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39th SEASON 2007 - 08
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Reports For Season 2005 - 06 CLYDEBANK 94 - Paisley 7 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan Clydebank continued their impressive mid-season resurgency with a seventeen try trouncing of a demoralised Paisley on Saturday. The biggest margin of victory for nearly five years secured with a near-perfect display of brutal ‘power’ rugby. While McKee, Kirkwood and Kyle all bagged themselves hat-tricks the real story was to be found in an outstanding team performance. The engine room of any side is the forward pack and today they purred like a red-and-black Rolls Royce. Gobbling up lineout ball, mauling robustly, tackling ferociously and marauding around like a herd of ball carrying Wildebeest, this was truly a sight to behold. With a patient but intermittently devastating backline to complement there really was no stopping the mighty Bank. Ross McCombe opting quite sensibly to ride the wave of forward supremacy with a field position game before unleashing his troops on an array of mesmeric running lines. Clydebank wore the demeanour of winners straight from the kick-off. Here, Kyle rose resplendently to gobble up Millar’s towering kick to adroitly unload before a knock-on spoiled the chance of a try within ten seconds. We weren’t to be kept waiting long though as Kyle now peeled off the base of a maul to touch down in the corner. Two minutes later and he was at it again, this time not having to even peel from his forward colleagues’ unstoppable maul as they charged over the line cavalry style. McKee had eased through in the centre before Kyle calmly secured a bonus point with his hat-trick try, superbly assisted by Kirkwood. Over an hour to go, by which time Paisley had touched the ball maybe twice and this game was essentially, over. A slight sense of anti-climax was perhaps to blame for a ten minute ‘letting-up’ period. El Capitan, the irascible David Miller wasn’t pleased, indeed bawling out his troops to in fact forget the score line and play their own game again. With strong words came immediate effect as what followed was a bit of a massacre really. Try followed try followed try as shocked Paisley capitulated. Long term observers won’t have missed the irony in the Banks punishment of poor Paisley Punts. Dovetailing the strength of McKee with the intensity of Ross at open-side seemed almost an act of incredible cruelty as tackle after tackle was broken. As well as the aforementioned hat-trick trio Don Ross earned himself a brace while MacLean, Miller, Starkey, Roberts, and Baillie all managed to ink their name on the score sheet. By the time Disco Dave Kirkwood had waltzed his way through a spellbound defence for a try-of-the-season candidate it appeared Paisley had nothing left to give. But credit due in fighting on for small consolation with a well worked right-wing try which capped things off. Clydebank will look to carry this performance level into this weeks challenging away trip to league leaders Marr. An heroic last day victory at Glencruitten kept Clydebank in the league last season and a similar effort is sought. On the evidence of this game the Bank have a real chance. GHK 48 - CLYDEBANK 10 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan Clydebank started the new year with a heavy defeat at champions elect GHK. In a game which promised much but was stifled by the worst efforts of a card happy referee, GHK showed their quality while the Bankies more than hinted at their own potential. With the less than enticing prospect of being foisted onto “the big pitch” (which we’re assured is exactly the same size as “the wee pitch”!) thoughts of last years 72-0 gubbing were not far from the Bankie mindset. GHK as a feeder club of perennial Scottish champions Glasgow Hawks GHK have playing resources unmatched by any club two or three leagues in ascent of their national 5 league placing. Defeat was not exactly an unexpected outcome. The encouraging thing, and yes it was encouraging, is the game didn’t really resemble this disparity as Clydebank took to their efforts with great aplomb. Dave Kirkwood, the most inexperienced player in a very experienced team demonstrated a patent lack of fear in putting a menacing hit in on the games first tackle. There was no hangovers here, the Bank were up for this one. Possession was exchanged regularly. GHK attempted to throw it wide while Clydebank probe the fringes, the clash of styles immediately appealing for the purists among the crowd. Unfortunately, and perhaps crucially, the red and black backline was forced into early reshuffle when Ross McCombe hyper extended his elbow trying to charge down a kick. The re-jigged defence was breached almost immediately. One missed tackle punished with searing pace as the right winger skedaddled through untouched. The response was almost as devastating. Flowing ruck play, McKee, Ross and