Lochaber Rugby Club U14's - Dalriada Event at Banavie Sunday 26th May 2019

On 26th May, Lochaber U14s participated in their last tournament of the season, at their Banavie home ground. Due to uncontrollable factors, only one opposition team could make it, and as they had come with depleted numbers, a three-way Sevens format was arranged. Each team (Mid-Argyll, Lochaber Whites, and Lochaber Colours) got sixty minutes of rugby by playing every other team twice. Mid-Argyll were undefeated, with their superiority evident in their team cohesion, rucking, and running onto the ball at pace. The sixteen Lochaber boys, split into two teams, never gave up and will have learnt a lot from the day. Individual profiles of the boys, who no doubt will be better players for having participated, are as follows:-

Lochaber Whites
Aaron – (utility player) some good runs against Lochaber Colours, including a try in the last game, and some good tackling against Mid-Argyll. A fit and keen player with loads of potential.

Archie – (front row) a tall rangy player who is hard to stop with the ball in hand, expert at pick and go from the ruck base. In an unfamiliar position, but because he gives the game everything he’s got, is always a great asset irrespective of position.

Callan – (front row) also in an unfamiliar position, filled it to the best of his abilities. Good hands and good in the tackle, supported and offloaded well to create Aaron’s try against Lochaber Colours.

Hayden – (hooker) put in some good tackles at the start of the tournament, and finished off well with a couple of good runs against Lochaber Colours. A consistent attender at training / tournaments, and a valuable team man.

Rainers – (centre) scored three times, all against Lochaber Colours. Some try saving tackles against Mid-Argyll first up, and rucked well throughout the day. A really fit player who will be sorely missed next year when he moves up to U16s.

Ronnie – (flyhalf and captain) – worked his heart out all day with numerous tries and try-saving tackles to his credit. His team was a bit lost when he had to go off against Mid-Argyll after one too many knocks, exemplifying his leadership skills. Will also be sorely missed when he moves up to U16s.

Stuart – (scrumhalf) found the going tough in the first game against Mid-Argyll, but came back strongly in the other three games. Provided the lead-up to one of Ronnie’s tries in the second game against Mid-Argyll, and scored himself in the last game against Colours.

Zach – (centre /wing) as well as being a good all round player with sound technical skills, has genuine creativity in attack. Had to come off for a bit after two big back-to-back tackles in the second game against Mid-Argyll, but there was no way he was going to miss the last game.

Lochaber Colours
Ewan – (flyhalf /centre) guest player, fit and strong, possesses all the rugby skills. Great at the breakdown, where he won a number of turnovers, even as a result managing to score a couple of long range tries against the run of play. Would be welcomed back to Lochaber any time.

J-J – (hooker) good lead up work against Lochaber Whites before Ewan’s try, and a later good run in the same game. Able to play virtually the full sixty minutes of rugby without being substituted.

James – (front row) worked hard all day in both attack and defence, wasn’t over-awed by the bigger stronger and more experienced Mid-Argyll boys. A solid player around which good rugby teams can be built, has a great future in the game.

Big Josh - (front row and captain) good tries against Mid-Argyll and in the last game against Whites. Put in a number of crunch tackles, and saw out the full sixty minutes of rugby without being substituted. A good role model for aspiring young front rowers, will be sorely missed next year.

Wee Josh – (scrumhalf) good tackling skills for a small lad, creative in attack, and didn’t let some hard knocks get him down. Used the grubber and the hack to good effect in the last game against Lochaber Whites. There’s no doubt that he will be a key player in the years to come.

Robbie – (wing) like his twin brother Archie, a fit, rangy player who can fill in at most positions when asked. One of the few who made any impression in the second game against Mid-Argyll, giving it everything he had. A great asset irrespective of the position he’s asked to play.

Ruiraidh – (wing) try in the first game against Whites, always a safe pair of hands, always gets the ball back to his own side in the tackle, and is always in support when the break is made. A solid and dependable player to have on the flank.

Mid-Argyll
Ryan – (wing) on this occasion, part of the tournament-winning team. Did well throughout the day in both attack and defence, scoring a good try in the second game against Lochaber Whites, to the delight of his adoptive team-mates. Will be missed next year when he moves up to U16s.

It is the aim of any rugby team to end the season on a high note. The U14s’ enthusiasm for this seventh and last tournament (despite knowing in advance of the potential lack of competition) and the support that they got from parents / guardians, was shown by the pleasing numbers who turned up on such a dreich bank holiday weekend. This, and the way that the boys never gave up against strong opposition who inevitably delivered some hard rugby lessons, speaks volumes for their attitude. Everyone’s efforts throughout the season are hugely appreciated, and the whole club looks forward to seeing how this great bunch of boys develop in the years to come .