CLYDEBANK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

40^th SEASON 2008 - 09

Reports For Season 2008 - 09

15th November 2008

Cartha 2Bs vs Clydebank 2ndXV (32-17)
Cartha vs Clydebank U14 (14-11)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Saturday Morning Defeat

With the Scotland International against South Africa stopping most of the league rugby it was left to a mixed group of players from Clydebank to travel to Cartha Queens Park in the morning to play a match against Cartha’s 3Bs.

The Clydebank players might have been there in spirit but for the most part they were absent in body as they failed to exert any control on the match.  The Cartha squad was a good mix of youth and experience and they went about the game in a well drilled manner controlling both the forwards and the backs and in the end won the match by 32-17.

Cartha were first to score but failed to convert.

Clydebank came close to scoring when Robert Parr made a break and was stopped inches from the try line.  However, soon after Clydebank drew level when quick thinking by Peter Watson at a penalty in front of the Cartha posts saw him take a quick tap penalty and run under the posts as Cartha were retreating the ten metres.  The failed conversion left the score at 5-5.

Before the end of the half Cartha added a second try and conversion to finish the first half in the lead by 12-5.

Although the team as a whole were not working too well there were several good performances from David Kirkwood, who made some strong individual runs, and Declan Coyle at wing forward who made his presence known all over the park.

The second half showed no improvement for Clydebank although it did start well with a try from Jamie Baxter who crossed the line in the corner.

Cartha however retaliated with two unconverted tries following poor defending from Clydebank to stretch their lead.

Stewart Laird worked well throughout the second half and got his reward when the crossed the Cartha line for a try late into the half.

The tired and uninspired Clydebank team were spectating for most of the remainder of the half and watched Cartha complete their scoring with a final flourish late in the match when they crossed the line two more times adding a single conversion to complete the scoring.

The players returned to Clydebank tired and beaten to watch the Scotland squad fail in their attempt to beat South Africa.

Next week the Clydebank 1^st XV travel to Kilmalcolm to play Birkmyre in the second round of the SHE National Cup.

On the Sunday the U14 squad returned to Cartha to play but failed to overcome a good Cartha team who won by four tries to three.

The U16 team will be playing Oban/Argyll while the U14 team and Minis will play Paisley, all at Whitecrook kicking off between 12:30pm and 2pm.

The club are still looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high school to come along and try rugby.  Players up to P7 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U14 and U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 5:30pm and 7pm respectively.

The club, along with the SRU, have sponsored Michael Starkey as a Rugby SVQ trainee and he will be starting to work in the schools following the October school break.  His aim is to introduce rugby to kids at P6 and P7 level in schools throughout the area.

Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

8th November 2008

Clydebank 1stXV vs Strathaven (56-12)
Clydebank U14 vs Lomond/Birkmyre (17-17)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Clydebank Stroll into Second Round of SHE Cup

It was the first round of the Scottish Hydro Electric National Cup this weekend and Clydebank were facing a team in the league below who had come close last year to beating them and who were playing well this season.  It was therefore going to be a difficult match made worse by the absence of five players from last week’s match due to work commitments, injury and in some cases a basic lack of commitment.  This was to give several of the upcoming stars from the 2^nd XV a chance to show what they could do and they did this in style putting the positions of those they replaced in serious doubt.  In the end Clydebank ran out winners by 56-12 in a twelve try thriller.

When the game started it was soon apparent that Clydebank were not at all weakened by the changes and if anything had improved in several key areas.  It took less than five minutes for Clydebank to open the scoring when a sequence of excellent runs by Euan Cuthbert then Mark Dry opened up the Strathaven defence.  A ruck in the Strathaven 22 metre area tied in the Strathaven players and allowed Paul Andrew to cross the line for the first score.  Michael Starkey took over kicking duty for the day but wasn’t in form when he missed the conversion.

Clydebank pushed on relentlessly coming close on several occasions but being stopped short by desperate Strathaven defence.  On ten minutes Clydebank were held up over the line, the resultant scrum saw Scott McIntosh break and feed to Colin MacLean who fell short by inches and it took Ross McCombe to cross the line on the third attempt for the second try.  Again Starkey missed the conversion.

At this point Strathaven were starting to lose their sense of humour and to rub salt into their wounds it would be Flanagan and Allan who would put on a show next.  It started with another great run by Euan Cuthbert deep into the Strathaven half.  The ball was recycled to Bryan “Bud” Flanagan on the wing who went by his opposite number to cross the line for the third try.  Starkey once again missed the conversion.  Next up was Alex “Chesney” Allan to add to the scoring from the restart.  The kick by Strathaven was received by Ross McCombe who put up a high kick into the Strathaven half and it was a race to the ball with Alex Allan first to get there.  Alex kicked through and as it crossed the try line he was first to touch it down for the fourth try, again the conversion was missed and the score was now 20-0.

