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24 April 2010
Lochaber Rugby Wins Local Derby
Lochaber Rugby Club finished their league season on a high with a win over archrivals Highland. They end the season in seventh place, seven points above Craig Dunain.
Highland kicked-off to Lochaber under sunny skies but with the pitch underfoot still waterlogged from the day before. Highland had the best of the early encounters. A long kick to touch and some impressive tackling in mid-field by the Fijian centres earned them an attacking scrum right in front of Lochaber’s posts. The backs switched from left to right and caught Lochaber’s defence napping creating an easy score for the winger in the corner.
The Highland players were too eager to get their hands on the ball in the ruck and gave away a lot of silly penalties. Lochaber’s stand-off Kenny Turnbull played a steady percentage game and hoofed the ball deep into Highland’s half. Lochaber had most of the territorial advantage in the first half and ample possession but couldn’t break down the Highland defence. Lochaber turned at half-time 3–5 down with just a penalty kick to show for their efforts.
Lochaber kept up the pressure as the second half got under way. The forwards penetrated deep into the Highland 22 with an impressive drive from the line out and were held up just short of the line. Scrum-half Ross Wallace dummied and went himself and touched down over the line for a try, which Turnbull converted. The two sides strong defences cancelled each other out in the second half and their weren’t any try scoring opportunities to speak off. Kenny Turnbull kept the scoreboard ticking over in Lochaber’s favour as he slotted over two more penalty kicks. Lochaber finished the came with a thoroughly deserved 16-5 win, which was all the sweeter being against long-time rivals Highland.
Next Saturday sees Lochaber’s annual seven-a-side tournament kick-off at midday at Banavie. Hot and cold refreshments are available throughout the day in the clubhouse, followed by the traditional ceilidh in the evening. Lochaber are also meant to play in the semi-final of the Brin Cup Bowl competition on Friday night against Craig Dunain (TBA) and against London side Quintin on Sunday.
Lochaber squad: I Smith, R Mackay, N Craik, C Mercer, A Revitt, S Whitaker, C Macpherson, A Mercer, R Wallace, K Turnbull, K Garrick, S Trail, B Macraild, P Fonzec, G Hendie, C Moorhouse, M Davis, E Jamieson, D Maclean, R McTaggart, D Campbell.
17 April 2010
Busy Weekend for Lochaber Rugby Club
Lochaber Rugby Club had four teams in action this weekend. The first team played host to RAF Kinloss at Banavie whilst the P6/P7s were away overnight to Caithness. The S1/S2s were in action against Highland in Inverness and the under 16s were at home to Highland at Banavie on Sunday.
Lochaber first team were outclasses by a strong RAF Kinloss team. The airmen’s centres and back row cut the home defensive line to shreds. Lochaber found themselves three tries down with only 10 minutes on the clock and struggled to keep up in the first half. On the plus side Lochaber’s young props performed much better this week and held up well in the scrum against experienced opponents.
In the second-half Lochaber rallied and gave the home crowd something to shout about. The forwards changed their line-out tactics and started to drive at the heart of the RAF Kinloss defence. Captain Ali Revit crashed over for a try from 10 yards out. Then scrum-half Ross Wallace dived round the side of a ruck for a second try, which full-back Ali Donaldson converted. However, RAF Kinloss played some of the best rugby seen at Banavie in several years and the final score was an eye-watering 92 – 12.
Lochaber’s age-grade teams faired better. Although the P6/P7s lost their three ties in the Caithness tournament, they showed a lot of spirit and put up a good fight in their final tie against Orkney. The S1/S2s’ match at Highland was much more even that the 32-0 score-line suggested and the coaches were pleased with the boys’ improvement. The under 16s were the only winning team of the weekend beating Highland 19-17 in a close fought battle at Banavie on Sunday.
The next big event at the rugby club is the annual seven-a-side tournament on the May Bank Holiday weekend. The tournament kicks off at 12:00 on Saturday. Hot and cold refreshments are available in the clubhouse throughout the day followed by a ceilidh in the evening. It’s a fun day out for all the family so why not come along?
Lochaber squad: M Harper, C Moorehouse, N Craik, D Maclean, P Fonzec, S Whitaker, C Mercer, A Mercer, R Wallace, D Macdonald, K Garrick, B Macraild, R Mackay, D Macdonald, A Donaldson, I Smith, A Revit, K Rigg, E Jamieson.
03 April 2010
Lochaber let their guard down against Moray
Lochaber Rugby Club led 5–0 at half time but Moray fought back, scoring 17 points in the second half. Lochaber scored again on the stroke of full time to make the score Lochaber 10, Moray 17.
It would be fair to say that the weather has played a big part in this year’s Scottish Hydro Caledonia North-West League. The match against Moray was meant to be the first game of the season a full six months ago. Lochaber has averaged one match a month since November – not good for continuity and improving performance.
