Stobswell 40-7 Arbroath

By Graeme Craig

Stobswell bounce back with impressive victory.

Stobswell welcomed Arbroath to Downfield for their first home fixture of 2013. They boasted a full 15 with a number of subs which was a vast improvement from the previous week.

Stobswell started brightly with a number of runs into Arbroath's half although they tackled well and had their fair share of counter attacks. Both teams shared a few scrums and the game settled down well.

At the 20 minute mark, after sustained pressure on the Arbroath line, Johnny Hall broke clear and forced his way over the line for the first score of the game. Mark Gibson kicked his first points of what would be a successful day for him with the boot.

Arbroath took the restart and Stobswell immediately marched up the field, beginning with an up and under kick from Mark Gibson which Harley Ross managed to get his hands onto. Good quick ruck work allowed clean passing through the backs and Johnny Hall was left with a straight forward run in at the posts for his second try of the game. Mark Gibson again scored the conversation making it 14-0 after only 22 minutes.

Stobswell kept up the pressure as the game progressed and once again found themselves camped in Arbroath's 22. After repeated efforts to get over the line, the Arbroath tight head was yellow carded for not rolling away, stopping Stobswell getting quick ball, only metres from the line. Stobswell elected to take the scrum, which Chris Gourley passed out wide. The ball went through the hands and Scott Smart darted over for his first score. Unfortunately Mark Gibson missed his kick leaving the score at 19-0.

As half time approached, Johnny Hall left the park with a suspected broken nose.

Half Time: Stobswell 19-0 Arbroath

Stobswell started the second half in the same vein as they ended the first, putting sustained pressure on Arbroath. Stobswell looked odds on to score their 4th try of the day within minutes of the second half, only for Ian McKeen to be deemed held up.

On the 47 minute mark, Arbroath had a line out on their own 22. This was knocked down off the top and Scotty Smart, acting as hooker for throw ins, stole in and wiggled his way through two tackles and darted down for another try. Mark Gibson kicked yet another kick to make the score 26-0.

With the bonus point now secured, Stobswell appeared to take their foot off the gas and this allowed Arbroath into the game. Arbroath pushed down the field, gaining penalty after penalty. This quickly allowed them into Stobswell's 22 and one of their men pushed through a couple of tackles and a score near the posts, leaving their stand off with a straight forward kick. 26-7.

The players rallied from this and attacked the Arbroath line again, gaining a line out near their 22. Good line out ball, release the backs quickly and it ended up in Chris Grieves hands to dive in at the corner. Mark Gibson kicked one of his best of the day through the middle of the posts.

The game lost a bit of momentum with both teams appearing to tire.

With only moments left in the game, Arbroath attempted a final charge at the Stobbie line. Their outside centre attempted to kick chase however it was brilliantly charge down by Ali Barron. The resulting ball bounced upfield and was chased on by Ali, Craig Shearer and Joe Fiabane. Arbroath attempted to clear their lines only succeeding to bumble the ball into touch. In an almost carbon copy of the last try, the ball was swept quickly from the line out, through the back line allowing Ali Barron to charge his was through the defence and dot down for his first try for the club. Mark Gibson yet again added the extras and the final whistle was blown.

Full Time: Stobswell 40-7 Arbroath

All in all a great win for Stobswell with lots of scores and an impressive boot by Mark Gibson. Confidence should be taken from the game and the boys should look forward to the challenge of Strathmore 2nd XV next week.

Where next?

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Pitchero Launch Club iPhone App! Club news, fixtures and results, match reports and team selection now available through the Pitchero iPhone app.

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