3rd May 2008

Paisley vs Clydebank (27-30)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Final Flourish Ends the Season

It was the last match of the season and Clydebank were looking to end it undefeated in the league while their opponents Paisley were looking for a result that would see them promoted along with Clydebank and Wigtownshire.  With only a draw and the resultant two points being sufficient, Paisley were looking for the win to end their own season on a high.  Although Clydebank did not play consistently to their potential throughout the match they did enough to ensure they won it with a close score of 27-30 to leave Paisley dejected and stuck in West Division 2.  With players from Uddingston present at the match their celebrations joined those of the Clydebank crowd as they had secured their own return to West Division 1.

The match itself was a see-saw affair with the lead changing hands on a number of occasions.  Clydebank started the match with a zeal that overwhelmed Paisley and with excellent ball retention they were soon attacking the Paisley line.  A long sequence of rucks saw Clydebank repeatedly recycle the ball that eventually fell to the hands of Mark Dry who crossed the line for the first score after four minutes and with the added conversion from Ross Moffatt the score was 0-7.  Clydebank looked to be cruising but they let their foot off the gas and allowed Paisley to come back into the match.  After ten minutes of play Paisley had scored a penalty and following slack tackling in the midfield they had added a converted try that saw them take the lead 10-7.

Paisley took the chance to extend their lead on the sixteen minute mark with a penalty to take the score to 13-7.  Clydebank took the game back to Paisley with a number of penetrating runs but Paisley defended well stopping Clydebank breaking the try line until just before the half hour when quick ball from a line out found its way once more to Mark Dry at centre.  Mark was stopped short but was supported by the back row and Graeme Kyle who drove for the line.  Graeme had control of the ball as they crossed the line and added the second Clydebank try. The missed conversion left Clydebank trailing 13-12.

Another penalty soon after to Paisley was missed and Clydebank came back once more.  Some sloppy handling close to the Paisley line stopped one attack but soon after another penetrating run by the Clydebank forwards saw Clydebank close to the try line once more.  Graeme Kyle took the ball into contact on the five metre line and the ball was quickly recycled to Ross Moffatt.  Ross fed Scott McIntosh who ran for the posts drawing in the Paisley defence.  A pass out to Don Ross saw him cut back inside and wrong footed the Paisley defenders who lay sprawled across the park as he touched down to regain the lead for Clydebank.  Ross Moffatt added the conversion to end the scoring for the first half with Clydebank in the lead 13-19.

The second half started poorly for Clydebank who were soon down to fourteen men when a late challenge on the Paisley stand-off saw the Clydebank prop sin binned for ten minutes.  This should have given Paisley the edge but Clydebank were not going to give in when Paul Andrew scored a try for Clydebank from a five metre line out which was all the sweeter given the man advantage to Paisley in the forwards.  The missed conversion put the score at 13-24 to Clydebank.

Three minutes later a penalty to Clydebank saw Ross Moffatt stretch the lead to 13-27 and Clydebank looked to be in control.  However, Paisley did not feel like lying down and could still see their chance for promotion.

Paisley had a strong passage of play that saw them on the Clydebank line after twenty five minutes.  Eventually after some fierce tackling by Clydebank Paisley managed to cross the line but where held up.  Unfortunately, the ever absent and unsighted referee arrived late once more and awarded a try to Paisley to the astonishment of the Clydebank players.  With the added conversion Paisley were within seven points of the draw that would see them promoted.

Clydebank soon returned to full strength but were to have another player sin binned by a poor referee who by this time had lost control of the match.  This once again gave the advantage back to Paisley who were still chasing the score and got it on the thirty five minute mark.  A fine move that saw the ball moved along their back line to the winger set up the score.  The winger took on the Clydebank full back who failed to put the winger out of play and left the back door open for him to run unhindered to the line for the much needed try.  The added conversion put the score at 27-27 and Paisley were looking forward to their promotion.

Both teams were still chasing the win as Clydebank wanted to finish on a high while Paisley looked to secure their promotion in more style.  Unfortunately for Paisley a penalty for Clydebank on the Paisley ten yard line with five minutes to go gave Clydebank the chance to slam the promotion door shut on Paisley.  Ross Moffatt stepped up to kick the penalty with a strong cross wind making it difficult.  As he struck the ball, Ross gave a cry of delight as he knew the ball was on target and he had retaken the lead for Clydebank.

With Paisley trying hard in the final stages to get the score Clydebank closed up shop and there were to be no more free shots at goal.  The final whistle blew and Paisley fell to their knees exhausted and deflated while the Clydebank players chanted “undefeated” along with roars of delight from their travelling support.

The season has effectively ended now and all that remains is the club tour to Durham next week and the Old Crocks match on the 23^rd May.  The close season will see the club continue to train over the summer but will take a rest from rugby for a few weeks while they try their hand at some summer sports.

The Mini rugby travel to Paisley this weekend to play a series of matches.  The meet will be 12 noon on Sunday 11^th May for those interested in coming along.  The school coaching sessions continue and have been a great success with a number of new players joining the mini section.

The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank 1^st XV:     Baxter, Shearer, Kyle, Cuthbert, Ross, Starkey I, Andrew, McIntosh, Moffatt, McCombe, Dow, Watson, Dry, Miller, Starkey M, Murphy,  Sloss, Parr, Welson, Nellis.

26th April 2008

Millbrae vs Clydebank (5-10)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Tough Battle Narrowly Won

Clydebank 1^st XV played the second last league match of the season against Millbrae from Ayr with nothing at stake but their pride as the result was effectively meaningless for both sides.

