent break for the line. A conversion from the substitute, Craig Wright sealed a win that could be the ideal platform for Oban to push for promotion.
Flanker, Struan Smith highlighted the elation of the players following the final whistle: “This really means a lot to all of us. We had a point to prove today and did it the Oban way.”
With Loch Lomond managing a scoreless draw against Arran, Oban now find themselves in the top spot of the RBS West Division 3, with a game in hand over their fierce rivals. If Oban can maintain a 100% record for the rest of the season, they may well find themselves drinking champagne in May.
The Green Machine must now switch their focus to cup action next week, as they travel to Loch Lomond to play in the West Regional Bowl final. This week’s results will no doubt add extra spice to this competitive fixture, and Club President, Dee Bradbury is urging all local fans to make the journey to support Oban Lorne in their quest to play at Murrayfield.
Player Of The Match
Graham MacEachen
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