Kyle prominent had GHK pressured into infringing and Moffat duly slotted a three pointer. More backline reshuffling followed as centre James Roberts had to be replaced, his game ended with the throwing of an outrageous dummy. The hard work was again undone with two more GHK tries. The first a poorly defended number 8 pick before the flying winger crashed over in the corner. It could have been worse as the pace merchant was again allowed too much space, an over-extravagant touch down was correctly ruled illegal prompting a comically petulant reaction. Perhaps revealing why the inevitable jump to the Hawks has not yet been made. 19-3 at the break then and this game was closer than the score line suggested. GHK’s superior ability to punish mistakes the crucial factor. The opening forays of the second period reflected this with a prompt exchange of scores. Lightning quick rucks followed brusque charges into the heart of the home defence and Kyle was there to provide the finishing touch to an excellently worked try. Moffat’s conversion closed the gap to only two converted tries. Between the end of the first half and the start of the second the teams shared four sin-binnings for the most minor of offences. With the referees interpretation of the ruck laws essentially eliminating any actual rucking and with the confusion that entails from the non-use of hand signals this once promising spectacle descended into farce. Ross Moffat suffering the indignity of being ordered off for being offside while being punched squarely in the face. The bemused faces of the home team said it all. GHK’s extra man and superior fitness eventually told and finished the game scoring four tries in the last fifteen minutes. Clydebank head on to next weeks challenge with another reformed club Hillhead at Hughenden defeated but certainly not disgraced. The coaches can see the game plan coming into fruition, the players can see that they were very close to matching an excellent side. Hillhead have struggled so far and sit second bottom but with a fiery pack of forwards and home advantage they’ll look to make things difficult for the Bankies. Bishopton 13 - CLYDEBANK 18 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan Clydebank made heavy weather of dispensing with the leagues bottom side in a game only a mother could love. Quality at a premium but three wins on the bounce for the first time in over two years the encouraging result of a welcome midseason revival. Proceedings commenced with the Bankies looking very strong indeed and not just due to the fetching new strips provided by our sponsors at MITIE. Imposing mauls and inventive backplay propelled the red-and-blacks deep into Bishopton territory. Although clearly in trouble, the home side still fought a spirited rearguard action. Hard tackling composed kicking and sympathetic officiating all contrived to frustrate the imposing Bank attack. A number of opportunities went unconverted. Kyle went close from a clever lineout move, McCombe's miss pass found touch and not the hand of an overlapping runner and Stevie Howie turned over with support noticeably lacking. Things got distinctly edgy as when of all things, Bishopton took the lead from a well-struck penalty. Territory conceded through pretty ordinary handling of the high-ball attack. First half blushes were spared with a five minute double-salvo to finish the period. Graeme Kyle sharp as a tack in taking the tap penalty to release Iain Bishop for an electric charge up the sidelines. Arms and legs flailing in unique style as the crazed giraffe provided an outstanding finish. Searing pace from Roberts to cruise through the gap provided by skip Millers hoodwinking dummy run. This was much more like it. Moffat slotted the conversion to push the lead to nine points at the break. The second-half was time to push home the advantage, keep the pressure on and cement a rewarding bonus-point win. This rosy version of events did of course fail to materialise as Clydebank regressed into mediocrity. Clearly missing the energy direction and lineout delivery of the now injured Graeme Kyle the Bankie pack were now playing on the back foot. Bishoptons tactic of kicking away possession proved very effective indeed as the Bank continued to fumble their return game. With Clydebank struggling to find anyone to hit their array of quality lineout jumpers and they in turn fleecing the home side we reached the almost farcical situation where neither team could win their own put-in. This just served to further reward aimless kicking and the game meandered ever downwards, with Bishopton now slightly on top. With defensive leader McCombe pulled into making yet another important cover tackle Bishopton were able to expose his usual stand-off channel for an easy score. Poor communication to blame in permitting an eminently preventable try. With a cushion of only 2-points Clydebank were jolted from the second-half reverie and employed new resources. Concerted effort