Lochaber hold winning hand in West Bowl final game of cards
Moffat RFC 20
Lochaber RFC 29
West Regional Bowl Final
Lochaber senior men’s rugby team added a second piece of silverware for the club this season, following the women’s league title in November, by securing the West Regional Bowl away to Moffat in an action packed final that featured just about everything that can possibly happen on a rugby pitch.
Rugby report.
High in confidence having beaten Moffat away from home in the league, a strong squad of 22 departed Banavie for the four hour journey, followed by dedicated supporters of the club in a coach and variety of cars. The match that followed, especially the final 20 minutes, almost defies explanation.
Lochaber roared into the lead when top try scorer Conor Taylor powered over from short range following a series of attacking runs pinning back the hosts’ defence. With Ryan Davies adding the extras from the tee Lochaber led 7-0 after only four minutes.
The next 20 minutes saw Moffat claw their way back into the game with two long range penalties from their captain, but never threatening the Lochaber try line.
Lochaber then further stretched their lead with Chris Simpson scoring from close range on 34 minutes, following a great evasive run by Steven Traill, who was stopped just short. Again Davies converted to extend Lochaber’s lead.
The half finished with Davies adding a penalty from just inside the 22 metre line to give the men in black and yellow a 17-6 half time lead.
Things only got better for Lochaber following the break, when great work from Findlay Ireland saw him earn a scrum in the opponent’s 22. The forwards presented solid ball to the backs who ran a slick move to put full back Ronnie Fulford through a gaping hole in the Moffat defence. Davies converted.
Lochaber were in total command now and Callum MacDonald scored the team’s fourth try on 54 minutes, handing off wouldbe tacklers before scoring in the corner. With the conversion dropping short Lochaber led 29-6 and were cruising towards the trophy at the end of the match.
The referee had other ideas however and in the 63rd minute instigated 20 minutes of madness that tested all of Lochaber’s defensive resolve.
Following some concerted Moffat pressure, due to penalties, in the Lochaber five metre area, hooker Rory MacKay was yellow carded for being offside which led to howls of consternation from the players and supporters who could see he was clearly onside.
This was followed immediately by Chris Simpson receiving a yellow card for what the referee deemed a high tackle, which again appeared harsh. Down to 13 men in the 64th minute Lochaber continued to hold their hosts at bay.
Two minutes later another contentious call saw Callum MacDonald given a red card for dangerous play after a shoulder to the head of an opponent, who was falling after a tackle.
Now down to 12 players on the pitch Lochaber defended stoutly for a further eight minutes before the next card was produced, Callum Boyd receiving his 10 minutes in the bin for not rolling away after a tackle.
The initial yellow cards had expired, bringing Lochaber back up to 13 players with five minutes to play but the referee was not done building his poker hand.
An eventual breach of the Lochaber defence saw Moffat reduce the deficit to 29-13 before the referee gave Lochaber their fifth card of a bizarre 15 minute period, flanker George Forth binned for an off the ball tackle on 77 minutes.
Moffat ran in one further converted try in the final minute to add some respectability to the final score of 29-20 to Lochaber who win the Bowl for the second time in the last four editions of the competition.
The boys enjoyed their celebrations on the pitch and during the long journey home with the Bowl surviving the journey to take pride of place in the Clubhouse.
Denied a National semi-final in the Covid-19 lockdown the club eagerly awaits the draw to see who of Banff, Hillfoots or Earlston rugby clubs they will play for a shot at the National title in Murrayfield.
A great day out for players and supporters alike, the club wishes to thank all who travelled or watched the live stream and gave their praise om social media after the game.
The next senior rugby action at Banavie sees Moffat travel north for a league game on March 22. Before then, the senior women play their final National Plate group stage games. The first is against Leith this Sunday, February 23, so if you are in the Edinburgh area the club would appreciate your support.
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JOBS
Fish Health & Welfare Technician - Kames
Kilmelford, Oban£27,750 to £32,250 per annum
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Isle of ArranUp to £26,208 per annum
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