Impressive effort from Argyll and Bute U16 Girls squad
It was a rocky start for the Argyll and Bute U16 Girls in Oban on Sunday February 2 as they took on Cambuslang in the West Development Cup.
The away team made a couple of impressive line breaks bringing them in front on the score board.
The Argyll girls got their heads in the game, found their footing and started playing some good rugby, listening to each other to work the ball out to the wing and gain ground so they were on the opposition’s 5-metre line.
Annie M got the ball and made a strong attempt through Cambuslang’s solid defence where she popped the ball to Hayleigh W from the ground, who secured the team’s first try. An impressive try, worked hard for by everyone.
The half time whistle blew and the Argyll girls were feeling defeated by the score board - coaches Caitlin Fowler and Drew Buckley worked on the team’s mindset, telling them the score board was back to 0-0, and doing a breathing exercise with them.
Straight into the second half Argyll were hungry for a try - they worked hard creating space and pushing the opposition back, which eventually paid off as Corran M received the ball and made an impressive break from the 20-metre line, securing the ball under the posts.
Cambuslang were back in possession, however this didn’t faze the keen Argyll girls as they worked in defence as one team, making hard tackles and competing for the ball in the ruck.
Abby M and Georgia H both showed off fantastic skills defending and competing in the ruck, putting Cambuslang under immense pressure.
The opposition managed another couple of scores, however, this didn’t put the girls’ heads down, it made them work even harder to get the ball.
Annie M took the re-start drop kick which landed in the opposition’s right hand wing. Abby M chased the kick, securing the ball for her team. This became a very tough competition within Cambuslang’s half, tiring both sides out. Argyll kept the pressure and work-rate up to fight for their third try, scored by Oran B-L.
The opposition took advantage of the home team’s tired squad, running in another couple of tries.
The full time whistle blew with the score board ending at 15-64.
It was an impressive win for Cambuslang, but one they had to fight for.
For Argyll’s second/third game playing together, every single player smashed it out the park - with Abi S and Corran M making their U16 debuts, and Cerys M impressing in her first ever game of rugby.
The rest of the team did a great job at making them feel comfortable and confident on the pitch.
“Thank you to Cambuslang for making the journey to us,” said the coaches, “the Oban parents for providing great hospitality, and especially to our dedicated referee, Edward Gallagher, who finished the girls’ game and headed over to Connel to referee the Oban U16 boys’ game.
“It was great experience for all of our girls, and we look forward to building on this progress in their next game, away to ‘Ayrshires’ next weekend.”
In the Girls U12s festival in Glasgow on Sunday Orla Mochrie from Mid Argyll and two Oban Lorne RFC girls joined up with Marr RFC U12s, with Waysiders Drumpellier RFC hosting the day.
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