straight from the kick-off allowed Moffat to ice the game with a pressure penalty. Thankfully Clydebank were anointed winners but nowhere near as comfortably as they should have. One game before the Christmas break (home to Cumbernauld this Saturday at 2pm) holds particular interest as it perhaps determines the shape and aspirations of the final stages of the current league campaign. Win and a previously unthinkable shot at a playoff place appears, but lose and mid table struggles dominate New Year thinking. With 36 senior players available for selection last week (even Davie ‘should have been sent off’ Smart was back in the first team) the club could be one leap from a really good period. Lets make it so with a big effort at training this week. A single couple of good sessions will see to that. CLYDEBANK 33 - Oban Lorne 25 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan Yet to be filed. CLYDEBANK 18 - Loch Lomond 7 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan A resurgent Clydebank eclipsed their 5-game nightmare with a beautifully measured performance. Composed and cerebral amidst the chaos of a local derby, the red and blacks superior technique proved too much for an injury weakened Lomond side. Straight from kick-off Clydebank carried the look of the more determined group. Five defeats on the trot was now simply unacceptable. It was as they say time to take care of business. The halfback partnership of Moffat and McCombe immediately let loose the dynamic ball-carrier trio of Kyle, Cameron and Bishop to smash holes in the defence. Stevie Howie took early control of the lineout (and never let go) and the forwards mauled as if their lives depended on it. Clydebank had achieved total control and Lomond were holding on for dear life. But hold on they did for fully twenty minutes. Although well on top, Clydebank just couldn’t quite convert the pressure into points. David Valentine flew for the line but was swatted back, Graeme Kyle bombed a 3-on-1 chance with a damp squib of a miss-pass and Iain Starkey dropped a sclaffed clearance when the line beckoned for the powerful wing. The breakthrough just had to come and it was Kyle who would emerge as provider with an impressive double-strike. Good early passing from Mclean, Cameron and Welson handed the diligent Kyle a sniff of the line he couldn’t resist. Moffat duly converted from the touchline and the Bankies were up by seven. As quick as a flash the Bank were back in the Loch 22. From Howie’s catch an unstoppable red and black wedge was formed. Kyle applying the killer touch to the slow and painful punishment of a pushover try. Half time came soon after and the Bankies held a useful 12-0 lead. In comparison to the fluidity of the initial exchanges Clydebank’s second-half was ever so slightly underwhelming. Indeed Ally McDiarmid had to quickly turn on the gas to effect a try saving cover-tackle. This game was in danger of becoming a contest. Two penalties from the assured boot of Moffat quickly put paid to that but the Clydebank critics still craved more creativity than the consolidation they witnessed. The backline, well marshalled by McCombe and Dillon, were so much more secure behind a true platform. Without really inspiring, the Bank were in truth rarely under pressure. Loch’s frustration at a lack of progress eventually boiled over into ill tempers. Random acts of foul play set among a chorus of dissent and the recipe for cards was complete. The brandishing of two reds and yellows the retort of a put out referee. The game died out, disappointingly, with a soft consolation try. A missed assignment in the back-row permitting the most preventable of tries. A single victory and it all seems that much brighter at Whitecrook. As well as the valuable four points the associated boost in confidence could act as a launch pad for the second half. GHK apart, this division is nip and tuck all the way and a good run is possible. The visit of Oban next week is typical of this. Another unruffled performance, like the one we witnessed here could be just what is required for another win. Strathendrick 21 - CLYDEBANK 8 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan An early Strathendrick double -strike enough to dispose of a worryingly flat looking Clydebank Mistakes dominated the proceedings as both sides struggled to impose themselves in an old style war of attrition. With confidence dented from five straight defeats a good start was possibly essential. Again for the weakened Bank it was not to be. Bang! And Strathendrick were away. The standoff set up for a drop goal but changed his mind mid-stride and legged it. As if guided by the ghost of Barry John he then danced through the off-guard Clydebank defence for, as Bill Mclaren might have described it, one of the great tries. No rest for the wicked as a half-break from the bullocking centre, a big drive from the forwards and the wing three quarters was able to sweep through untouched. A knockout