However, Clydebank did want to maintain their unbeaten run in the league while Millbrae were looking more at having a match to keep their playing membership busy.  Therefore, Millbrae, who are an associated club of Ayr Rugby Club, fielded three Ayr first team players who had to introduce themselves to their team mates as they had probably never met before.  This is the sort of situation that makes a mockery of the SRU’s support of the associated club system as this could easily have been an important match that had to be won and with the Millbrae squad so heavily bolstered with undeclared Ayr “associated” players the score could easily have been so different and the effect more devastating.  Fortunately, this time Clydebank did not lose out and ended the match 5-10 winners although with only fourteen players following a red card for the Clydebank hooker early in the second half.  This situation will continue as long as the SRU and senior clubs in Scotland continue to show a distinct disdain for clubs like Clydebank who struggle to survive.

The game itself was not Clydebank’s finest eighty minutes but enough was done to win the match.  The opening exchanges had Clydebank in control and after six minutes a line out saw Ian Starkey break up the middle and set up Mark Dry to run in for the first try.  Ross Moffatt added the conversion to take the score to 0-7 and it looked like Clydebank would have an easy day.

Millbrae had other ideas and with the assistance of the undeclared ringers they came back into the match.  Clydebank did not have the right frame of mind to kill off the match with nothing but pride at stake.  On fifteen minutes a break by Scott McIntosh set up Peter Watson to go over but just before the line he was stopped and the inside pass was picked up by the Millbrae defender who cleared his lines.

It took until the twentieth minute before a long range drop goal by Captain David Miller stretched the lead to 0-10.

Millbrae came back at Clydebank and six minutes later a clearance by Clydebank fell to the Millbrae winger who set off down the park.  A pass to the tall Millbrae centre in the middle of the park set him up to run in for a try which they failed to convert and the score was now 5-10 where it stayed until half time.

The second half proved to be a battle for survival by Clydebank as they began to lose their cohesion and a degree of in fighting broke out.  After five minutes a ruck turned into a battle that saw a Clydebank and a Millbrae player sin binned.

While the teams were reduced to fourteen men Clydebank came close after ten minutes when Ronnie McKee was stopped short of the line after Mark Dry pushed down the middle of the park to set up a ruck which was quickly recycled to Ronnie.  The ball was made available by Ronnie and passed out to the backs but some poor passing saw the ball go astray and the attack failed.

When the teams returned to full strength the game became one of defence for Clydebank who held Millbrae and saw out the rest of the match without any scores to seal the victory.

Next week Clydebank travel to Paisley to complete the season and play a game that will decide whether or not Paisley gain promotion.  Clydebank will need to return to their positive mindset to ensure they win this match and end the season undefeated.

The Mini rugby continues and has seen some recent growth following the coaching team’s program of coaching sessions at a number of primary schools throughout Clydebank that will culminate in several festivals where all the kids involved can put into practice the skills they learn.

The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank 1^st XV:     Baxter, Shearer, Laird, Cuthbert, Moore, Starkey I, Andrew, McIntosh, Moffatt, Bell, Dow, Watson, Dry, Miller, Starkey M, Kyle, McKee, Murphy, Coyle, Sloss.

19th April 2008

Portobello vs Clydebank (11-8)

Clydebank U15's @ Paisley Tens (1 win from 4 matches)

Clydebank Mini's @ Helensburgh Tournament

Report by Gordon McCombe

Referee Ruins Final Dream

It was always going to be hard to travel away to Edinburgh to play Portobello in the semi final of the National Plate competition but to face a referee who made it his mission to double the total penalty count against Clydebank for the season spoiled an otherwise big occasion.  The game ended with Portobello winning narrowly by 11-8, a result which sees them progress to the final at Murrayfield.

Portobello made the most of the referee’s apparent vendetta against Clydebank in the first half by stifling any fluidity from the normally strong Clydebank attack.  With the wind at their backs and playing down the hill, the lack of ball due to the continuous penalties against them stopped Clydebank achieving any real possession or enjoying any significant time in the opposition half, much to the astonishment of the Clydebank support.

The penalty count and the lack of possession contrasts strongly with the performances in the vast majority of matches so far this season and left the players and supporters dumfounded at the total reversal in their ability to play the game.  Perhaps this only reflects an east/west divide in playing and refereeing standards.

However, even with the lack of possession Clydebank managed to restrain the regular Portobello attacks and by half time the score sat at 6-3 to Portobello with two successful penalties to one.  The first penalty came within five minutes followed closely by one of the few penalties to Clydebank a minute later.  The second Portobello score came on eighteen minutes and just before half time they missed two chances at goal, one of which was proceeded by a yellow card to a bewildered Jamie Baxter.

The second half proved to be a more even match with the referee’s arm becoming tired from it’s over use in the first period.  Both teams put up a strong defence although Portobello had the better of the possession and the attacks in the initial stages.  With the wind advantage this time to Portobello most of the play was in the Clydebank half and Clydebank had to defend for long periods to hold the powerful Portobello centres.

Eventually it was a move supported by the Portobello No 8 in the middle of the field that gave them the first break and allowed them to cross the line after ten minutes to extend the lead to 11-3.

Clydebank had a chance to get back into the Portobello half on the restart and this set them up for a period of solid play allowing them to get into the rhythm the referee tried so desperately to upset in the first half.

Seven minutes later Clydebank had a rare venture close to the Portobello line and a charge led by Graeme Kyle saw a maul form that overpowered the Portobello forwards and eventually cross the line with Graeme still in control for the touch down.  The missed conversion brought the score to 11-8 and Clydebank still had a chance.

Clydebank tried to get back into their short game around the rucks and mauls but a solid defence by Portobello stifled any chance to penetrate the gain line.

For a brief period Clydebank did push Portobello back even with the strong wind against them and a rare penalty opportunity on the Portobello 22 metre line saw Ross McCombe kick for touch only to see the ball go out behind the try line and give the advantage back to Portobello.