The scoring for the half was not over but it took almost ten minutes before a scrum set up Mark Dry who bulldozed his way through the Strathaven line for the fifth try.  This time Starkey added the conversion and the score was 27-0.

Strathaven were feeling battered but still came back and missed out on several clear try opportunities in front of the Clydebank line before they eventually crossed the line just before half time when some slack defending by Clydebank and slick inter passing saw Strathaven step through the Clydebank defence for their first try.

It didn’t take long for another Clydebank try which came from a Robert Parr break up the left wing.  As Robert was tackled he had Mark Dry in support who gratefully received the off load and sprinted in for Clydebank’s sixth try of the match, smiling as he crossed the line.  Again Starkey kicked the conversion and the half ended soon after with Clydebank leading 34-7.

The second half would see Clydebank maintain their control over the game although they did reduce the pace slightly running in only four more tries.

Within the first minute of the restart Clydebank were attacking once more.  The ball was taken back up the park by Paul Andrew and eventually found its way out to the left wing where Robert Parr received it and sprinted for the line.  Robert crossed the line but failed to touch it down and the score went a begging.

It only took another five minutes for Clydebank to add the first try when Michael Starkey made a break up the right wing.  Michael drew the defence and passed to Brian Flanagan who outpaced the Strathaven centre and winger to touch down in the corner for his second try.  Ross McCombe took over the kicking duties but failed to convert the try.

Strathaven regrouped their defence and managed to curtail further Clydebank scores for ten minutes but Clydebank would pounce again with Mark Dry opening up the midfield and passing to David McLintock who this time went up the left wing leaving the Strathaven defence floundering.  David crossed the line for the second try of the half which Ross McCombe converted.

While Clydebank let off the pressure Strathaven managed to get one try back.  With the conversion missed the score was now 46-12.  Clydebank took the chance to change around personnel and in the process lost some fluidity. It took until the thirtieth minute for Clydebank to get back on the scoring trail.  Once again it was Mark Dry who broke through the midfield to set up the platform that allowed the forwards to maul the ball up to the Strathaven line.  Euan Cuthbert who had done so much damage in the open throughout the day this time showed what he could do in the contact zone and managed to slide through for a try.  Again the conversion was missed.

At the restart Derek Nolan took up the charge and linked well with Euan Cuthbert to pressurise the Strathaven line once more.  However, Strathaven defended well and managed to hold their lines until near the end of the match.

The final flourish would come from the ever present Scott McIntosh.  After another attack that crossed the line was held up, Clydebank had a five metre scrum. Scott picked up from the back of the scrum and took the attack wide before straightening up and forcing his way over the line.  With yet another conversion missed the scoring ended with Clydebank winning 56-12.

The next round of the cup requires a trip to Kilmacolm to play Birkmyre who sit top of West Division 3 and were also the visitors to Whitecrook on Sunday when they played the Clydebank Titans at P4 to U14.  Clydebank were aided at the Mini age groups by Loch Lomond who merged teams to play Birkmyre.  Unfortunately, poor weather cut the matches short.

The U14 squads from Clydebank, Lomond and Birkmyre combined to play a match which finished even at 17-17.

Next week Clydebank have yet to arrange a fixture for the senior squads.  The youth teams all have matches next week with the Minis and U14’s playing Paisley at home while the U16’s are scheduled to play Glasgow Hawks.

The club are still looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high school to come along and try rugby.  Players up to P7 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U14 and U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 5:30pm and 7pm respectively.

Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

1st November 2008

Clydebank 1stXV vs Wigtownshire (24-10)
Clydebank 2ndXV vs East Kilbride (0-24)
Arran vs Clydebank U16 (34-10)
Clydebank U14 vs Cartha Queens Park (25-24)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Clydebank Double Double Dumps Shire

Clydebank repeated their win at home over Wigtownshire from last season but did it in a little more style with a double brace of tries from Scott McIntosh and Mark Dry to secure a 24-10 win and bonus point to keep Clydebank at the top of the league.

