Oban Lorne showed determination and grit in spades to overcome Dalziel in horrendous conditions in a tight affair at Glencruitten.
In lashing rain and high winds, the hosts scored three tries to win 22-18 on Saturday, combining flashes of brilliance and a solid defensive platform.
Before proceedings got underway underneath the floodlights, both teams formed a line to hold a moment’s silence for Oban Lorne family members that have sadly been lost recently.
Dalziel opened the game with an early foray into Oban territory and came away with points within the opening two minutes after the referee awarded the visitors a surprising penalty try.
The hosts had suddenly found themselves 0-7 down and with a man in the sin-bin, but worked hard to gain a foothold as Blair MacFarlane made some darting runs.
Oban’s tactical kicking also proved to be an effective part of their game as they pinned Dalziel back and soon were rewarded with their first try after a promising lineout.
Calum MacLachlan went on one of his signature rampaging runs and dived over in the corner on 15 minutes to make it 7-7, with Fergus MacIntyre adding the tricky extras.
Having returned to a full compliment, it was then Oban’s turn to benefit from an extra man, with Dalziel’s Fraser MacKenzie sent to the bin for a cynical trip.
The hosts seized this advantage, with a clean lineout in the opposition’s half setting up Jamie Bate to speed down the blindside and leave Dalziel defenders trailing at his heels.
Again, MacIntyre nailed the conversion, but the visitors narrowed the gap to 14-10 through an Andrew Scott penalty goal.
However, Dalziel were unable to convert possession into more points as Oban’s Vasil Borisov and Ivan Rhys Roberts continued to kick efficiently, while the hosts’ defence held firm.
Oban closed out the half after an impressive 50/22 kick and had a great opportunity to extend their lead after the interval, with MacFarlane’s run setting up a forwards attack that was held up by some desperate Dalziel defence.
The visitors were then caught off their feet at the ruck and MacIntyre split the posts with the ensuing penalty to give Oban a 17-10 lead on 44 minutes.
Oban looked dangerous with ball in hand, but Dalziel began to dominate possession from around the 55th minute mark and scored a well worked unconverted try from an unstoppable maul to make it a two point game.
The visitors then missed two attempts at goal as they struggled to do anything with their large share of possession and with many of the referees decisions going their way.
In worsening conditions, Scott landed his third attempt from the tee though to make it 17-18 as Oban found themselves behind with less than 15 minutes remaining.
Craig Wright provided the much needed spark for the hosts on 76 minutes, with the replacement starting a weaving run from his own half and flying over the line for Oban’s third try.
MacIntyre conversion sailed just wide with the scoreline at 22-18 and Dalziel pinned Oban in their own half in the dying moments of the game, winning multiple penalties.
The visitors trundled up to Oban’s line with the clock in the red, but Oban’s heroics won them the match winning penalty metres from their own line to secure an epic win.
Oban’s Luke Plummer was named the man of the match and this win may prove crucial for the Glencruitten.
This is a useful win for Oban in their race for a National 4 play-off spot as they remain third in the league with a game in hand and one point behind second placed Lenzie.
Oban Lorne Ladies were also in action on Sunday, losing out 5-33 to the West Region 1 (Women’s) leaders, Ayr after making the long journey south of Glasgow.
Both Oban sides will return to action in mid-January after a well deserved festive break, with the men visiting Strathaven on Saturday January 13 and the ladies hosting Annan the next day