The remainder of the game had Portobello see most of the possession and the match petered out without much incident.  On the final whistle the Portobello crowd went wild and the referee breathed a sigh of relief.  Meanwhile the Clydebank support licked their wounds and looked forward to the trip back with a travelling support keen to make the most of the occasion.

This season has seen Clydebank perform amazingly from an almost standing start thanks mainly to the work of the coach Euan McQuarrie and the influx of young players.  With the club playing in West Division 1 next season and the development of the youth section things can only get better for Clydebank.

The U15 squad took part in a tournament at Paisley where they played four games against Paisley, Moffat, Helensburgh and Strathaven, losing three and winning one against Strathaven.

The Mini rugby section took part in a tournament at Helensburgh on Sunday where they fielded three teams.  Although no silverware was won the teams did well with their performances improving throughout the day as they grew in confidence.  With the majority of clubs there being well established and including a large number of kids with a lot of experience the teams did well and made the club very proud.  The coaching team at the club will this week start a four week program of coaching sessions at a number of primary schools throughout Clydebank culminating in several festivals where all the kids involved can put into practice the skills they learn.

The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank 1^st XV:     Baxter, Shearer, Hill, Cuthbert, Ross, Starkey I, Andrew, McIntosh, Moffatt, McCombe, Flanagan, Bell, Dry, Miller, Starkey M, Baillie, Kyle, McKee, Watson.

12th April 2008

Uddingston vs Clydebank (3-25)

Clydebank U15's @ Hamilton Tens (1 win from 3 matches)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Clydebank Make it Double Champions

It was a red letter day for Clydebank when the 1^st XV added the West Division 2 Championship trophy to the collection to add to the 2^nd XV Championship win last weekend.

It was a nervous week of preparations and everyone was feeling the pressure before the match knowing how important it was to get a win and make sure they won it without relying on results from elsewhere.  The players proceeded to do this with a well oiled performance that showcased the team work and spirit that has turned around the fortunes of the club this season.  With a win of 3-25 including four tries to add the bonus point, Clydebank can not be caught and look forward to returning to West Division 1 where next year they hope they can repeat this years performance and build on the strong base of young players now at the club.

The match itself was a fine performance to watch which had a frantic start, a controlled middle and an ecstatic finale.

The first ten minutes had Clydebank retaining possession for long periods against a strong Uddingston defence with multiple phases of play that came from their initial desperation to breach the Uddingston line.  With the fast pace the match was exciting to watch and there was an anticipation in the Clydebank support that a score was not far away.

The first points took ten minutes to arrive after an infringement by Uddingston allowed Ross Moffatt to kick the penalty and take the lead 0-3.

The first points did not herald an avalanche and Clydebank reverted to the same high paced rugby that retained possession but could not cross the strong Uddingston defensive line.  Uddingston managed several runs into the Clydebank 22metre area when their slick handling in the backs saw them break the Clydebank defensive line but they also could not cross the try line.  On twenty minutes Uddingston did receive a penalty that they kicked to level the score and get some respite from the Clydebank pressure.

The Uddingston score appeared to galvanise the Clydebank team who pushed once more winning a lineout in the Uddingston half.  The maul that was set up was controlled and proceeded to march rapidly towards the Uddingston line.  As the defence stumbled and fell before the rampaging Clydebank forwards Ross Moffat made a break from the back of the maul and headed for the line.  As Ross approached the line he stumbled and fell short but managed to slide over for the first try.  With Scott McIntosh in support he was ready to lift Ross up and carry him over if he hadn’t reached the line.  Ross failed to add the conversion and the score was now 3-8.

Again Clydebank reverted to controlled rugby but this time the nerves had certainly settled.  A number of penetrating runs by the Clydebank forwards had Uddingston struggling to cope.  Scott McIntosh led the charge on a number of occasions encouraging his troops to follow.

After thirty minutes Clydebank had a penalty after Uddingston lost control around another phase of excellent controlled Clydebank rucking and the kick for touch by David Bell gave Clydebank another line out, this time on the Uddingston five metre line.  With this almost a guaranteed scoring opportunity it was Don Ross who won the line out and was at the centre of the resultant maul that steadily marched for the line.  Scott McIntosh received the ball at the back of the maul as it crossed the line and added the second try.  The missed conversion put the score at 3-13.

Clydebank continued to control the play and just on half time the forwards once more had a break with Don Ross on the wing.  The ball was recycled from the tackle and taken up the middle of the park.  Again Clydebank won the ball from a ruck and spread it back wide to Don Ross getting up from the earlier play.  Don looked to have a clear run to the line but the Uddingston cover defence got to him first and forced him out the park.  However, an inside pass on his way out fell to the supporting Euan Cuthbert who received the ball with a knowing grin and proceeded to cross the line unhindered to add the third try.  Again the missed conversion left the score at 3-18 and the first half ended soon after.

The second half was less eventful but still Clydebank controlled the game with the advantage of playing down the slope.

A period of sustained pressure early on looked to have resulted in a try for Vinnie Nellis who crossed the line in the corner but was disallowed for an earlier forward pass to the dismay of Vinnie and the Clydebank support.

The match was played for the next thirty minutes in the Uddingston half with Clydebank chasing the elusive fourth try.  Eventually, Michael Starkey was to step up and initiate a fine break down the right wing.  This was stopped but Clydebank recycled the ball quickly and fed it out to Ross Moffat who passed to Michael once more with the Uddingston defenders struggling to cover.  Michael stepped around the defence to cross the line as they fell exhausted at his heels.  The fourth try added the bonus point and sealed the victory.

The Clydebank support started to prepare for the end as they unwrapped the hidden bottles of champagne and the SRU official Eddie Crozier tied the ribbons to the cup that sat on the sidelines.

