Cumbernauld go down fighting against strong Oban opposition

Oban Lorne RFC 32

Despite leading narrowly at half time by 8-5, Cumbernauld suffered an onslaught of continuous pressure during the second half, conceding five further tries in the process.

Cumbernauld had matched their opponents in a fairly quiet first half and having conceded an early try, the home side took the lead with a penalty from the boot of full-back Andrew Reid and an unconverted try from Grant Cowie. While Cumbernauld held the lead at half-time the portents were not good for the second half. It seemed that the heavier, stronger and fitter Oban pack would exert lots of second-half pressure to take advantage of their wind advantage.

And so it proved to be as the lighter home forwards were overwhelmed by constant visitors’ pressure. Shortly after half-time a Cumbernauld dropped ball was swiftly seized upon by the eager Oban backs and the ball was fed out the line for their hooker to score in the corner.

The try was not converted but immediately pressure was re-applied to the Black’s defence and following a tap penalty the ball was again fed wide for the wing forward to score Oban’s third try. This try was converted and immediately following, try number four came Oban’s way, this time their winger scoring in the corner.

However, it says a lot for Cumbernauld’s fighting spirit as despite losing four tries to a very strong Oban outfit, Zac Davies scored in the corner, following brave, driving play from wing forward Alan McLeod. Although the game seemed lost for Cumbernauld, they never gave up heart and took the game to their heavier, more experienced opponents at every opportunity.

Following Captain Jordan Reid’s sin-binning for an illegal tackle, Oban continued to turn the screw and added two more tries to their impressive tally. Their last try was probably the best try of the game. The move started deep inside the Oban half and terminated with a great score in the corner from the Oban full-back, playing his first competitive game for the Argyll side.

Director of rugby Drew Reid commended Zac Davies for his strong running and considered Ian Hepburn to be the pick of the forwards. However there was the worrying sight of two Cumbernauld players receiving treatment for cramp during the run-up to Oban’s last try – surely a sign that in some cases training commitments have to be strengthened.

Next Saturday, March 1, Cumbernauld travel to meet Clydebank RFC for the next RBS West League Division 2 fixture and players are reminded that training will be held on Tuesday and T
hursday with a 7pm prompt start.