Lochaber had all the pressure in the first half and plenty of opportunities to score. However, they lacked the composure they showed against RAF Lossiemouth and Stornoway a month ago failed to turn these opportunities into points. The only score of the first half came from a catch and drive at the line out, Lochaber’s Craig MacPherson claiming the try.
Moray worked their way back into the match in the second half and opened their account with a converted try in the corner. Lochaber were reduced to 14 men for a sin-bin offence and Moray capitalised with another converted try and penalty kick in the 10 minutes before Lochaber were back up to full strength.
Lochaber struggled desperately to score more points in the dying minutes of the match. Ironically this resulted in them producing some of their best rugby. Stan Whitaker made a break from the half-way and offloaded to Kenny Turnbull who went to ground just inside the 22. The ball was whipped right to backs, Blair MacRaild was stopped just short of the line but managed to scramble the ball to Kevin Macdonald who dived over for the score. But it was too little to late and the referee blew for full time after the conversion attempt.
Lochaber are looking to end the season on high with a home wins against RAF Kinloss and Highland Reds before the end of April. The annual Lochaber Sevens tournament will be held on Saturday 1st of May, kick-off at midday. There has been a healthy entry of both local and visiting teams and it promises to be an exciting day of rugby.
Lochaber squad: I Smith, C Moorehouse, N Craik, P Fronzec, A Revit, S Whitaker, C Macpherson, A Mercer, R Wallace, K Turnbull, K Garrick, B Macraild, R Mackay, D Macdonald, G Hendrie, D Maclean, K Rigg, K Macdonald, F Taylor, E Jamieson.
13 February 2009
Lochaber Draw with Stornoway
Lochaber shared the points with visitors Stornoway in a nail biting 25-25 draw last Saturday. The hosts were bolstered by strength of Finlay Taylor in the front row and the return of the injured Ross Wallace at scrum half.
However, they were without the penetrating running of Neil MacPhee in midfield, although Rory MacKay did a sterling job as his replacement. Youngster Mark Ball made his debut for us at centre in the second half.
Stornoway travelled with a strong team for their last away muatch of the season. They had a simple but effective game plan - hit up the middle through the big forwards and then spin it wide to the wings.
Lochaber started brightly, threatening the visitors try line on several occassions in the first 10 minutes. However they failed to turn this early pressure into points and Stornoway were first on the scoreboard with a well aimed penalty kick.
Lochaber levelled with a penalty, but then were caught napping by a change in tactics. Stornoway moved the ball quickly from the scrum, a simple switch in midfield and the centre was scampering in under the posts. Lochaber rallied and fought back with two tries before half time.
The first was scored by Kenny Turnbull making a break down the narrow side with Captain Ali Revitt screaming for the ball outside him, drawing the defence. Ali scored his try a few minutes later crashing over near the posts, David MacLean converted to give the home side a 15-10 lead at the break. Unfortunately Lochaber's ill disipline at the ruck cost them the lead in the second half.
First, Stornoway kick a penalty, then they scored a push over try when Lochaber had a man in the sin bin for 10 minutes. Lochaber fought back to level the scores with a try for scrum-half Ross Wallace from a catch and drive at the line-out. MacLean kicked the conversion to put the home side's nose in front. He stretched the scoreline to 25-20 with a penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game. However with seconds left on the clock Stornoway fought their way back upfield from the restart and finished with a try in the corner for their winger.
A draw was a fair result at the end of a evently matched encounter.
Lochaber Squad: Smith;Moorhouse,Taylor;Revitt;Stewart;Mercer:Whitaker;A Mercer;Wallace;Turnbull;Duncan;MacRaild;MacKay;Garrick;Hendrie;Jamieson;Ball;MacLean
25 January 2009
Lochaber run league leaders close at Banavie
Plucky Lochaber gave league leaders RAF Lossiemouth a run for their money on Saturday. They pushed Lossie all the way and were unlucky not to win.
This was only Lochaber’s third home match of the season thanks to the combination of poor weather and the condition of the pitch. For once they managed to field a full strength team and gave the home crowd a performance to cheer about.
The Lochaber squad was bolstered by the return of stand-off Kenny Turnbull from New Zealand, and centre Neil MacPhee and back-row Adam Mercer from Edinburgh. The forward’s domination of the line-out and Kenny Turnbull’s pin point accuracy kicking for touch were a winning combination. The RAF men only prevented them from scoring by dragging down the lineout before Lochaber could get a drive on.
Lossie may have been cowed up front but they still had plenty of pace in the backs. They made some blistering attacks off first phase ball but the Lochaber centres and back three put in some excellent tackling. Lochaber were at their weakest when their defence was stretched leaving gaps out wide. Lossie exploited this with a quickly taken penalty and the speedy winger jinked through for a try in the corner.
