Lochaber RFC U16 Boys welcomed Caithness RFC to Banavie on Sunday in the last home league game of the season, hoping to build on an impressive win against Shetland on November 19, which was played as a double header in Banff.
Sunday’s match was always going to be an uphill battle for the Lochaber boys against a strong Caithness squad. When the teams last met in Thurso on October 22, Caithness ran out comfortable winners in the end, despite Lochaber showing the odd flicker of their true potential.
As expected, Caithness started strongly and scored an early try to take the lead.
Lochaber came back almost immediately scoring a well worked try of their own to level the score. In a very even game both teams traded scores throughout the remainder of the first period. Despite having a few decent periods of possession, at half time Caithness were only one score in front thanks to some excellent tackling, and counter rucking, from the Lochaber boys which prevented the visitors from scoring on several occasions.
The second half was almost a carbon copy of the first, with Caithness again scoring early to increase their lead. Some fantastic tries from both teams followed in what turned out to be a very entertaining match, with Caithness managing to cling onto their two-score advantage throughout the remainder of the second half.
The effort shown by the Lochaber boys, and their commitment and willingness to work hard for each other was excellent to see. The overall team performance was much improved, which bodes well for the second half of the season.
Lochaber try scorers were Gregor Henderson, Tyler Gordon, Taylor Barr and Olek Waszczuk (2), with Josh McCook and Evan MacDonald both kicking one conversion each.
Final Score was Lochaber 29 Caithness 39.
Lochaber Rugby Club are currently running several junior teams at various age groups and are always looking for new players to take up the sport. Coaching for P1-P7 girls and boys takes place at the rugby club at Banavie on Saturday mornings from 9.30am. The S1-S6 girls and boys train on Wednesday evenings and on Saturday mornings.
After the Festive Break the club will have six junior teams in action in various tournaments and events. The P4/5 and P6/7 mixed teams will be involved in a series of Mini Rugby Festivals with the Argyll clubs, and the U14 Girls, U16 Girls, U14 Boys, and U16 Boys will be involved in games against teams from across Caledonia North Region, which covers the Highlands and Islands and Grampian and Shetland areas.
If anyone would like more information on any team within the club, junior or senior, please get in touch via the club’s social media channels.