combination from which the Bank would not fully recover. Clydebank were next on the board though with a confidently struck Moffat Penalty. Moffat was at it again as he released McCombe for a foray down the right wing. A boot down the line set up a footrace Graeme Kyle was destined to win. A terrific score. What could have been the launchpad for a Bankie comeback was forgotten amidst the tit-for-tat wranglings of a shared creative malaise. The home side didn’t have enough quality to kill the game while the red-and-blacks appeared unable to summon enough phases to salvage a true challenge. Dropped passes and malfunctioning set-piece beset the better efforts of both sides and it was no surprise to see frustration boil over into ill-tempers aplenty. With this the contest dissipated and became a going through the motions type of game. It is fair to say that the sideline critics had plenty of ammunition supplied to them by this underwhelming performance. With Scotland starting their Autumn campaign Clydebank have a much needed rest weekend. It doesn’t get any easier though as what promises to be a ferocious local derby awaits the regrouping Bank. Loch Lomond have been far the more impressive thus far and a dramatic improvement is required if this game is to see the start of struggling Clydebank’s revival. CLYDEBANK 0 v Marr 29 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan An explosive Marr 15-minute 4-try salvo was enough to condemn a slumping Clydebank to their 4th straight defeat. If you can’t tackle you can’t win goes the old truism and so it was as another defensive meltdown undid an again fickle Bankies. In reflecting upon the minor successes of weeks previous a revised game plan had emerged. To win it was said Clydebank had to eradicate the aimless kicking and employ a narrower ‘smash-mouth’ brand of rugby football. This proved slightly harder to implement as devise when the opening exchanges were, almost inevitably, littered with yes worthless kicks and imperfect miss-passes. These discouraging signs became reality as the Bankies faltered into another defensive horror show. It began with the stand-off slipping through the soft centre of Clydebank’s defence before accomplished handling released the pacy winger to score. Another missed tackle allowed a second score before the3rd try exposed the weakness under the high ball. Ian Starkey left rooted as the ball bounced the way of the speedy winger to leave the Bankies in real trouble. Insult was added to injury as the blitz continued with a devastating lineout drive. With bonus point secured Marr’s work here was done and the Bank appeared on the verge of total collapse. The temporary reprieve of the half-time whistle sounded with Clydebank in a 25-point hole. In contrast to the season so far a revival of sorts was actually sparked by changes enforced by injury. Graeme Kyle stiffened the centre and provided the target the loose forwards were craving. Colin MacLean battered forward, Alan Cameron emerged as a potent ball carrier while Ronnie McKee’s cameo was industrious and powerful. Pinned on their own try line, the visitors faced a character test. To their ultimate credit, in the face of adversity they found a way to just hang on. The task admittedly helped by a less than incisive opposition. A knock-on here, a poor lineout there managed to undo all the key opportunities created by a now resurgent Bank. This ghost in the red-and-black machine even appeared to afflict try-scoring specialist Ronnie McKee, who, after charging through five tackles decided and perhaps without taking into account the shape of his foot, to sclaff the proverbial frozen turnip straight into touch. A truly bizarre moment. Marr, in contrast, fair oozed the cutting edge that Clydebank sorely lacked. And despite being outplayed for most of the second period took merciless advantage of slack Bankie handling for the concluding score. So to next week and another tough test in the form of Fintry based Strathendrick. Progress must be made if the last seasons 5-point cup defeat is to be reversed. Paisley 31 v CLYDEBANK 15 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan Bottom side Paisley handed injury ravaged Clydebank a shock wake-up call with this convincing victory. A troubling performance that could bode ill for what's to come as Clydebank’s makeshift backline couldn’t match the sterling efforts of their forwards. In a season where the Bank have been haemorrhaging backs it came as no surprise as disaster struck again and Ross McCombe was carried off in the first minute. Hooker Alan Carline taking his makeshift wingers spot with resignation and grace. The loss of McCombes calm assurance and game-management abilities were to prove absolutely crucial. Paisley took the lead through a long-range penalty but it was Clydebank who were first over the line. Martin Waddell pilfering of an opposition put-in permitting Miller to jink through the defence. Moffatt’s conversion struck the post