In a keenly contested game Waysiders\Drumpellier 1As went down 31-5 to Lanarkshire rivals the Bulls (aka Hamilton) at St Andrew’s School on Saturday. The side was a mixture of youth and experience with a number of recent ‘graduates’ from WDs youth teams playing alongside more experienced players. Due to last minute call-offs there were a number of the side paying out of position but the all-round performance was encouraging.

The first 25 minutes were evenly fought with neither side able to make any in-roads. Greig Walker, a regular 1st team player last season, returned from injury to put in some big tackles and lead a very young back-line and they equipped themselves well. James Macdonald performed a similar role for the forwards (most not quite so young). Then Hamilton scored their opening try after some concerted pressure on the right forced WD into conceding a penalty. They followed up with another 2 tries in quick succession to take a 17-0 half-time lead.

The 2nd half started in much the same way as the first with neither side giving an inch –veteran Michael Mclaughlan in particular putting in some big hits on the opposition. 5 minutes into the second half an injury forced 1As manager Gerry Brankin into the fray alongside his son Scott – at 54 years old it was not a decision taken lightly! Despite this the scrums continued to be evenly matched and the WD pack started to take control taking a couple of strikes against the head. In the lineouts Charlie Smith did some sterling work winning all his own ball and quite a bit of the Hamilton ball. Eventually WD got the try their play deserved when James Macdonald went over in the corner after some great play by the pack, the conversion missed by Scott Brankin.

Hamilton responded with a couple of breakaway tries through their pacy backs both of which were converted to make the final score 31-5

Manager Gerry Brankin was quoted after the game “Pech, Wheeze …..it was a decent display by the boys today. Considering they haven’t played together as a team and we were up against a very competent Hamilton side I’m pleased with our performance. Notably the returning Greig Walker’s experience held together a very young back-line. James Macdonald marshalled the forwards well and put himself about to great effect. A lot of the younger lads can be proud of themselves today for the way they stepped up to the plate in senior rugby……….now who’s got the oxygen or my fags?”

Next week the 1As are away to Helensburgh.

• Man of the match – Greig Walker