Blacks run out of steam in second

Oban RFC ...........................52
Action from Saturday's game.Action from Saturday's game.
Action from Saturday's game.

Cumbernauld RFC................3

As has happened on several occasions this season, Cumbernauld ran out of steam in the second half of this RBS West Division 2 league match against Oban.

While competing strongly for 50 minutes, Cumbernauld’s obvious lack of fitness led to them being waylaid by a strong Oban XV who 
currently lie third in the league table.

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The new town outfit trailed 3-17 at the interval and were very unlucky not to record a try in the first half. Their only counter came from an Andrew Reid penalty after Oban had opened their account in the 10th minute with a converted try, scored by their very impressive Number 8. Indeed young Zac Davies was very unlucky on two occasions not to touchdown when he was held up over the line for his first attempt and had a foot in touch, ironically given by touch judge and Cumbernauld’s Director of Rugby, Drew Reid. However Zac can take great credit for excellent handling and strength of purpose going forward.

However Oban furthered their lead, scoring two further tries to make the half time score 17-3 in their favour. Oban’s cause was furthered by the sin-binning of Barry McLaughlan just before 
half-time.

The second half saw an Oban onslaught as they recorded another five tries with Cumbernauld unable to counter despite strong running and brave play from Ian Hepburn, Cumbernauld’s man-of-the-match, Captain Jordan Reid and full back Andrew Reid.

As in the first game against Oban at home, and against other top-of-the-league teams, Cumbernauld competed well for 60 minutes of each game.

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Thereafter, their lack of fitness and teamwork let them down and a succession of tries was leaked. There must be a lesson there for the home team players as recent training participation levels have been less than encouraging. Fitness levels are not at an advanced enough stage to allow the Blacks to compete for 80 minutes against stronger teams in the league.

Hopefully Cumbernauld can win their two remaining league games at home to 
finish mid-table. The first involves league leaders Garnock, next Saturday at Auchenkilns so all 
players are expected to attend training this week at 6.45pm for a 7pm start at 
Auchenkilns.

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