and the Bank were two points to the good. Things were looking up at this point. The red-and black flying wedge that is the Bankies driving maul looked near unstoppable. Paisley, appearing distinctly flummoxed, desperately employed an array of techniques to halt this juggernaut of forward power. Retreating and not offering opposition to a drive certainly the most creative tactic, the most effective technique was perhaps a little cruder. A series of punches rained in on the head of a trapped Jamie Baxter and an almighty rammy ensued. The referee appearing to lose control as no retribution was taken. Clydebank’s momentum somewhat dissipated. Indeed the inevitable Paisley yellow card only arrived in the last minute as a tide of knowing inaction finally overwhelmed the dispirited official. A lack of defensive organisation and a strange lemming-like propensity to launch aimless kicks down the throat of the oppositions most dangerous attacker was however the real key to Clydebank’s eventual undoing. How McCombe was missed. Three times we witnessed the pacy full-back willo-the-wisp his way through a scrambling Clydebank defence before Clydebank cut out the aimless kicking. Although the horse had bolted the closing machinations beheld a picture of what might have been for the lopsided Bank. A tighter game plan, where Moffat was able to hand off to forward after forward, earned Clydebank two late tries. David Baillie and Martin Waddell finding themselves at the end of two impressive series' of multi-phase power running. With hindsight as a companion the recipe for success is therefore laid out. The injury hoodoo has now transformed the Bank from an expansive backs oriented outfit to a more traditional “10-man” team. Three-blind one wide now three-blind and a GTF (Get tae F*$% for the uninitiated). Up your jumper stuff certainly required for next weeks visit of high-flying Marr. With a gameplan to match their obvious strengths Clydebank may just surprise one or two when Saturday comes. Kinross 67 v CLYDEBANK 0 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan Clydebank’s run in the Scottish cup was over before it began as a 2nd half massacre saw the travelling Bank well and truly humbled. An injury epidemic coupled with the annual breakout of away-match-itis stripped an already threadbare squad to its absolute limits. Alan Kyle providing admirable emergency cover by making his mark on the game (and anyone who was on the ground). An encouraging opening foray for the Bank as a bustling maul from the kick-off had Kinross in immediate trouble. Graeme Kyle skedaddled away before releasing to Alan Cameron what looked for all like a scoring pass. Unfortunately, for Clydebank courageous cover-defence just held the number eight from touching down. From the ensuing scrum "Disco" Dave Kirkwood tried to two-step his way through only to be repelled, Kinross just hanging on. It looked like we had a real game on our hands. Not so fast though as on twenty minutes a quick-fire series of unfortunate events saw the Bank’s world caved in. Firstly, over-commitment to a ruck scythed open a gaping overlap for the speedy Kinross wide men to exploit. Conversion made and it was 7-0. Jamie Duncan, arguably the teams best defender, dropped a Kinross prop on his head and was promptly sin-binned. Three points from the resultant penalty and the softest of tries straight through the centres had Clydebank in a 17-point hole. Returned to the full complement of fifteen the Red and Black pack were dominant at ruck and maul and forced a continuous period of pressure. This ended however when dangerman David Howie had to be carried off with a broken foot. Two more tries and Clydebank trailed 27-0 at the break. With the game effectively over as a contest and now facing into the wind, Clydebank were faced with a real test of character. For twenty minutes they answered admirably. Great driving mauls, Ross McCombe calmly finding touch and Jamie Duncan’s fearsome dump tackles moved the Bankies into a temporary ascendancy. There was really no sign of the capitulation that was to follow. Fatigue took over, tired, dispirited and beaten; Clydebank conceded no less than five late tries. Missed tackle after missed tackle plagued the Bank as the home side ran riot. Disappointingly Kinross did not produce anything you could point to as particularly special but against a defence in disarray they were simply unstoppable. Take Neil McKenzie’s ‘brain cramp’ moment as he kicked behind the Bankie attackers to the grateful Kinross wingers delight. This was now a complete shambles. In the scheme of things, the result does not provide grave concern. What does need questioned is the lack of organisation that led to a ‘gubbing’ like this. Unless serious flaws are addressed on the training pitch among those considering themselves 1st team players (including many who never made the trip in the 1st place) then this will not be the last time this type of result will occur. CLYDEBANK 