Lochaber replied with two well struck penalty goals from the boot of Rory Mackay, bringing them back to within a point. Lochaber’s best move of the season so far came at this point in the game. MacPhee made a bullocking run up the right wing, which the forwards drove on into the 22. Ally Rivett was knocked down in mid-field but managed to get the ball away to Smith who made the link to Hendrie and a posse of backs. Hendrie drew the ball and passed but the ball was knocked on just short of the line.
Lossie caught the home defence napping again right on the stroke of half time with another quickly taken penalty resulting in a try in the corner. The half-time score was 12 – 6 but few would have predicted it would be so close.
Lochaber played with passion and commitment in the second half and were eventually rewarded with a try. They advanced 20 yards with a driving maul from the lineout, the backs kept up the momentum into the 22 with short drives and rucks, captain Ally Rivett crashed into a pile of defenders but managed to reach forward at full stretch to touch the ball down on the line.
Lossie hit back before Lochaber had re-grouped after their Herculean effort. They won the ball at the kick off, Lochaber gave away a penalty and Lossie ran the ball wide to score in the corner. Rattled Lochaber pushed forward, desperately seeking a try to clinch the match but the Lossie defence held firm. The match ended 17 – 11 and Lochaber’s Kenny Turnbull was awarded man of the match.
The rugby club can look forward to a busy end to the season with a run of four home matches and the six nations championships to look forward to. Next weekend, Lochaber play host to Moray – kick-off is at 3pm. The week after, a bus has been organised for Friday 5th February to watch Scotland Under 21s take on France Under 21s at the Caledonian Stadium in Inverness. The full international will be screened live in the Club House at 3pm on Sunday 7th February. Why not come along for a great day out at the rugby?
Lochaber squad: I Smith, R Mackay, M Harper, A Revitt, W Stuart, C Mercer, S Whitaker, A Mercer, C Moorehouse, K Turnbull, K Garrick, N MacPhee, D Macdonald, B Macraild, G Hendrie, D Maclean, F Taylor, D Duncan, D Campbell, E Jamieson.
17 October 2009
Lochaber v’s Highland in Local Derby
Lochaber were beaten 44-10 by local rivals Highland in Inverness on Saturday but the match was much closer than the score-line suggests.
There was little to choose between the teams in the first half. Both showed some momentary flashed of brilliance and both let themselves down badly with some basic errors. Lochaber took the game to Highland in the opening encounters. The heavier Lochaber pack stamped their authority on the scrums and took two against the head. Meanwhile the backs went for the blitz defence approach and gave the opposition very little space in which to operate.
Lochaber’s try came about ten minutes into the game; hooker Rory Mackay chipped the ball over the defenders’ heads and flanker Stephen Trail won the race to touch it down by the posts. Second row David Maclean kicked the conversion and a penalty five minutes later to give the visitors a 10-point lead. This didn’t last long as Highland scored two tried in quick succession by exploiting Lochaber’s weakness in defence out wide. They scored two more in the first half to give themselves a comfortable 24 – 10 half-time lead.
Once they got going, Highland were good at off-loading the ball out of contact and keeping the ball alive. As most teams have found this year, if you can keep the ball alive and going forward, its only a matter of time before gaps appear in Lochaber’s defence. Lochaber more than held their own up front and the backs made some good breaks. Brian Knowles came close to scoring a break away try at several points in the match but was caught at the last minute. On a wet day at Banavie you can guarantee that the score-line will be a lot closer.
Next Saturday Lochaber are on the road again to play Moray in Elgin. Their next home match is on 31 October against RAF Lossiemouth and is followed by a Halloween Party in the clubhouse.
Lochaber squad: M Davies, R Mackay, W Stuart, C Mercer, D Maclean, C Macpherson, S Traill, A Rivett, C Moorehouse, D Macdonald, K Garrick, B Knowles, A Donaldson, Casper, B Macraild.
10 October 2009
Second half comeback for Lochaber Rugby
Lochaber came from 0-10 down at half time to beat Craig Dunain by 19 points to 10. The win moves Lochaber clear of the foot of the league table.
The first half was a scrappy affair that gave the home crowd little to cheer about. Lochaber’s lackadaisical tackling let Craig Dunain score their first try far too easily. To be fair the second wasn’t such a gift; it came from a well-worked backs’ move ending with a try in the corner. Lochaber were trailing 10-0 at half time and coach Charlie Donaldson gave them a rollicking for it.
