Ross Sutherland U18s first trip to Stornoway ended in defeat.

From the kick-off Stornoway got right into the game, pushing up the park at every opportunity and threatening to score with every attack. However just as we have shown in previous games we know how to defend our own try line.

It seemed inevitable that Stornoway would score the first points but it was us who took the lead. Our defence stood strong against constant pressure and the attacks came to nothing, much to the frustration of the home support; and halfway through the first half Gabe Dobson slotted over a penalty with expert precision.

Stornoway kept to their game plan and a defensive error in wet and slippy conditions allowed them to take advantage and score. The conversion was missed and the half ended 5-3 in their favour. A breakaway try at the start of the second half pushed Stornoway's advantage to 10-3 but the scores were soon level when Gabe Dobson's fine running ended in a try which he then converted.

At this point the game could have gone either way and unfortunately it went in favour of the home side who scored another breakaway try and shortly after one of their forwards breenged through the last line of defence. Both tries were converted to give Stornoway a 24-10 lead.

With time running out, and a man advantage when their prop went off injured, we finally started to click and pushed into their half. Some sustained pressure left Rowan Myers to weave his way through their defence and score a fine individual try. Gabe Dobson converted to take his own points tally to 12 for the match.

We pushed on trying to level the game but time was against us and it finished 24-17, revenge for the 17-0 defeat inflicted at Invergordon.

A keenly fought game played in good spirits by both teams in difficult playing conditions.