Hyndland RFC vs Lochaber RFC

Hyndland's most recent outing saw them welcome Lochaber RFC to Scotstoun. Back in November, Hyndland were left frustrated by the reverse fixture in which they surrendered a 14-3 lead to lose 20-14. Keen to make amends for that disappointment, the home side were able to name a typically strong squad of 22 players. Conversely, the away side travelled with a squad of just 15 players and had to request uncontested scrums.

However, the match did not begin according to plan for Hyndland. Within just a few minutes, the visitors took the opportunity to open the scoring with a penalty. This should have been a wake up call for the home side, however in a first half fraught with errors, Hyndland handed the initiative to the visitors time and time again. Allowing Lochaber to cross the line three times, Hyndland found themselves having to fight back from 22-0 down.

As the first half neared it's conclusion, Hyndland finally got themselves back into the match with a try from full back Nisbet. The visitors responded almost immediately however by stretching their lead with another penalty. The closing play of the half saw captain McFarlan almost add a second try for Hyndland, only for his effort to have been adjudged as held up over the line.

Half Time:
Hyndland RFC 5
Lochaber RFC 25

Stern words were shared in the home side's half time huddle as it was clear that the side had not played to potential. The second half began with Hyndland on the front foot, playing with a renewed intenstiy and determination to fight back into the match. Despite the concession of another try in the early part of the second half, Hyndland were undeterred. Tries from Gillan, Smith and Rowe put Hyndland within a score of their opponents. Clearly shell-shocked at seeing their once comfortable-looking lead eroded, Lochaber looked dead on their feet as they struggled to contain a rampant home side.

Finally, it was Nisbet who gave his side the lead for the first time that afternoon, touching down in the corner following a spectacular run down the touchline. Smith took advantage of the opportunity to extent his side's lead with a penalty. Now needing a try to retake the lead, Lochaber fought back into the match. The final play of the game had the home side under real pressure on their own five metre line defending a lineout. Bates rose like a salmon to steal the ball, ending the visitors' hopes of snatching a victory.

Final Score:
Hyndland RFC 34
Lochaber RFC 30

A poor first half display saw Hyndland make hard work of a fixture which they could and should have won more comfortably. Nevertheless, a terrific team spirit and determination to fight to the end saw the home side earn a sensational comeback win. It was a well-deserved outcome for a side that refused to give up. Great credit to Lochaber for a performance with pushed Hyndland to their limits.

Next up for Hyndland is the visit of Moffat RFC to Scotstoun on the 31st of March.