Rugby Roundup
Clydebank have had a three week period dominated by the National Bowl
Competition and finished off with a return to league duty against
Strathendrick from Fintry.
The Bowl competition saw Clydebank play two matches in succession away
from home, the first against Uddingston who they beat 8-5 in a tight
match. This put Clydebank through to the next round against Isle of Mull, but at the expense of
several injuries to key players
The trip to Mull was an arduous one and the eventual reception from the
hosts disappointing, but the Clydebank team put in a strong effort in
the first half. Unfortunately, the tiredness from the journey and a host of second half
injuries in the backs caused Clydebank to fall away and allow the third
division side to dominate with an eventual 37-19 win.
The return to league duty was not going to be an easy one with second
placed Strathendrick visiting Whitecrook.
The start of the match proved ominous as Clydebank conceded an early
penalty but fortunately Endrick missed the chance to open the score.
Clydebank came back into the match quickly and had most of the
possession and territory in the first half.
Clydebank had a number of penalties throughout the half within kicking
distance but on each occasion opted for the territorial advantage and
squandered chances at points which would come back to haunt them.
The match was a physical forwards dominated event with Endrick having
the upper hand in lineout, scrum and much of the loose but the Clydebank
backs defended well and made the most of their chances to keep the
pressure on Endrick.
The first half ended with Endrick converting a single penalty and
Clydebank struggling to stem the number of errors in key positions.
The second half was much the same as the first with Endrick getting an
early penalty which they converted to extend their lead to 6-0.
Clydebank were not out of the match and despite the persistent error
strewn performance they maintained the pressure on Endrick and looked
threatening on a number of occasions.
Penetrating runs by the Clydebank backs such as Nelis and Smart gave the
home support something to cheer about but the Endrick defence held
strong until eventually in the dying minutes Clydebank made one last
effort.
Clydebank pushed into the Endrick 22 metre area and had a series of line
outs and scrums that stretched the Endrick defence.In the last minute the Endrick wing forward fell foul of the
referee after repeated offences in the loose and was sin binned. Clydebank took the advantage and kept control of the ball in a
series of rucks which saw them cross the line for Alan Cameron to touch
down for the only try of the match.
With the score at 5-6 and the conversion to be taken, the Clydebank
support were on the edge of their seats. Ross Moffatt stepped up for the kick which went wide and saw the
Strathendrick support cry with relief as they walked away with a hard
fought, but very fortunate win.
Team Photo