39 v Hillhead 6 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan A second-period try blitz secured the points in a game much closer than the score line would suggest. Windswept and interesting, fortress Whitecrook provided the setting for the beleaguered bankie backs most incisive outing thus far. Early meanderings saw Clydebank struggle to establish themselves in the light of numerous changes up front including pulling Davie ‘the fridge’ Valentine out of cold storage. Losing scrums against the head, inefficient at lineout and pinned against the wind, the Bank looked like a side who had lost two on the bounce. Timely defence and one blistering attack somehow gave Clydebank the lead. After trading early penalties Graeme Kyle careered away from a lineout drive to cause havoc in the visitors defence. McCombe, Miller and Welson in slick combination to send Ally McDiarmid to touch-town, his first for the club. Despite the lead it was still all Hillhead. The opposition stand-off expertly traversed the play as Clydebank scrambled for their lives. Despite numerous penalties the red and black wall stood firm. Thumping tackle after thumping tackle broke up attack after attack as the half-time whistle sounded merry relief for the battling Bank. Onslaught survived, it was time to show some class. Ross McCombe first in on the act, dummying his way through for a welcome second score. Cue another Graeme Kyle line break, this time the speedy hooker finishing the job himself. David Baillie, demonstrating that rare ability to read the play three breakdowns early, provided the poachers finish to sleek back play. With five points secure and oozing confidence the sexier side of Clydebank was unveiled. Caressing passes left right and centre the home side created enough chances for five more scores but would only acquire two. Substitute Alan Cameron made a strong claim for a starting slot with a superb individual effort. A pirouette of balletic grace enough to penetrate the D-line before rough necking his way over the line. Scrum-half Moffatt got into the act with a trademark bulldog ‘doosh’ and dash. A tough away trip to Kinross in the first round of the Scottish cup follows for the victorious Bankies. The first 80-minute performance of the season required if progression past the national 4 stalwarts is to be secured. Clydebank 0 v GHK 46 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan A counter-attack masterclass from the champions-elect a bridge too far for a somewhat overwhelmed Bankies on Saturday. Chastened but not humiliated as a patched up backline struggled against a devastatingly slick set of runners. A remarkable score line considering the Clydebank pack produced their most secure forward performance of the season thus far. Scoring eight tries from about 30% of the possession a testament to a backline superiority. All day Declan Coyle rose resplendently at the line out, constantly popping out a hand to gobble up the efforts of both hookers. What’s more, great mauling drives in excess of 20 metres were commonplace as the Red & Black pack took control. Alas, danger was never more than a dropped ball away. Like the Spanish inquisition, G.H.K. tries came when nobody expected them. After a seesaw first 20 minutes Clydebank somehow found themselves 19-0 down. Confusion at centre led to the opening score, one misplaced pass and they were away. Two more attacking mistakes and two more tries as the GHK defence pounced on every scrap of possession. Like a pack of hungry wolves they skulked around until set loose with lethal intent. Each Bankie attack riding a precipice with danger lurking on both sides. Again building on a dominant set-piece, Clydebank rode the wave of attacking possession all the way to the opposition line. But time and time again they were repelled. That extra incisiveness, so obvious in the opposition, was painfully lacking. Despite the apparent ‘control’ the Bank seemed to possess the match, in actuality, barely entered contest status. And so it continued. More passages of Bank pressure punctuated by lightning riposte after lightning riposte. What a strange game. Unusually for a team suffering such a heavy defeat, the Clydebank attitude from 1-15 remained exemplary throughout. Starkey and Bishop’s terrific-tag-team-tackle and Jamie Duncan’s vicious dumping of the second row stood as evidence for that. A total eight tries had been chalked up by the end. GHK’s superiority in evidence long before that. The take home message from this game? Simple - play direct rugby on top of the same forward platform and victory against less-talented teams will surely ensue. Another home clash next week as Hillhead travel to Whitecrook. Similar starts to the season suggest a close encounter is on the cards and you can see for yourself at 3pm on Saturday. Cumbernauld 20 v Clydebank 5 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan Conditions dominated as an injury affected Clydebank lost an attritional encounter