The pep talk seemed to do the trick and Lochaber fought their way back into the game. Donnie Macdonald found touch deep inside the visitors 22 and the forwards drove over from the line out. Finlay Taylor was the try scorer. Craig Dunain started talking back to the referee and were duly penalised. This time David Maclean kicked for touch but the result was the same: lineout, drive and another try for Finlay Taylor. David Maclean kicked the conversions putting Lochaber 14-10 in the lead.
Craig Dunain came back strongly and camped on Lochaber’s line for a good 10 minutes. But indiscipline let them down again and they were penalised allowing Lochaber to kick their way out of trouble. Lochaber’s captain Ally Rivett had the last word when he drove over for a score from a penalty in Craig Dunain’s 22.
Lochaber travel to Inverness next Saturday where they take on Highland Reds. They’re next home match is on 31 October against RAF Lossiemouth and is followed by a Halloween Party in the clubhouse.
Lochaber squad: F Taylor, R Mackay, W Stuart, A Garrick, D Maclean, C Macpherson, C Mercer, A Rivett, B Macraild, D Macdonald, E Jamieson, K Garrick, C Still, K Rigg, M Ellis, Casper, D Campbell, M Davies.
02 May 2009
Lochaber Sevens
Twelve teams competed for the Quiach in the Lochaber Sevens tournament at Banavie. Last year's winners Hillhead Jordan Hill retained their title, beating Highland in the final. Lochaber finished fourth behind Biggar.
The shortened version of the rugby game is still thriving in the West Highlands despite claims that winter back-log of 15-a-side matches is killing it off elsewhere. The three tournaments in Oban, Fort William and Mull held on successive weekends have all been well attended. The secret of their success is the friendly, holiday atmosphere and the craik at the ceilidh afterwards, which gives these tournaments the edge over their Borders and Central Scotland rivals.
This weekend Lochaber played host to old friends from London, Glasgow and Biggar, as well as local teams from Inverness, Oban Mull and Fort William. The old hands from Quintin, West London, say they have such a great time every time they come to Lochaber they just keep coming back for more.
In Pool A, North Constabulary's finest the "Sirens" flew the flag for Lochaber. Although they came last in their group they put in a very creditable performance for a team that only play rugby once a year. In the other group matches Highland overcame Biggar by two tries to one and went on to win the group. Biggar easily beat Quintin "A" to come runners up.
Mull "A" effectively won Group B when they defeated Lochaber "A" in their opening match. This match was disrupted whilst Lochaber's scrum-half Ross Wallace was stretchered-off with a nasty ankle dislocation. Lochaber "A" beat sides from Quintin and Inverness Leisure to come runner's up in their group.
Glasgow side Hillhead / Jordan Hill were streets ahead of the other teams in Group C. They trounced nearest rivals Oban 47 - 12 and easily won their group. Lochaber "B" put up a valiant fight against Mull "B" but were beaten by them as well as Hillhead and Oban.
In the first semi-final Hillhead / Jordan Hill beat best-placed runners up Biggar 43 - 0. As Mull had to make a dash for the last ferry, Lochaber took their place in the second semi-final. The home side lifted their game against local rivals Highland but they were still beaten 3 - 1.
Highland gave Hillhead Jordan Hill a run for their money in the final. The Inverness men matched them try for try, but the Glasgow side kept their noses ahead with a try late in the second half and managed to hold on for a much deserved win. Lochaber lost out to Biggar by 2 tries in the 3rd / 4th place decider.
Most of the long distance travelers stayed for the ceilidh, which lasted long into the night. A few hardy souls (or should that be fool-hardy) ventured out onto the park again on Sunday afternoon to play a 15-a-side match against Quintin before the Londoners headed back south.
Next weekend its Mull's turn to host the final tournament on the West Highland Sevens circuit. And with all to play for in the competition between Lochaber, Mull and Oban for the title of Sevens Chieftains, the Fort William side will be looking for a good showing.
Pool A: Quintin "A" 24, Sirens 7; Biggar 0, Highland 12;
Highland 29, Quintin "A" 0; Sirens 0, Biggar 54;
Highland 31, Sirens 5; Quintin "A" 0, Biggar 22.
Pool B: Lochaber "A" 0, Mull "A" 21; Quintin "B" 5, Inverness 17;
Inverness 12, Lochaber "A" 19; Mull "A" 55, Quintin "B" 0;
Inverness 10, Mull "A" 12; Lochaber "A" 46, Quintin "B" 5.
Pool C: Lochaber "B" 14, Mull "B" 34; Oban 12, Hillhead JH 47;
Hillhead JH 61, Lochaber "B" 0; Mull "B" 14, Oban 36;
Hillhead JH 35, Mull "B" 0; Oban 38, Lochaber "B" 0.
Semi-finals: Hillhead Jordan Hill 43, Biggar 0;
Highland 19, Lochaber "A" 7.
Final: Hillhead Jordan Hill 19, Highland 14.
