East Kilbride 22
Oban Lorne 30
West Division One
After their thrilling adventure in France for the Amateur World Cup, Oban Lorne RFC’s 1st XV were back in league action last weekend.
And, after an epic tussle at East Kilbride, Oban emerged victorious following a nail-biting contest that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Playing in unfamiliar territory, Oban went five points down in the early stages, with the hosts keen to stamp their authority on the game.
It didn’t take the visitors long to find their feet, however, and a sneaky comeback by Connor Taylor, slipping through the cracks of East Kilbride’s defence, levelled the scores with George Ritchie adding the extras to edge his team in front.
Oban charged on with scrums being fiercely contested throughout the match and both teams displaying incredible strength and technique.
Mid-way into the first half, Oban Lorne displayed nice passing with Robert
Wallace finishing off with another try.
East Kilbride replied with a try of their own, which was converted before slotting a penalty to edge themselves into the lead.
Frustration began to show as both teams committed themselves to the game and East Kilbride lost a man to the sin bin in the last 20 minutes of the half as things got more intense on the field.
Oban kept their heads, however, and one more try by Ewan Shearer took the score to 15-17 at the break.
The hosts were first to show up in the second half with a defence splitting try and successful conversion.
Oban Lorne remained resolute and were rewarded with a penalty which George Ritchie sent perfectly between the posts.
A few sloppy moves by Oban Lorne RFC resulted in a disallowed try before Shearer crossed the whitewash for his second. Chris Simpson sealed victory with the last try.
The match was a gripping showcase of rugby excellence, with both teams leaving it all on the field.
Oban Lorne RFC’s victory solidified their standing as a top contender in the league, while East Kilbride RFC showed their determination and fighting spirit.
Man of the match: Connor Taylor.
Photograph: The Oban Lorne 1st XV who travelled to East Kilbride. NO_T42_ObanLorneRFC_EastKilbride