The final ten minutes saw Clydebank maintain the pressure although Uddingston tried hard to break the Clydebank defence but to no avail.  The referee eventually blew the whistle and the Clydebank players and support jumped in the air with cries of Champions!

The day was rounded off with a Championship Ceilidh at the rugby club to celebrate both the 1^st and 2^nd XV efforts over the season.

Next week the 1^st XV travel to Edinburgh to take on Portobello in the Semi-final of the National Plate.  One more big effort is needed for the players and the supporters to overcome a potentially strong Portobello team and make it to an historic final at Murrayfield.

The U15 squad took part in a tens tournament at Hamilton where they played three games, losing two and winning one against the hosts 37-5 when they put together their best performance of the day.

The Mini rugby will be taking part in a rugby festival at Helensburgh on Sunday 20^th April.  All players should meet at Whitecrook at 10am as the matches start at 11:30 at Helensburgh Rugby Club.  The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank 1^st XV:     Baxter, Shearer, Hill, Cuthbert, Ross, Starkey I, Andrew, McIntosh, Moffatt, Bell, Flanagan, Watson, Dry, Miller, Starkey M, Baillie, Kyle, Moore, Dow, McKee, Smart, Nellis.

5th April 2008

Clydebank vs Mackie (National Plate Quarter-final) (19-14)

Clydebank 2ndXV vs Shawlands (41-10)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Clydebank in Semi-Final!!!

Clydebank booked their place in the semi-final of the National Plate competition after they beat Northern Division 1 team Mackie 19-14 in a hard match at Whitecrook.  Mackie are a strong team who have had a successful season themselves, placed third in their division, but it only shows the improvement and ability of the Clydebank squad this year.  This was reinforced by the success of the 2^nd XV who beat Shawlands 41-10 to finally clinch their own league title.

The 1^st XV match started with Clydebank playing with a strong wind across the field which was soon to change in their favour.

The early exchanges had Mackie winning possession from Clydebank and setting up strong attacking positions for their back line.  Thankfully, McCombe, Bell and Dry in the Clydebank midfield had put up “No One Shall Pass” banners across the park and proceeded to stifle any Mackie attack via their centres.

After a of couple set plays Ross McCombe started to make use of the wind that was now at his back and put a high ball up to test the Mackie Full Back.  With an awkward bounce he took time to collect the ball allowing Mark Dry to chase up and put in a tackle that forced the Full Back to cross the line and touch down giving a scrum to Clydebank.  Having earlier lost possession in the scrum Clydebank needed to secure this ball, which they did.  The ball was quickly put out to the backs and a crash ball by Mark Dry saw him sail through the Mackie defence and touch down under the posts for the first score with only five minutes on the clock.  Ross Moffat added the conversion and Clydebank were leading 7-0.

Clydebank maintained the pressure on Mackie making the most of the wind advantage.  Repeated attacks put Mackie under pressure a number of times and any Mackie attack was soaked up by the Clydebank midfield and back row cover defence.  A penalty for Clydebank after twenty minutes was missed by Ross Moffat but was soon to be followed up with a try.  Mackie struggled to clear their line setting up a line out to Clydebank in the Mackie 22metre area.  A clean line out win by Clydebank and the usual tight maul that ensues were all the signs needed for the crowd who now expected a try.  The Clydebank maul slowly moved forwards with Paul Andrew in control at the back as it crossed the try line.  Mackie who worked the maul well throughout the match could not stop the well drilled Clydebank forwards as they scored the second try.  The missed conversion left the score at 12-0 after twenty five minutes.

Mackie were to score a try and conversion just before half time to rekindle their hopes and with the prospect of the wind in their favour in the second half they must have felt confident of getting a result from the match.

With the restart there also came a change in the wind which became more unpredictable and was less of the advantage Mackie had hoped for.

Clydebank took up the gauntlet and began to attack Mackie again in order to add another score that would secure the match.  After five minutes, a clever kick by Ross Moffat deep into the Mackie 22metre area saw Peter Watson and Michael Starkey chase it down with  Michael recovering the ball and setting up a ruck.  This allowed Ross Moffat to lay off the ball to Graham Kyle attacking up the blind side.  Graham crossed the line with the Mackie Stand-off in tow and touched down for the third Clydebank try.  The conversion was a difficult one but Ross Moffat slide the ball through the posts with ease to add a further two points and extend the lead to 19-7.

The middle twenty minutes of the second half saw Clydebank lose some of their composure and let Mackie get back into the match.  Mackie took advantage of this and with some well worked line out moves they put Clydebank under pressure in their own half.

The performance of the referee throughout the match caused some confusion amongst the players and supporters and after sixteen minutes the referee allowed Mackie away with a clear off-side infringement to breach the Clydebank line and narrow the score.  With the added conversion the score was now 19-14 and Clydebank had a tough task ahead to ensure they maintained the lead.

The last quarter of the match was a tense affair with Clydebank defending well against a more desperate Mackie attack.  With minutes to go a Clydebank scrum was lost giving Mackie the chance they were seeking but the Clydebank defence held strong.  Eventually the final whistle blew and Clydebank had come through this difficult challenge to make it to the Semi-final of the National Plate.  With the 2^nd XV match ending seconds before they crossed over to see the end of the 1^st XV match in time to invade the park and celebrate with the exhausted 1^st XV players.

The 2^nd XV confirmed themselves as West 2^nd XV Division 6 Champions at the first kick of the ball in their match against Shawlands and were greeted with a cheer from the crowd.  With a full squad and plenty of reserves the team were keen to mark the occasion with a good performance which they did in style with a convincing 41-10 win.