Plate Final: Biggar 12, Lochaber "A" 0.
Lochaber "A": S Whitaker, C Moorhouse, A Mercer, C Mercer,
R Wallace, C MacPherson, B Macraild, K Garrick,
P Fronzec, D Harvey, A Milne.
Lochaber "B": M Davies, R Mackay, A Revitt, G Hendrie, D Campbell,
K Rigg, A Garrick, A Milne, C Moorhouse, C MacPherson.
11 April 2009
Lochaber end the season on a high note
Lochaber Rugby Club saved the best ‘til last with a crushing 59 – 3 victory over Highland Reds at Banavie. The win moves Lochaber up to seventh position in the league one point above Highland.
Friday’s heavy rain left surface water on the pitch but thanks to a small army of volunteers armed with garden forks and buckets this had drained away in time for kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
Highland travelled light and had to borrow a front row player from Lochaber and ironically it was the Lochaber player, Rory Mackay, who scored their only points by kicking a penalty. Robin Morgan and Pavel Fronzec were Lochaber’s only substitutions coming in the second half.
The young Lochaber side played with a new found confidence on the back of 3 consecutive home wins. The forwards dominated up front and Ross Wallace and Donnie Macdonald at 9 and 10 varied the play to keep Highland guessing. Once a Lochaber player made a break the support play was excellent, with inter-linking passes making sure the move was kept alive. Lochaber made the most of their chances and the scores came thick and fast.
Captain Ally Rivett scored 3 tries, which meant he had to buy a bottle of port for everybody in the clubhouse afterwards. Scrum half Ross Wallace scored a try and kicked 2 conversions and, not to be out done, prop David Maclean scored a try and kicked 5 conversions! Centre Craig Still scored his first try for Lochaber and the other centre Blair Macraild eventually scored a try after dropping the ball over the line at the first attempt. Apologies if any try scorers have been missed; your correspondent is not accustomed to keeping track of so many tries in one match!
The young referee from Skye was very keen on the tackler rolling away from the ball and yellow-carded Highland player, Gavin MacDonald, who is more used to wearing the referee’s jersey and dishing out the yellow cards himself these days. Steven Traill was also sent to the sin-bin for ten minutes for the same offence. However, it didn’t stop the young number eight being awarded man of the match…and oh yes, scoring a try.
That was Lochaber’s last league match of the season but there is more rugby action at Banavie with the 40th Anniversary Lochaber Sevens on 2nd May. The club’s celebrations continue next Saturday with a 40th Anniversary dinner in the Alexandra Hotel with guest speakers Rob Wainwright, Danny Alexander MP and Colin Bailey. This won’t be the stereotypical all-male event as the ladies have played a very important part in Lochaber Rugby club over the years and are very much part of the celebrations too.
Lochaber Team: M Davies, C Moorhouse, D Maclean, A Revitt, C Mercer, D Duncan, C MacPherson, S Traill, R Wallace, D Macdonald,
K Garrick, C Still, B Macraild, D Campbell, G Hendrie, R Morgan,
P Fronzec.
04 April 2009
Lochaber’s 40th Anniversary Rugby Match
Lochaber Rugby Club welcomed back over thirty ex-pats and semi-retired players to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary. They formed select side to take on the current first team in an exhibition match.
There was a strong demand from former players wanting to take part in the match, which goes to show how much the club still means to them. It was great to see so many well ken’t faces take to the field and show that they’ve still got rugby skills that took the club to league and cup glory, even if some of the moves were a little rusty and executed a more sedate pace than in the past.
The changing rooms reeked of musty leather and liniment as old boots and bodies were pressed into action one last time. The teams were led onto the pitch to the skirl of the pipes played by former club president Duncan MacPhee and lined up to face each other on the half way line. Peter Baxter, one of those who played in the inaugural match in 1969, got proceedings underway with a kick-off.
The match was an interesting contest between strength and guile on one side and youth and vigour on the other. Crafty old stagers like Nodge, Pads and Morgan taught the first teams’ pack a lesson or two about scrumaging and stealing the ball in rucks and mauls. However, the youngster’s enjoyed superiority in the line out and got around the park to make tackles and support the backs.
The Anniversary Select Team’s backs showed that they have still got what it takes to create gaps and make breaks. It was great to see the old partnership like Gordon and Hendrie, MacNab and Sinclair and Knowles and Nicolson in action again. However, the first team backs always seemed to have a yard or two of pace over them, either that or more a up-to-date knowledge of the topography of the Banavie pitch meant they could avoid the worst of the swamps and quick sand.
