Lochaber U14's v Caithness U14's

This was the first outing for the team in their new playing tops sponsored by Jewson. A huge thank you to Craig, Brian and the Fort William staff

It was great to see Phil back at Banavie to support the boys, and provide another excellent match report. We wish you well in your recovery.

Caithness U14s travelled to Banavie for a friendly on a raw Sunday afternoon, 12th January. The Lochaber boys who turned out were Aaron Fyfe, Anton Bodkin, Arran MacLennan, Cody MacKay, Gregor Henderson, J-J Blackley, Jack Soe-Paing, Josh Allan, Josh Seymour, Lee Howat, Robert Gosling, Stuie MacLennan, and Zach Alexander. Lee and Jack joined the nine visitors to make an 11-a-side game on the full size pitch, split into three periods, nominally 20 minutes each.

Lochaber were dominant in the first period, scoring four tries to two. For Lochaber, highlights included Zach’s efforts in both attack and defence, Gregor’s try out wide on the left from a simple backline move, and Stuie’s70m solo try following a good J-J Blackley pick-up at the restart. For Caithness, Jack Soe-Paing made a good straight run up the middle to set up their second try. Zach and Aaron, both hard-working players, sustained injuries at the end of this period, and had to finish their day.

In the second period, Lee Howat returned to Lochaber to make a 10-a-side game. Caithness had the wind advantage and so fared better, going down four tries to three. For Lochaber, Anton Bodkin and Arran MacLennan put in some good runs and tackles, but the highlight was their third try. Josh Seymour gathered the ball deep in his own half, made a long run mazy down the right side and kicked ahead when the cover defence threatened. He managed to recover the ball, which was then recycled to Josh Allan, who had done well to follow up. He made ground infield towards the line, then kept on his feet when well tackled, to offload to Robert Gosling running at pace. Robert went in for a great team try near the posts.

Because of the reduced player numbers on the full size pitch, the referee reduced the third period to 10 minutes. There were some big runs from Stuie and Josh S, and some good work in the tight from front rowers Anton, Cody, and J-J. Despite that, one of Caithness’ big strong forwards was able to instigate a number of attacking threats, and they scored two tries to Lochaber’s none.

The final score, when conversions were taken into account, was Lochaber 48 Caithness 43. This was a good outing for the Lochaber boys and their Caithness counterparts, who must be given credit for their willingness to make the long journey to Banavie. It will help enormously in both team’s preparations for the sterner tests to come in February, March and April.