The match was noticeable by the excellent performances from a number of players including new young players Daniel Donnelly and Kevin Montgomery in addition to the more established players.  This was also a landmark match for captain for the day Matt “Come on Lomond” McCann who was playing his last match before retiring from the game.  Matt has proved to be an excellent player for Clydebank this season and capped his day with two tries, the first of which came in the first minute of the game when he broke through from the kick off to touch down under the posts.  There were seven tries scored with Jamie Boyd, David Smart, Colin May, Ronnie McKee and Connor Sloss adding to those by Matt.  New start Colin May played well throughout and added three conversions to his try.  The 2^nd XV squad will now look forward to playing in Division 5 where the competition will much fiercer and will need a concerted effort from all involved to ensure they maintain their form and do well next season.

The Mini section completed their second week of matches when they were invited by Greenock Wanderers to visit Fort Matilda to compete in a set of matches with Greenock and Waysiders Drumpellier.  Clydebank fielded three teams consisting of P2-P4, P5 and P6/P7.  Again all the kids enjoyed themselves with a few tries being scored.

Next week the 1^st XV travel across Glasgow to the biscuit capital Uddingston in an attempt to complete the season.  This will be one of the toughest challenges of the year as the last time the club visited Uddingston they left without a result and most of the contents of their wallets and pockets.  The 2^nd XV having secured their title have no match this weekend.

The youth rugby continues with Mini training on Sundays at 12 noon and the Midi section continuing to train on Tuesday nights at 6:00pm.  The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank 1^st XV:     Baxter, Shearer, Hill, Cuthbert, Ross, Starkey I, Andrew, McIntosh, Moffatt, McCombe, Watson, Bell, Dry, Miller, Starkey M, Baillie, Kyle, Moore, Dow, Flanagan.

Clydebank 2nd XV:   Laird, McKee, Murphy, Sloss, Smart G, Coyle, McCann, Boyd, Roberts, Campbell, Fraser, May, Smart D, Donnelly, Douglas, Findlay, Taylor, Kirkwood, Montgomery.

22nd March 2008

Hughenden vs Clydebank (17-58)

Report by Gordon McCombe

PROMOTION!!!

This week was to prove a vital one for both the 1^st and 2^nd XV’s with both looking for wins to secure promotion.

The 2^nd XV won their match by default when Cumnock were unable to raise a team and so forfeited the match and the points.  This ensures the Clydebank 2^nd XV are promoted but still need to win their remaining games to secure the title.

The 1^st XV match against Hughenden was definitely on and they had a difficult job in hand against a team that can play to extremes depending on the involvement of their associated players from Hillhead/Jordanhill who play in the Premiership 2.  With the inclusion of five associated players in this match it definitely looked like the Hillhead team wanted to delay Clydebank’s promotion bid.

The match was to prove an exciting one and resulted in one of the best displays by the Clydebank squad this year.  The early exchanges showed both teams were up for a big contest but by the end of the day Clydebank had run in ten tries to win 17-58 and emphatically stamp their authority on the match and clearly define their dominance of this league as they gained a well deserved promotion back to West Division 1.

The match started like a whirlwind with the first kick off seeing Clydebank attacking the Hughenden line when Mark Dry had a long run to the Hughenden 22metre line.  The Clydebank forwards were quick to support and the ball was passed out to Stan Hill on the blind side.  Stan finished off the move with a try in the corner within a minute of the kick off to start the scoring.  With the conversion missed the score was 0-5 to Clydebank.

Hughenden came back quickly from the restart when they won possession and fed the ball wide.  Within minutes they had equalized the score with a well worked try and took the lead with the conversion.

Clydebank realised they had sat back too much and let Hughenden back into the match.  On the restart Hughenden had a scrum after the ball fell short.  Craig Shearer took the ball against the head and No 8 Scott McIntosh broke up the left side of the park.  The ball was worked along the back line and was eventually bundled out for a line out to Hughenden close to their line.  At the line out the ball was knocked back over the line by Hughenden and Paul Andrew pounced to add the second try with only five minutes gone.  The missed conversion left the score at 7-10.

After the frantic start to the match both teams settled down for five minutes until Hughenden had a penalty which they converted to bring the scores level at 10-10.

A scrum on the seventeen minute mark saw Clydebank win the ball and once again set up an attack.  Ross McCombe took on the ball and fed into the charging Scott McIntosh who penetrated deep into the Hughenden half.  David Bell took the ball on further and was stopped on the line.  The forward support was there again and the ball recycled quickly to Paul Andrew to add his second try after only nineteen minutes played and take the score to 10-15.

Clydebank started to take control of the match with a number of penetrating runs by the backs and forwards.  It wasn’t long before another scrum won by Clydebank close to the Hughenden line saw McIntosh pick and charge for the line.  Having been stopped short by an infringement by Hughenden the quick penalty saw McCombe take on the ball and set up the ruck, after several phases of play McCombe was back in open play and received the pass that allowed him to cross for the fourth try and bonus point.  Ross Moffatt added the conversion this time and the score was now 10-22.

Clydebank forced Hughenden back into their half continually and after a deep kick by  McCombe he followed up along with Watson and Cuthbert to tackle the defending No 8 and forced him out for a lineout on the five metre line.  A typical Clydebank attacking position saw them win clean ball and set up a charging maul which crossed the line with McIntosh in control as he touched down for the fifth try and less than thirty minutes played.  There was no more scoring for the half which ended 10-27 in favour of Clydebank.

The start to the second half was much like the first but it was Hughenden who would score first within two minutes.  The added conversion brought the scores back to 17-27.  Clydebank again rallied and were soon to stretch their lead with a further five tries in the second half.  Mark Dry started with a strong solo run from the half way breaking several tackles en-route to the line where he touched down, Ross Moffatt added the conversion.  Two minutes later both teams lost a player for ten minutes after a minor confrontation.  Clydebank lost the influential Ross McCombe but were not to suffer too much as within five minutes they added a further try from Scott McIntosh to add to his early first half score.  Again the try was converted by Ross Moffatt and the score stood at 17-41.