The large crowd of spectators that had gathered on the hill enjoyed a close-fought first half. The first team led 12 – 5 at half time thanks to tries by Ross Wallace and Andrew (Fersit) Mackenzie and a Richard Moir conversion. Fino scored for the Anniversary Select with a number eight pick-up from the scrum. In the second half the first team played some of their best rugby of the season with some excellent inter-play between the forwards and backs creating classic tries for Adam Mercer, David Harvey and Steven Traill. Dale Monk maintained the pride of the Anniversary Select by breanging over for a score at the other end.
The final score wasn’t important as the day was about taking part and celebrating the camaraderie for which Lochaber Rugby Club always been known. Special thanks are due to referee Dougie Anderson who managed the match superbly. Afterwards the club’s past and current presidents cut a birthday cake in the shape of a rugby pitch and presented anniversary pin badges to all the players, before both teams sat down to an excellent meal prepared by the volunteers in the kitchen. The clubhouse reverberated to the sounds of the sixties as the party went on long into the night.
Saturday 11 April sees Lochaber round off their league season with a derby match against Highland at Banavie. Kick-off is at 3 o’clock. On Saturday 18 April the club hold its 40th Anniversary Dinner in the Alexandra Hotel with guest speakers Danny Alexander MP, former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright and Highland rugby stalwart Colin Bailey.
Lochaber 1st Team: M Davies, R Mackay, D Maclean, P Fronzec, A Revitt, C McPherson, S Whitaker, A Mercer, R Wallace, D Macdonald, D Duncan, A Donaldson, D Harvey, S Traill, R Moir, C Mercer, D Campbell, K Garrick, A Garrick, K Rigg, S Cairns, C Moorhouse, A Milne.
Anniversary Select Team: Nodge, Skimpy, Pads, Nigel Bailey, Rob Capell, Colin Donaldson, Robin Morgan, Fino, Kenny Gordon, Gary Hendrie, Alastair Duff, Graham MacNab, Sean Sinclair, Brian Knowles, DR Nicholson, Donald Maclennan, Findlay Taylor, Mike Blanchard, Iain Macfarlane, Gordon Clelland, Stewart Sandison, Dale Monk, Iain Fyfe, Malcie Cameron, Colin Clarke, Brian Knowles, Tom Rowlands, Alastair Nicolson, David Whyte, and Davy Duncan’s dad.
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21 March 2009
Lochaber celebrate win over Craig Dunain
Lochaber cruised to their biggest victory of the season with a 6 tries to nil victory over Craig Dunain. It’s a dozen or more years since they last played Lochaber at home but Inverness Craig Dunain found it’s still a hard place to score points at Fortress Banavie.
The youthful Lochaber side pile on the pressure from the start. The back row was quick to pounce on Craig Dunain’s mistakes and Craig Macpherson should have scored but dropped the ball diving over the line. Lochaber’s first try came from a series of forward drives, quick ruck ball spun out along the line of backs to left winger Davie Duncan who scored in the corner. Scrum-half Ross Wallace extended Lochaber's lead shortly afterwards when he broke round the blind side of the scrum and scored in the opposite corner.
Centre Daryll Lytham put the contest beyond doubt with two scores before half time. The first came from a simple scissors move in midfield and once he was behind the first line of defence there was no stopping him. The second was a counter attack from deep, which saw him run rings round the struggling Craig Dunain defenders and score under the posts. The conversion made it 22 – 0 at half time.
In the second half Lochaber rang the changes with seven substitutions off the bench. It took Lochaber a little while to adjust to so many new personnel but Craig Dunain also lifted their game in the second half. More than once it took some last-ditch defence for Lochaber to keep a clean sheet. Both Lochaber’s tries in the second half came from penalties. Ross Wallace took his quickly, darted through a gap and then it was a 40-yard foot race for the line. Pavel Fronzec’s came from a set piece penalty move and the powerful second row was unstoppable from 10 yards out. The final score was 34 – 0.
There is no match this weekend but on Saturday 4th April Lochaber is holding a ‘Day of Rugby’ as part of the club’s 40th anniversary celebrations. This will start in the morning with the Youth Section playing games against various teams and in the afternoon the 1st XV will be playing a game against a specially picked Anniversary Golden Oldies team. The day will be concluded with a 60's Theme Night in honour of the club being formed in the 60's - fancy dress is optional.
Lochaber Team: M Davies, R Mackay, D Maclean, P Fronzec, A Revitt, C McPherson, S Traill, A Mercer, R Wallace, D Macdonald, R Moir, D Lytham, R Wallace, D Duncan, G Hendrie, K Garrick, S Whitaker, S Cairns, D Campbell, C Moorhouse, C Still, J Newson.
