Helensburgh take the points

RBS West Division 1
Saturday 1st March 2014

LENZIE 9—26 HELENSBURGH

The large crowd watched this encounter at Viewfield in good weather conditions although the pitch was heavy after recent rain.

At a lunch before the match a cheque was handed over to Jim Taylor of 'Hearts and Balls' charity. The money had been raised by Lenzie's midi and Under 16 players at the Lenzie Jog and brings the total donated to approx £2000. Well done to the youngsters and their parents and coaches.

Both teams had players missing through injury and Lenzie got off to a promising start after a good lineout connection between Letford and Telford was followed by a penalty award. Peters kicked the points. McDermott then had a good run but Helensburgh gained ground via penalties and opted for a lineout. Their decision was vindicated when they mauled over for a Rogers try. An unfortunate injury to a visiting player held the game up for some time and after the restart Drake kicked a penalty for ‘Burgh following a collapsed maul. Lenzie fought back and had some good driving play with Saunders and Queenan to the fore but could only add a penalty to the score which was 8-6 at the half-time break.
The home team started well and further good forward play allowed Peters to give Lenzie a narrow 9-8 lead with a penalty. The visitors attacked but McKinlay tidied up well and put Lenzie on the front foot again. Peters was having a good game at 10 and when his mazy run ran out of support he was held up illegally but unfortunately could not slot the penalty. Helensburgh then started to dominate as Lenzie made unforced errors and a nifty grubber caught the home defence flatfooted for Dunlop to touch down. The conversion was missed but a penalty then took the score to 16-9 and Lenzie were still in the game with 20 minutes to go, especially after Nisbet scorched back to prevent a certain try. However they seemed to fade somewhat and ‘Burgh scored 2 tries via Drake and Rogers to seal the game. After their efforts for the first hour the last 20 minutes were a disappointment for the home side who have now completed all their home games. Lenzie stalwart Ross Queenan, who has been a great player and servant to his club for 20 years, left the pitch to generous applause. Six Nations games for the next 2 weeks and then away games at Anniesland against Accies and GHK.