As McCombe returned to the field Jamie Baxter received a yellow card for another minor infringement and Clydebank looked as if they may be weakened with the loss of the ever present forward.  Thankfully, this loss only spurred on the rest of the players.  The forwards proceeded to win several scrums against the head providing excellent attacking opportunities for the backs.  A scrum close to the Hughenden line allowed Clydebank to attack on the blind side.  The ball was fed out to Ross McCombe who passed back inside to David Bell who was coming in at pace.  As David struggled to control the ball as it passed around his body he crossed the line for the try with the defending backs looking on in amazement.  A further conversion took the score to 17-48.

Clydebank settled back for a while but soon it was Graeme Kyle who added another try on the thirty minute mark after coming on as a replacement.  Hughenden came close to a try late on but thanks to the late cover tackle from Don Ross on the try line they were denied.

Scott McIntosh thought he had his hat trick for the day but was judged to have dropped the ball as he crossed the line.

It was up to Graeme Kyle to end the scoring for the day when he combined with Ronnie McKee on a break up the right wing.  The Clydebank support overwhelmed the Hughenden defence as Graeme took the final pass in a sequence of interpassing and crossed the line for the score.  With the conversion missed the referee soon blew the final whistle and Clydebank were emphatic winners by 17-58 and were now officially promoted as they had secured a top two place.

Next week the 1^st XV travel across the river to Paisley who are the only team who could steal the league from Clydebank.  A win over Paisley would confirm Clydebank as league champions and all support would be welcomed.  The 2^nd XV travel to Loch Lomond to see if they can maintain their winning streak and keep on track for their own championship goal.

The Mini rugby will be starting back up this weekend after the Easter break with the Midi section continuing to train on Tuesday nights at 6:00pm.  The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank 1^st XV:     Baxter, Shearer, Hill, Cuthbert, Ross, Starkey I, Andrew, McIntosh, Moffatt, McCombe, Watson, Bell, Dry, Miller, Starkey M, Baillie, McKee, Kyle, Coyle, Flanagan, Nellis, Dow.

15th March 2008

Clydebank vs Isle of Mull (24-0)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Clydebank Maul Mull

It was the third round of the National Plate competition and this time it was the turn of yet another island club to take on Clydebank and try and knock them off their winning perch.  The club and island in question was Mull who ply their trade in the league below.

With a long journey and early start it would normally be expected that the visiting team would be tired and weary but the first ten minutes of the match were to prove very much the opposite.

Mull won the toss and elected to start with the strong wind at their backs.  Clydebank started poorly with the cobwebs still evident after a long lay off since the last 1stXV match.  Mull took the game to Clydebank showing good skill in the driving maul which they used to gain a lot of ground in the early stages.

A penalty close to the posts for Mull looked to be a bad omen for Clydebank as they were missing tackles and arguing amongst themselves.  Fortunately the penalty was missed and Clydebank had the chance to regroup.

Clydebank defended well as they absorbed a lot of Mull pressure early on.  Towards the latter part of the first half Clydebank began to attack.  Several times they pushed Mull back into their 22metre area and desperate clearances from the Mull stand-off and winger prevented Clydebank scoring.  Strong running by David Bell, Mark Dry and Peter Watson saw Clydebank make some good ground.  Eventually a break by Ross Moffat had Clydebank charging up the left wing.  The ball was taken into contact and Paul Andrew broke away to gain some more vital yards.  As Mull retreated to defend their line the ball was recycled quickly and met David Bell charging in from the centre position.  With the aid of Peter Watson, David crossed the line for the first score after twenty seven minutes.  Ross Moffat converted the try to give Clydebank a 7-0 lead.

The remainder of the half was a close run affair with Mull missing another penalty and Clydebank putting a lot of pressure on the Mull defence with penetrating runs up the middle of the park.

The half time had Clydebank in the lead and looking forward to the strong wind at their backs.

Clydebank started strongly this time and pushed Mull back into their half where they would stay for much of the remainder of the match.  With Ronnie McKee joining the fray it was a sign that Mull would soon be put under a lot more pressure, something the young Mull standoff would discover rather painfully as Ronnie targeted him at every opportunity.

It took approximately fifteen minutes before Clydebank turned the pressure into points.  McKee made the initial dent in their defence that tied in their midfield and allowed Ross Moffatt to recycle quickly through Ross McCombe to Paul Andrew on the 22 metre line where he had an easy run to the corner flag.  Mull tried desperately to cover but to no avail as Paul added the second Clydebank try.  With the missed conversion the score was now 12-0.

Five minutes later it was McKee’s turn to get the score.  With another fine break by Ross Moffatt from the base of some loose play he was in the open with McKee on his shoulder.  Ross kicked through the Mull defensive line and Ronnie ran through to pick up a bouncing ball and dive over the line for the third try which sealed Mull’s fate.  Again the conversion was missed and the score was now 17-0.

Graeme Kyle was soon to join the fray and make his comeback after a long absence due to work commitments.  Graeme replaced Connor Sloss but took over at No8 with Don Ross moving to second row.  Don was now jumping at the front of the line out and winning good ball allowing the forwards and backs to attack more often.

On the thirty second minute Don Ross won a line out and set up a solid maul.  Graeme broke from the back of the maul twenty metres out from the Mull try line and stepped through their defence.  As he was tackled close to the line he stretched out to touchdown on the line for the fourth try.  This time Ross Moffat added the conversion and Clydebank ended the scoring for the day leaving the final result 24-0.

Mull tried hard to get a consolation score late on but the merciless Clydebank defence in the latter stages proved too strong for them.

With this win Clydebank go into the quarter finals where they play Mackie FP from Stonehaven.  The match is at home in three weeks time and it is hoped that we have a strong support on the day.

