The battle for second place goes down to the wire

Draw a result no-one wants

Report by Delcan Coutts
Images by Simon King / Tracey Coutts

A hugely physical battle took place at Central Park in Dyce on Saturday where in the penultimate game of the season, the battle for second place reached a crescendo. In what was always going to be a challenging game, Fraserburgh took an early lead through an Aled Herbert converted try. The first half remained even throughout despite the early score. Dyce did however see the majority of the ball and just before half time they received their reward. An inspired run (and possible audition to start the next game on the wing) Byron Stirton got the first points on the board for Dyce. David Hay then brought the teams level with the conversion. Half time came and the physicality of the game had already brought causalities with Phil Horsfall being forced off with a knee injury.

HT: Dyce RFC 7 – 7 Fraserburgh RFC

The second half started exactly as the first finished with tensions running high. Approaching the 50th minute Dyce beautifully worked the ball from one side of the pitch to the other through the backs which culminated in a superb try from David Hay. Despite the pressure, the conversion was comfortably slotted home between the uprights giving Dyce a slender lead in a tight match.

The lead was short lived however as Fraserburgh soon managed to find themselves in Dyce territory the Andy McDonald scoring a five pointer (Sam Hewett adding the extras again), bringing the game level a little over 25 minutes to go. The game remained highly physically battle around the pitch with both teams having opportunities to score more points. The physicality again took its toll with both teams having players going off injured for various treatments. Dyce managed some well worked moves through the backs, however were not able to capitalise to turn them into points on the scoreboard. Fraserburgh arguably had the best opportunity to win the game with a penalty 15 minutes before full time; fortunately the miss gave Dyce a lifeline to snatch a late win. The game reached boiling point when Fraserburgh were reduced to 14 men due to having a player sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. Despite the extra man the host were unable to press home their advantage, with the final whistle a disappointment to both teams in a pulsating match.

FT: Dyce RFC 14 – 14 Fraserburgh RFC

As the game finished in a draw for the 3rd time in a row at Central Park, the celebrations were little to nothing, with it all to play for in the return leg next weekend as both teams vie for a second league placing.

Next weekend’s game is sure to be equally as exciting with Dyce looking to cap off a season of greatly improved performances.

Man of the match was awarded to Captain David Hay for a fantastic display leading the team on the pitch and on the score board with 9 points. Dick of the day is Declan Coutts for questionably short shorts and then whipping out a Hannah Montana towel in the showers after the game.

We’d like to thank the crowd of more than 100 who came down to support both sides slog it out. Also a big thanks to our sponsors who made it back to The New Greentrees to be presented with framed shirts. We thank you for your continued support.