The match was a nervous affair after several forced changes resulted in Clydebank taking time to settle down.  Wigtownshire had the first chance with a penalty kick after five minutes but failed to convert it.  Clydebank eventually gained some composure and a win at a line out, five metres out from the Wigtownshire line, allowed them to maul their way to the line.  Scott McIntosh finished off the move with his first try of the day.  The missed conversion left the score at 5-0. 

The remainder of the half was a stalemate with Mark Dry coming closest when a burst up the right wing left him with the full back to beat.  The Wigtownshire full back put in an excellent try saving tackle that stopped Mark in his tracks and stifled the Clydebank attack.

The second half would see Clydebank take control although the first few minutes saw Wigtownshire miss another penalty in front of the posts.

Clydebank began to exert their control and on fifteen minutes a break from the scrum saw the ball end up in the hands of Mark Dry on the wing.  This time Mark made sure of it when he went through the full back and crossed the line in the corner for his first try.  A fantastic conversion from the side lines from Ross Moffatt added the extra two points to take the score to 12-0.

Wigtownshire got another penalty five minutes later which they converted to narrow the Clydebank lead to 12-3.

Clydebank punched through the Wigtownshire defence a number of times with Scott McIntosh and Stewart Laird showing the way.  After twenty five minutes Clydebank had a repeat of the earlier attack from a scrum close to the Wigtownshire line.  Again the ball fell to Mark Dry who crossed at the same point for his second try.  A repeat of his earlier conversion saw Ross Moffatt add the two points and take the score to 19-3.

Clydebank were well in control and a fourth try was the goal.  Although they kept pushing it wasn’t until the fortieth minute that they crossed the line.  A well worked back’s move saw Michael Starkey break into the line; the ball eventually ended up with Scott McIntosh who dummied the Wigtownshire defensive line to cross for his second and the all important bonus try.  The missed conversion left the score at 24-3.

With the game almost over Wigtownshire were allowed to charge thorugh the middle taking the play up to the Clydebank try line.  A number of unusual penalties left the Clydebank team unsettled as Wigtownshire crossed the line for a consolation try and conversion to finish the scoring.

The 2^nd XV squad put on an excellent show against East Kilbride and were unlucky to lose by 24-0.  The team played well throughout and were denied several chances when Ronnie McKee was stopped short of the line in the first half and Daniel Donnelly was held up over the line in the second half.

There were excellent performances all round including Sean Kennedy who completed the day by asking his girlfriend to marry him.

The U16 squad travelled across the water to Arran and suffered from sea sickness when they lost 34-10.  Tries by Jack Fraser and Jamie Wilson were the highlight of the day for Clydebank.

The U14’s played a well drilled Cartha team at home and completed a narrow win 25-24 in a fourteen try match.  The powerful Greg Layden completed a double hat-trick with a strong run from Neill MacLean setting up a seventh for Maundu Chobe.  Three conversions shared between Jack Kirkwood and Dylan Docherty completed the scoring.

Next week Clydebank play Strathaven in the first round of the Scottish Hydro Electric National Cup at Whitecrook kicking off at 1:30pm.  The youth teams all have matches next week with the Minis and U14’s playing Birkmyre at home while the U16’s are away to Paisley.

The club are also being represented at the Scotland vs New Zealand match this weekend when Scott Kennedy from the U14’s is a mascot for the Scotland squad.

The club are still looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high school to come along and try rugby.  Players up to P7 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U14 and U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 5:30pm and 7pm respectively.

The club, along with the SRU, have sponsored Michael Starkey as a Rugby SVQ trainee and he will be starting to work in the schools following the October school break.  His aim is to introduce rugby to kids at P6 and P7 level in schools throughout the area.

Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

25th October 2008

Glasgow Accies vs Clydebank 2ndXV (22-0)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Weather Wipeout

The Clydebank 2^nd XV were the only survivors of a wet and windy weekend that saw the 1^st XV match against the Police, the U16 match against Cumnock, the U14 match against Cartha and a fixture for the Minis at Lenzie all cancelled.

With only one other match in the 1^st XV league being fulfilled Clydebank remain top of the league for the time being.

The 2^nd XV match was well supported by the club with only the one match on and the relatively short trip to Anniesland.

The match was a tight affair although several slip ups gave Accies the few chances in the match that resulted in a score and allowed them to run out winners by 22-0. 

Clydebank started the match with the advantage of a wind at their backs although failed to make any significant use of it.  It was Accies who had the first chance of a score early on with a penalty against Clydebank.  Luckily the kick went wide and the score stayed level.