to old foes Cumbernauld. Muddy underfoot and with a swirling wind overhead the Auchenkilns version of the all blacks were ever so slightly better at mastering the near desolate landscape. A benchmark game found this seasons Bankies still reliving too many sins of old and the fair-weather tag could yet take a while to shrug off. Mishandling consistently beset the best-efforts of both teams. With more failed passes than a stag weekend there wasn’t much opportunity for expansive rugby to materialize. In fairness the new look red-and-black backline was not lacking in creativity. In his first start for the club, ex Currie and Livingston man Ally McDiarmid was linking well with the traditional inside back line up of Moffat, McCombe and Miller. Despite the best efforts of the outstanding Welson they did perhaps lack a game breaker. A sustained period of Cumbernauld pressure became a visit to try-town as the impressive number-eight forced his way over from a five-metre scrum. Conversion missed and the Bank were in a five-point hole. Clydebank’s response was deadly. A quick tap penalty to the ubiquitous Graeme Kyle and Cumbernauld were immediately on the back foot. McCombe and Andrews united to set Ian ‘the juggernaut’ Starkey to smash his way through for a memorable score. Another missed conversion and the scores were tied at the break. As so often happens with this Bankie outfit, an overreaction to a poor refereeing decision would kill their chance of victory. However misguided the decision to award a penalty from a 22-dropout was, the resultant belief in the inexorability of defeat was worse. It was only 3 points after all, and with Mcdiarmid and Welson looking dangerous the result was far from being determined. Alas it was déjà vu all over again as the final 10-minutes saw the inevitable capitulation ensue with mistake after mistake permitting the home side to stroll over twice and complete the 20 points to 5 win. The visit of league favourites Glasgow High Kelvinside now becomes the focus for a disappointed Bank. With the return to availability of a number of key protagonists a much-improved performance is expected. Kick-off at Whitecrook is 3pm and all are welcome to cheer on the hometown team. Clydebank 40 v Bishopton 26 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan Clydebank's veterans stole the show with a rugged, if not stylish, home win against Bishopton at the weekend. However, the five points came at a price as key player David Bell limped off with a shoulder injury. It was a confident enough start from Bank, who were keen to exploit wide areas at every opportunity. Poor handling and a malfunctioning set-piece prevented pressure becoming points and it was the visitors who eventually opened the scoring, leaving Clydebank 7-0 down. Mick Duncan one-hopped a pass to last weeks hero David Howie and the big guy was off again. A barnstorming 60-metre rush ended prematurely with a technically perfect cover tackle. Veteran fly-half Ross McCombe provided the much needed breakthrough, powering over the line after strong work from David Goode in particular. Moffats beautiful touchline conversion tied the scores. Ross McCombe launched a rocket high into the afternoon sky and, following a fumbled attempt at the catch, Colin Maclean would duck between the posts. David Howie then cut a gorgeous line through the centre of an awestruck Bishopton defense for a breathtaking try and Clydebank were 21-7 up. Onto the second-half and a resurgent Bank were in a great position to use their pace advantage to kill the game off. What followed, however, was a shambolic 10-minute spell. Two powerful examples of Bishopton's direct driving play was all it took to put them just two points behind and, in terms of momentum, well in the ascendancy. But, so often the saviour, it was again Red and Black legend Ronnie McKee's efforts that would change the course of this game. Two simple, but brutally effective, forays through the defence and the result was secure. Ross McCombe wasn't to be outdone by his long time partner in crime and secured a rare brace with clever blindside sniping. So to next weeks benchmark encounter with long-time rivals, Cumbernauld. Two close run defeats typified last seasons efforts, Clydebank struggling to cope with the streetwise purveyors of the darker side of forward play, of which they themselves used to be king. Oban 17 v Clydebank 10 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan A sea change in attitude nearly brought Clydebank an unlikely victory in the toughest of season openers. Hope and despair in equal measures as a battling bankie fight back spared the blushes of a first-half horror show. It all started well enough, Moffatt’s confidently struck penalty opened the scoring while Millar and Kirkwood couldn’t quite convert when Bell’s clever chip exposed the Oban rearguard. What followed however was pretty bleak if truth be told. Two missed tackles and two tries – thankfully unconverted