Match report for Alloa Away

Tough opener for Banff RFC, coming up short against Alloa RFC in their debut in Caledonia 1. By Isla Jack & Alan Elphinstone

Alloa started strong and, after receiving Banff's kick off, used the ball wide to get over the line. Despite Banff gaining possession on several occasions, the set piece was under extreme pressure and Alloa succeeded in keeping the ball for a large percentage of the half. Stringing their phases together well meant a hard defensive shift for the Banff men, and several missed tackles ended in the opposition scoring another four tries - all of which were converted. This left the teams going into half time with a score of 35 - 0 to the home team.
It's worth saying that the pre match preparation could have been better, with half the team getting only 10mins to warm up before kick off due to the bus driver taking a wrong turn on the way down (thanks for that Elphy!).

Banff came into the second half with a bit more bite, managing to keep the ball for longer periods and for more phases showing that they were competitive when managing to retain possession . However, Alloa managed to maintain the upper hand at this point and were able to steal the ball to take another three tries - all converted. Suddenly, Banff's Andy McDonald came thundering through the defensive line and used his quick feet to step his way to the try line. Captain Gordon Robertson converted easily. Ready for more, the Banff team moved up the field. Eager to get his name on the board again, McDonald swiftly danced around the defence and went over for his second try - again converted. Even with a yellow card for one of their men, Alloa managed to get another four tries, three being converted. The Banff men couldn't quite get any more points, meaning the game would finish 82 - 14 to Alloa RFC.

A tough shift at the office, but one that Banff will learn a lot from to prepare for their next game.

Next week, the Banff men have another long journey down to Grangemouth in the second game of the season. The ladies will also travel down with the men to play a friendly against the Grangemouth ladies - support to both teams would be greatly appreciated!