Standoff Alex Allan helped Clydebank to gain ground with some fine positional kicking.  One long clearance kick to touch by Alex, deep into the Accies half, put them under pressure on their line.  The poor lineout for Accies resulted in uncontrolled ball back to the Accies Scrumhalf five yards out from his line.  Ronnie McKee smothered the Scrumhalf forcing him to touch down behind the try line giving Clydebank the attacking scrum.

The pick up by McKee from the back of the scrum was quickly stopped by the Accies defence who gained control and cleared their lines.

With the wind and rain the match was to be played mostly within the forwards and it was to be the Accies forwards who would adapt better to the conditions.  Clydebank did well in the set piece scrums and lineouts but Accies were more adept at winning ball in the loose by taking advantage of the referee’s apparent inexperience.  Eventually after twenty minutes Accies had a break and crossed the Clydebank line for the first try.  The missed conversion resulted in Accies leading 5-0.

Clydebank tried to come back into the match and a long run by Declan Coyle from No8 gave Clydebank a strong attacking opportunity deep inside the Accies half when it ended with a scrum to Clydebank on the five yard line.  Clydebank failed once more to capitalise on their position and the Accies defence stood resolute once more and eventually cleared the danger.

Just after thirty minutes Accies had another break and managed to score a second try to take the score to 10-0 going into the second half.

The second half looked like it would be one way traffic after a try to Accies after only four minutes.  The added conversion took the score to 17-0.  However, the Clydebank players were determined to stop any further scoring and proceeded to up their game and stifle any chance Accies had.

Clydebank dominated the scrums although Accies continued to have the upper hand in the loose.  Both sets of backs were at a stalemate for much of the second half and it wasn’t until the last five minutes when a kick forward by Accies led to a try that left the Clydebank team desolate, especially after the controversy surrounding the fact the try scorer was in an offside position when he received the ball.

Although Clydebank lost they did play well and it was a much more organised squad that took the honours on the day.

Despite their lack of success in the league, Clydebank has still managed to remain around mid table as several clubs have failed to field a 2ndXV.  The squad of players are still young and developing well and it is hoped that they will turn around their fortunes before the end of the season.

Next week Clydebank welcome Wigtownshire to Whitecrook for a repeat of one of last year’s most exciting fixtures.  Although Wigtownshire lie mid table they are one of the teams that will be pushing for, or at least will have a significant influence on, the top positions in the league.  The 2^nd XV meanwhile are at home to East Kilbride.

The U16 team will be going “doon the water” when they play Arran on Sunday while the U14 team will complete the cancelled fixture against Cartha Queens Park at Whitecrook kicking off at 1:30pm while the Minis are at home for training starting at 12 noon.

The club are still looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high school to come along and try rugby.  Players up to P7 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U14 and U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 5:30pm and 7pm respectively.

The club, along with the SRU, have sponsored Michael Starkey as a Rugby SVQ trainee and he will be starting to work in the schools following the October school break.  His aim is to introduce rugby to kids at P6 and P7 level in schools throughout the area.

Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

18th & 19th October 2008

Uddingston vs Clydebank 1stXV (17-24)

Clydebank U16 vs Cartha QP (0-24)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Clydebank Prevail at Muddy Uddy

Clydebank returned to Uddingston where they were crowned Division 2 Champions last year at a time when they are sitting top of Division 1 after six games.  The situation was different with Uddingston looking to break their run of defeats and Clydebank just looking for a win to continue their own string of recent successes.

After a hard fought match where Uddingston led several times it was the Clydebank team spirit that prevailed and saw them eventually win 17-24 with four tries ensuring a bonus point.  With the seven point gap Uddingston secured their first point of the season.

The match was played on a pitch with a distinct slope and a wind blowing straight down the middle.  Clydebank lost out in the toss and faced going up the slope and into the wind in the first half.

With the wind and slope advantage Uddingston had their best hope of getting some points on the board early on.  However, the inexperience of the Uddingston team saw them try and play it close against a much wiser and stronger Clydebank pack.  After several failed attempts to run through the Clydebank defence Uddingston changed tack and put up a high ball that saw the wind catch it and drop it into the Clydebank 22metre area.  A lethargic Clydebank defence scrambled to clear the ball and after several phases of play the Uddingston attack broke through the Clydebank line to touch down for the first try after five minutes.  With the conversion Uddingston were leading 7-0 and Clydebank were looking desperate.