and the season had begun for real. Once more into the breach dear friends as Clydebank regressed into their weakest form. A kind of non-descript anarchy descended as bewildered Bank were bullied off the ball and forced into error after error. This was the stuff of coaching nightmares but, and thankfully there is a ‘but’, the half time whistle blew with the stuttering Bank only one score in arrears. A first period escape act that owed as much to inept Oban handling as resilient Bank defence. Despite conceding another soft try, what emerged from a spirited Clydebank second half effort was evidence of a renaissance nay enlightenment sweeping through the club. As senior players bickered incessantly the less experienced squad members got on with it and nearly turned the game on its head. The fearlessness of youth standing in stark contrast to the ego protecting ‘blame culture’ that has plagued the club for too long. The visitors desperately needed a confidence boost, something to occur that would change the course of the game. Enter stage left replacement and rugby arriviste David Howie. His debut performance became a starring role with a 100-yard wonder try. David Millar clearly frustrated that his words of guidance had once again fallen onto deaf ears took charge by launching a surprise counter attack from his own line. Colin MacLean was able to draw 2 defenders before releasing Howie to fire down the line exocet style. A matadoresque ‘ole’ dodge of the final tackle and he was under the posts, his team back in the game. Stunned into action the Red and Black pack decided to start playing and to discover their opponent’s invincibility was actually an illusion of their own creation. Buoyed by his brothers efforts Stevie Howie then took over the lineouts. With each ascendant flight into the Oban sky the second row raised with him the self-belief of a team as every Oban 2nd-half throw-in came the Bankies way. A clever Bell chip and the new boy was off again. The Oban defenders statuesque in comparison to raw pace but Howies apparent touch down not convincing enough for the referee to award what looked from most perspectives a blatant try. Some determined last gasp defensive efforts later before ‘guess who’ was off again, 6 defenders in his wake before a great tackle by the almost surprised Oban Fullback. This was to be the last hurrah in an entertaining enough passion play of a Clydebank performance. A squad stretched to its absolute limit travelled the long distance to arguably the most difficult game of the season and almost won. On balance of play they didn’t quite deserve it but Saturdays home clash with Bishopton (Whitecrook 3pm) holds much promise for the promising Bankies. Clydebank 44 v Loch Lomond 26 Report by Mick Devlin Duncan This competitive practice match provided the setting for a fine Bankie performance encouraging expectation for the upcoming season. Despite both line-ups falling short of full strength discerning onlookers left having been treated to an encounter full of vim, vigour and quality rugby. The Red-and –Blacks made most of the early running. An effective set piece and some enthusiastic support play lifted them deep into Lomond territory only to be squandered by inopportune knock-ons. There was nothing wrong with the handling for the Bankies opening score however as Bishop, Andrews and Watson all jauntily combined before the latter gobbled up Bishop’s one handed flick to cross the line. Scott McIntosh had himself steamrollered over in the corner before Watson’s clever reading of the situation presented him with his 2nd of four successful touch-downs. A timely riposte from the Loch Lomond hooker awoke the sleeping Bankies from a creeping overconfidence. The second period saw more set piece dominance, Jamie Baxter ‘sea gulling’ his opposite number in the scrum while Cameron, Howie rose unchallenged to Carlines accurate Lineouts, with some classy back play. Jamie Duncan released James Roberts to Maraud his way in from 40 out, an evil hand-off the finishing touch to a move which involved the whole backline. It was boom-bang score again as Scott McIntosh collected his own brace in finishing off a fine lineout drive after another fine fleecing of the kick-off. Ronnie McKee looked more than comfortable in the shirt of the opposition as the loaned replacement gashed the Clydebank defence on 2 separate occasions. The ease in which the exploited gaps appeared, acting to remove some of the gloss off of an otherwise polished performance. Preseason training continues this Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm. These sessions are open to all-comers regardless of background and any new faces are always welcome. Clydebank are hosting the Dunbartonshire cup 10 a side tournament next Saturday (1st kick-off 1pm). With 8 teams from the surrounding area going toe-to-toe this curtain raiser to the season proper promises to be an exciting occasion.
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