Next week the 1^st XV travel up the road to take on Hughenden in the league.  Due to the horrendous weather recently this will be the first league match since the end of January.

The Mini rugby will be taking a break this week due to the Easter holiday although the Midi section will still train this Tuesday night at 6:00pm.  The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank 1^st XV:     Baxter, Shearer, Baillie, Cuthbert, Sloss, Smart, Andrew, Ross, Moffatt, McCombe, Watson, Bell, Dry, Miller, Starkey, McKee, Flanagan, Laird, Nellis, Kyle, Dow, Parr.

1st March 2008

Sports Show

Rugby Shows its Wares at Sports Show

Whitecrook is very rarely is affected by the weather but the rain on Friday put an end to any hope of rugby being played on Saturday.  A 2^nd XV league match had been arranged with Shawlands but this will have to wait.

Both the 1^st and 2^nd XV teams have not played many league matches in the last two months which is delaying the outcome of the two leagues.  Both teams are sitting top of their leagues and have only a few matches left to decide their final positions and whether or not they will achieve the ultimate goal of promotion.  The league positions at the moment are as follows:

The lack of rugby allowed Clydebank Rugby Club to show off its wares at the Dunbartonshire Sports Show held this year at the Meadow Centre in Dumbarton.

A number of Clydebank players came along to talk to the kids and their parents and promote both Clydebank Rugby club and rugby in general.

A demonstration session was held to give the kids the chance to try out rugby which was well attended by both boys and girls.  Hopefully, some of them will find rugby is the sport for them and come along to play.

To keep up the promotion of rugby within Clydebank we are currently working in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Sports and Coaching Development department to introduce rugby to the clubs throughout the Clydebank area.  Whitecrook and Gavinburn primary schools are both receiving coaching sessions leading up to Easter with a further nine schools receiving similar sessions after Easter.  These sessions will culminate in several rugby festivals where the schools will take part in rugby matches held at Whitecrook.

The weather let off for Sunday and allowed the U15’s to play Hillhead/Jordanhill away.  Unfortunately, the Hillhead team were full of pace in the backs and managed to run up a score of 63-5 against a battling Clydebank team.  The squad competed well in the breakdown play but failed to keep up with the fast Hillhead wingers.  Fraser Campbell scored the only Clydebank try.

Next week Scotland play England while Clydebank attempt to complete their next match in National Plate competition against the Isle of Bute although this has yet to be confirmed.

The Mini and Midi rugby both continue with training on Sunday at 12 noon for the Mini section and Tuesday nights at 6:30pm for the Midi section.  The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank U15’s:     Draz, Anderson, Walsh, Fraser, G.Woodcock, Campbell, Drummond, Baxter, D.Kirkwood, J.Kirkwood, Vallance-Nairn, Stephenson, Wilson, McCord, M.Woodcock

23rd February 2008

Clydebank vs Lenzie (27-0)

Clydebank U15 XV vs East Kilbride (5-5)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Lenzie Beaten by Clydebank Parr Score

A true mix of players took on a Lenzie mixture to fill in time while everyone waited to see Scotland fail miserably once again on the international stage.  The majority of Lenzie players had travelled to Ireland on tour but were let down once more by a poor Scotland performance.  The ones that stayed at home were also to lose out at the hands of a good Clydebank team who put in a good performance in difficult conditions.  Clydebank racked up five tries to win 27-0.

The game was an even affair throughout with both teams strong in the various aspects of the game.  The first thirty minutes were evenly matched with both teams attacking and defending well.  Clydebank had the initial advantage of a strong wind at their backs but decided not to use it too much preferring to run most of the ball delivered by the hard working forwards.

On the thirty minute mark Clydebank eventually managed to put the Lenzie defence under pressure on their own try line when Colin Dow and Robert Parr both rushed at the Lenzie centres who failed to control the ball and were forced back over their try line where the ball went loose.  Colin and Robert both jumped at the ball but it was Robert who reached it and rung up the first points of the day.  The missed conversion left the score at 5-0 to Clydebank.

The game took up where it left off with both sides competing well throughout.  The majority of the play was in the Lenzie half due to the strong wind but still Clydebank did not take real advantage of it with the game continuing to be a close running game with the forwards working their way up the park slowly.  Jamie Baxter stood out throughout with this type of game as time and again he made ground off runs from the back of rucks.

Eventually, just before half time, the backs stepped up a gear when Robert Parr at centre took a ball just inside the Lenzie half and danced his way through a sparse Lenzie defence.  With pace to burn Robert left Lenzie tacklers in his wake and eventually touched down under the posts for his second try.  The easy conversion for Ross Moffatt took the score to 12-0 going into the break.

Going into the second half Lenzie were looking to take advantage of the wind.  Initially, they pressurised the Clydebank line but slowly the wind turned slightly and began to blow across the park giving no real advantage to either team.  With Clydebank having made a number of changes at half time it was also the time for Lenzie to push their advantage while the new Clydebank configuration settled.

The initial Lenzie attack pushed Clydebank back onto their try line.  The ball was recycled from a ruck and sent along the Lenzie line which decided to kick behind the Clydebank defensive line.  David Miller cleaned up the kick and set up a counter attack.  A long kick down into the Lenzie half saw Ross Douglas, Robert Parr and Vinnie Nellis chasing.  The Lenzie defence got to the ball first but were tackled by Ross Douglas who turned his man and Clydebank had the ball which they passed out wide.  David Miller took it on and passed to Michael Starkey who was charging up in support.  An excellent cover tackle from Lenzie stopped Michael on the line but he managed to turn and pop the ball to Vinnie Nellis who crossed the line in the corner on five minutes for the third Clydebank try.  The difficult conversion was missed and the score was now 17-0.