22 March 2009
Mini Rugby
Lochaber’s mini-section travelled to Inverness on Sunday to take part in a tournament there. The P4/P5s got off to a promising start against Ellon and should have won the match by merit of being the first to reach 5 tries but the Ellon came back to win it 5 – 8. They performed well against strong Ross Sutherland and Highland sides despite losing both matches. The P6/P7s were short on numbers and so made up a scratch team with some of their compatriots from other Highland clubs. They also performed very creditably.
07 / 08 March 2008
Weekend of Lochaber Rugby
For the first time in years Lochaber Rugby Club fielded three teams on the same weekend. The S1/S2s and 1st XV took on travelling teams from Hamilton on Saturday whilst the S3/S4s travelled to Inverness to play Highland on Sunday.
Lochaber S1/S2 0, Hamilton S1/S2 25
Lochaber S1/S2s were beaten but played well in some atrocious conditions. The rain poured down for the full hour the match was played and the coaches on the sidelines were frozen to the bone.
It was the Lochaber youngsters’ first game since December and, although they were well beaten by a by a bigger more experienced team, the coaches were well pleased with their performance. They kept their lines and tackled well and looked good going forward with the ball in hand. Lots to build on for the future lads.
Lochaber S1/S2 Team: Jack Ringland; Calum Sandison, Calum Boyd, Jordan MacPhee, Robbie Thurlow, Daniel Thomas, Joseph Tangey, Calum Macdonald, Brian Campbell, Dylan Fraser, Findlay Ireland.
Lochaber 1st XV 10, Hamilton 2nd XV 5.
Lochaber’s senior team played Hamilton 2nd XV in a friendly and beat them by 2 tries to 1. The win will give Lochaber a much needed confidence boost going into their final two league matches at home against Highland Reds and Craig Dunain.
Lochaber mascots for the day were Ewan Kyle, Mark Stuart and Greg Hendrie.
Although the rain had eased off, the conditions underfoot were still atrocious and it was never going to be a pretty spectacle of open rugby. However, the players seemed to enjoy wallowing in the mud and referee Gary Hendrie played the full eighty minutes.
Lochaber adapted to the muddy condition quicker and took the game to Hamilton early on with some strong driving play from the forwards. First prop David Maclean was stopped just short of the line then Martin Davies was driven over from a lineout but was held up by a Hamilton player. The backs scored the first try. The forwards drove close from a penalty, a long pass from stand-off Donnie Macdonald found centre Richard Moir who drew the defence and passed out to Ally Donaldson who cut back inside and scored. Rory Mackay missed the conversion.
Later in the half Hamilton had a long spell attacking the Lochaber try line. Lochaber tackled like demons and kept out wave after wave of attack until a missed tackle near the line let the Hamilton number 8 through for a try. Hamilton missed the conversion and the half time score was 5 – 5.
In the second half Lochaber used the bench to good effect and all four of the substitutes made an impact on the game when they came on. Lochaber had several attempts at scoring but were repelled by some last ditch Hamilton defence. In the end a mazy run and one-handed stretch for the line by vice captain Craig McPherson broke the deadlock. Lochaber thoroughly deserved their 10 – 5 victory.
Lochaber play their last two matches at home against Highland Reds on Saturday 14 March, (kick-off 1:30pm) and against Craig Dunain on Saturday 21 March, (kick-off time to be arranged). And the Six Nations Rugby matches will be shown live in the clubhouse afterwards, so why not come along for an afternoon of rugby and good craic .
Lochaber Team: M Davies, R Mackay, D Maclean, C Mercer, A Revitt, S Whitaker, C McPherson (try), S Traill, R Wallace, D Macdonald, K Rigg, A Donaldson (try), R Moir, K Garrick, D Duncan, F Taylor, A Garrick, R Morgan, P Fronzec.
Highland U16s 0, Lochaber U16s 54
A strong Lochaber under 16s braved the elements in Inverness on Sunday and beat Highland by and impressive 8 try margin.
The weather was again atrocious for the U16s match on Sunday, this time sleet and snow showers driven near on by near gale force winds. The Lochaber forwards dominated their opponents and created a strong platform for the backs who, despite the bitter cold, showed some strong running and good interlocking play with the forwards. Lochaber created 8 tries and 7 were converted, which left an impressive score line of 54-0. Well done the boys.
Lochaber U16 Team
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1 - Jack Wilson
2 - Decon McDonald
3 - Innes Ireland
4 - Chris Simpson
5 - Chris Bar (1 try)
6 - Jamie Moan
7 - Jack Fraser (1 con)
8 - Conor Taylor (5 tries, 3 cons)
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9 - Mark Fraser
10 - Jonathan McCook (1 try, 1 con)
11 - Luke Thomas
12 - Matthew Duff
13 - Ryan Murphy
14 - Scott Gibson
15 - Mark Curtis
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40th anniversary of Lochaber's first rugby match
Almost 40 years to the day Lochaber were back at Canal Parks in Inverness where the club played its first ever rugby match in 1969. The score that day was 13-3 to Highland and the Inverness side again proved too strong for Lochaber.
