Match Report

As a friendly prior to the upcoming U16 West Region Youth Cup games, Lochaber U16's played Oban Lorne on Sunday 16th January. The game was played at Banavie, in perfect weather conditions.

Oban Lorne were one of the strongest teams in the West Region league before Christmas, while in contrast the Lochaber boys have had very limited game time. Oban Lorne were always likely to run out winners, and so it turned out on the day, as they scored several tries to Lochaber’s one. A partisan Lochaber supporter would have had very few passages of play to cheer about during the game, but digging deeper, there’s a lot to be satisfied with:-

· The club has worked hard over a number of years, to be able to field a full fifteen plus substitutes at this age grade.

· As the game wore on, there was a significant improvement in the team’s performance, indicating that the boys were getting to grips with
competitive, full contact rugby.

· It is club policy to give everyone in the squad some game time, where possible. Early on in the second half, when it was time to send on
a substitute, no-one wanted to come off.

· Virtually all of the boys ended the match with some running left in them, indicating reasonable fitness and stamina levels.

· Last but not least as far as both teams were concerned, they enjoyed a great meal afterwards, courtesy of a brilliant group of dedicated
Lochaber parents.

It was unfortunate that Zach Alexander and Match Captain Stuie MacLennan, both rock solid in defence, had to come off with injuries. Also in the backs, Callan Griffin and Taylor Barr had to cope with unfamiliar positions but by the end of the game were playing really well. In the forwards, front rower Anton Bodkin was Lochaber’s outstanding player, as tough as teak and never taking a backward step. Not far behind him were second rowers J-J Blackley and Archie Campbell.

Looking ahead to the U16 West Region Youth Cup, the club’s reasonable ambition for them is that, due to squad size, players can remain free of injuries, and that they fulfil all 3 first round games. While the boys still have a lot of work to do, they’re definitely going in the right direction.