Clydebank began to control the game in the second half with a number of good runs from both forwards and backs.  Mark Dry looked to have scored when he was brought down on the Lenzie line after dragging several Lenzie defenders in his wake.  When he touched down the ball over the line he was judged to have made a double movement after being tackled and his try was disallowed.

Clydebank’s next attack was a lovely move that started when David Miller took the ball on the side line from a Lenzie clearance.  The ball was passed inside to the ever present Jamie Baxter who took out several of the Lenzie defenders before laying off to Euan Cuthbert who passed along the line through Don Ross and eventually to the pocket rocket Robert Parr who needed no directions to the try line.  Robert let fly and ran around the Lenzie defensive line to touch down once more and complete his hat-trick.  The missed conversion put the score at 22-0 and although it was only ten minutes into the hald it looked like it was over for Lenzie.

Clydebank controlled much of the second half with fine running play but Lenzie rallied to close their defence and it took until the thirty-third minute before Clydebank were to strike again.

Like so often in this match it was Jamie Baxter who would initially open up the Lenzie defence.  Jamie took a ball on during yet another Clydebank attack making 30 yards with Lenzie defenders trying desperately to take him down.  When he was eventually stopped ten yards from the try line the ball was quickly recycled and passed out on the blind side to David Miller.  David drew in his opposite number before passing to Colin Dow who tip toed along the side line before touching down in the corner to complete the Clydebank scoring for the day.

The team had a lot of excellent performances on the day but the effort from Jamie Baxter and the speed of Robert Parr were the defining aspects that separated the two teams.

The U15’s played East Kilbride in the cup competition and drew 5-5 in a very equally contested match.  Robert Stephenson shone in the backs with his pace while the back line as a whole tackled ferociously.  Haneef Draz was strong in the forwards and being slightly young for the age group was punching well above his weight.  New start Jamie Wilson played his first match and displayed strong tackling skills, picked up from an earlier involvement in Rugby League.

The Clydebank try came from No 8 Fraser Campbell to round off the overall good performance.

Next week the 1^st XV travel were to welcome Isle of Bute in the next leg of the National Plate competition but that has now been postponed and a new fixture is yet to be arranged.

Clydebank Rugby Club will be taking part in the Sports Show at the Meadow Centre in Dumbarton on Saturday 1^st March so anyone interested in finding out more about rugby and the club should come along between 11am and 3:30pm.

The Mini and Midi rugby both continue with training on Sunday at 12 noon for the Mini section and Tuesday nights at 6:30pm for the Midi section.  The club would like to attract sponsors for the Mini and Midi teams and would encourage any potential sponsors to come forward.  Anyone wishing to play or sponsor one of the Mini or Midi teams should contact Gordon McCombe on 07812 582775.

Clydebank 1^st XV:     Baxter, Shearer, Murphy, Cuthbert, Ross, A.Smart, Dry, D.Smart, Moffatt, Starkey, Dow, Welson, Parr, Flanagan, Douglas, Laird, Findlay, Coyle, Hendry, Andrew, Miller, Nellis.

Clydebank U15’s:     Draz, Anderson, Walsh, Fraser, G.Woodcock, Campbell, Drummond, Baxter, D.Kirkwood, McCombe, J.Kirkwood, Vallance-Nairn, Stephenson, Wilson, McCord, M.Woodcock

16th February 2008

Isle of Arran vs Clydebank 1st XV (2nd Round National Plate Competition) (17-24)

Clydebank 2nd XV vs Newton Stewart (7-22)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Smart Hat-Trick Crushes Arran

It was a return to winning ways for both the 1^st and 2^nd XVs this weekend.

The 1^st XV travelled across the Clyde estuary to take on Arran in the second round of the National Plate competition.  Arran competes in the league below and were obviously looking at this match as a good chance to progress, especially with home advantage.  After a lot of gamesmanship on the part of the Arran officials to make things as difficult as possible for the travelling Clydebank squad, along with a large vocal support, the win of 17-24 was even sweeter for the Clydebank players.

The 2^nd XV stayed at home to play Newton Stewart who travelled from Dumfries with a young squad.  Newton Stewart are placed third in the table and were going to be a tough challenge for the more mature and experienced Clydebank team.  However, experience proved to be the deciding factor and Clydebank won 22-7 to reaffirm their position at the top of the league.

The 1^st XV knew that their match was not going to be easy as the Arran squad were obviously pumped up for the match and were looking to add a higher placed scalp to their belt for the second week on the trot after beating Birkmyre 14-12 in the previous round of the competition.

The game started with a clash but it was Clydebank who would come out on top in the early exchanges as they played a solid defensive game winning good ball in the loose and kicking well for territory.  After three minutes an infringement by Arran allowed David Miller to take a quick penalty and break up the left wing with David Smart in support.  David Smart took on the ball and chipped the defence.  The ball landed in the try area and it was a race to the touch down.  With his forward momentum it was David Smart who made it to open the scoring and start his own tally.  The missed conversion left the score at 0-5.

The Arran squad and support were silenced initially but the players obviously still wanted to do well and come back at Clydebank.  After the long journey to Arran the Clydebank players began to look a bit tired and settled back rather than forcing their advantage.  This allowed Arran to come back into the game and after twenty three minutes of play they had three points on the board after a Clydebank infringement.  Another chance at three points two minutes later from another Clydebank infringement went a begging when the kick fell short.

However, Arran kept pushing and looked to have a try when they had an overlap down the left wing but poor skills allowed a pass to go forward and Clydebank were let off the hook.  It wasn’t until the thirty third minute that Arran got their score.  Clydebank were pressurising the Arran line when they were penalised.  After some unwarranted back chat from the Clydebank players they were marched back ten metres.  As the referee was walking to the new mark Arran took the quick penalty and were off down the left wing