Lochaber and Highland Reds arranged their league fixture to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the first time the clubs played each other. However, the recent passing of Donalda Nicolson, wife of long-time Lochaber president Angus Nicolson, overshadowed any celebrations. Donalda was a stalwart of the club, one of the ladies who regularly volunteer in the Clubhouse kitchen to cater for the visiting players and their Lochaber boys whose thoughts are with Angus and his family. As a matter of respect both teams observed a minutes silence prior to the match.
The conditions on Saturday were atrocious with gale force winds and driving rain. Lochaber started off into the wind and spend most of the time defending in their own half. They did well to keep Highland out until number eight Kevin Dowdalls picked up from the scrum, worked a one-two with his blind-side winger and finished off a great move by scoring under the posts. Number 10, Phil Tawayaqa converted and it was the Fijian stand-off who scored again shortly afterwards. The hammer blow fell just before half time when second row Kevin Locke and back-row Ewan Rennie scored tries in quick succession, giving Highland an unassailable 22-0 lead.
After the break, Highland scored one try through scrumhalf Emosi (Nas) Nasaramaici but they didn’t have it all their own way. Lochaber created plenty of opportunities but failed to score. Towards the end the severe conditions started to tell and the Lochaber full-back had to leave the field with the onset of hypothermia. It was the sort of day when the players were just relieved to get inside when the final whistle blew.
Club Captain, Ally Revitt presented Highland President, Ronnie Kelly with a 40th anniversary tie and badge as a memento of the game. However, any celebrations were postponed for another day as a mark of respect.
Weather permitting, Lochaber will be at home to Ross Sutherland next Saturday. Kick-off is at 2 pm. In the evening, the annual Dinner Dance starts at 7 pm in the Alexandra Hotel. This year’s band are “Dodgy Ground” and tickets are available from Lorraine Hunter on 0773... .
Lochaber Team: I Smith, R Mackay, W Stewart, D Maclean, C Mercer, A Mercer, C McPherson, A Revitt, C Moorhouse, D Macdonald, P Fronzec, R Moir, D Campbell, S Cairns, R Wallace, E Jamieson, A Garrick.
Lochaber shared the points with visitor Stornoway in a nail biting 25 all draw at Banavie on Saturday.
Lochaber were bolstered by strength of Findlay Taylor in the front row and the return of the injured Ross Wallace at scrum half. The home side missed the penetrating running of Neil Macphee in midfield but Rory Mackay did a sterling job as his replacement. Youngster Mark Ball made his debut for Lochaber at centre in the second half.
Stornoway travelled with a strong team for their last away match of the season, (perhaps something to do with a night out on the mainland?) They had a simple but effective game plan – hit up the middle through the big forwards and then spin it wide to the wings.
Lochaber started brightly threatening the visitors try line on several occasions in the first ten minutes. However, they failed to turn this early pressure into points and Stornoway were first on the scoreboard with a well aimed penalty kick at goal. Lochaber levelled with a penalty, but then were caught napping by a change in tactics. Stornoway moved the ball quickly from the scrum, a simple switch in mid-field and the centre was scampering in under the posts.
Lochaber rallied and fought back with two tries before half time. The first was scored by Kenny Turnbull making a break down the narrow side with captain Ally Rivett screaming for the ball outside him drawing the defence. The captain scored his try a few minutes later crashing over near the posts. David Maclean converted to give the home side a 15 – 10 lead at half time.
Lochaber’s ill discipline at the ruck cost them the lead in the second half. First Stornoway kicked a penalty, then they scored a push over try when Lochaber had a man in the sin-bin for 10 minutes. Lochaber fought back to level the scores with a try for scrum-half Ross Wallace from a catch and drive at the line-out. Maclean kicked the conversion to put the home side’s nose in front. He stretched the lead to 25 – 20 with a penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game. However, with seconds left on the clock Stornoway fought their way back up field from the re-start and finished with a try in the corner for their winger. A draw was a fair result at the end of a very evenly matched encounter.
Lochaber have another home match next Saturday against RAF Kinloss. This fixture has been postponed twice already because of the weather but the rugby club committee are hopeful that this weekend will be third time lucky. Kick-off is at 3 pm. Scotland’s Six Nations match against Italy will be shown in the club house after the match.
Lochaber squad: I Smith; C Moorhouse; F Taylor; A Revitt; W Stewart; C Mercer; S Whitaker; A Mercer; R Wallace; K Turnbull; D Duncan; B Macraild; R Mackay; K Garrick; G Hendrie; E Jamieson; M Ball; D Maclean.
Site Last Updated - 28/07/2010 20:11:33
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