A degree of unrest crept into the Clydebank defence and it took the forwards to lead the way and show what needed to be done.  After only a few minutes the forwards were rumbling up the right hand side with Scott McIntosh leading from the front as usual.  The play was now within ten yards of the Uddingston try line and the Clydebank forwards were in control.  Several short rucks tied in the defence.  Twice the ball was fed out to David Bell who would pierce and test the Uddingston defence.  Eventually with Uddingston trying to predict the next point of attack Scott McIntosh broke up the blind side with little to stop him.  With a weak tackle from a stray Uddingston defender Scott chose to lay off to Euan Cuthbert who crossed the line unhindered for Clydebank’s first reply.  The conversion was as sweet as the try with Ross Moffatt kicking against the wind from a tight angle to equal the score at 7-7.

Clydebank tried to settle and control the play for the remainder of the half and make sure they went into the second half with a respectable score.  Unfortunately, Uddingston wanted to press their advantages and from a set piece deep inside the Clydebank half their backs sprung another surprise on the Clydebank midfield.  As the ball got to the Uddingston centres they stepped through a fumbling set of tackles and ran under the posts for their second try.  Once again the conversion added the two points and the score was now 14-7.

With the Clydebank team being somewhat uncharacteristically unsettled prospects looked grim.  It took until the thirty minute mark for Clydebank to string together a passage of play that would result in another try.  It started with Peter Watson galloping up the middle of the park with Scott McIntosh et al in support.  A ruck short of the posts soaked up the Uddingston defence as Ross Moffatt passed out to David Bell coming up on the blind side.  As David struggled to gain control of the ball he was hit from several sides but managed to maintain possession and spin around and cross the line to touch down in the corner for another fine reply.  The conversion went astray and Clydebank still trailed at 14-12.

This had gone some way towards settling the nerves but there was still a long way to go.  As the half drew to a close a scrum to Clydebank near the Uddingston line set up another attacking opportunity.  With Clydebank controlling this phase of play throughout the match it was an assured win that let the Clydebank midfield turn on the style.  A swift moving ball through the hands of the half backs found its way to Peter Watson who opened up and glided through the Uddingston centres as they gawped at him as he passed by and crossed the line for Clydebank’s third try under the posts.  Ross Moffatt added the conversion which bounced off the inside of the upright to take the score to 14-19.

The following restart should have been an easy task to ensure the ball was collected and put out of the park and end the half.  Unfortunately the Clydebank kamikaze side took over and they fumbled and stumbled to gain control and in the process gave away an unnecessary easy penalty that saw Uddingston add three points and end the half at 17-19.

With the advantage of the wind, the slope and a tiring Uddingston team, the second half should have been an easy task for Clydebank and they should have put Uddingston to the sword.  Within a few minutes things looked to be going this way as a well won line out in the middle of the park saw the Clydebank backs running the ball through an open Uddingston defence.  It was David Bell who covered the last thirty yards with only the full back putting up resistance as David added his second try and Clydebank’s fourth that secured the vital bonus point.  The conversion was missed by Ross Moffatt and the score was now 17-24.

Uddingston could still see their chance of a win and did not lie down and fought back hard.  The Clydebank team proceeded to put together a string of errors and mishaps that stifled any real attacking opportunities and prevented them scoring for the remainder of the half.  With the score so close the Clydebank support remained on the edges of their proverbial seats as the clock ticked away.  Most of the play was in the Uddingston half but the odd excursion back into the Clydebank 22metre area had hearts in mouths before Clydebank would clear the line and take the ball back up the park.

The remainder of the second half remained an uneventful stalemate and saw Clydebank end the match with the five points but Uddingston getting a deserved losing bonus point that starts their own points tally in the league.

The 2^nd XV match was cancelled as Braidholm were unable to field a team.

The U16 squad took on Cartha Queens Park with only fourteen men and managed to contain the bigger team for much of the match.  However, the number advantage eventually told and saw Cartha run in four tries with two conversions to take the score to 0-24 for Cartha.

The match was played in a howling gale with the wind and rain driving down the park.  The Clydebank players stretched the Cartha defence early on when Douglas Vallance-Nairn was stopped short of the line in the opening minutes.  Cartha struggled to use the ball and their fast backs were starved of any real possession for much of the first half scoring only one try to lead at half time 0-7.  The second half was much the same although with the wind advantage Cartha eventually managed to break the Clydebank defence in the later part of the match running in three more tries.

There were no matches for the Minis and U14 squads this week.

Next week Clydebank welcome Strathclyde Police to Whitecrook.  With the Police sitting third in the league this will be another big challenge for the Clydebank team.  The 2^nd XV meanwhile are away to Glasgow Accies and still look for their first official win.

The U14 team will play Cartha Queens Park at Whitecrook kicking off at 1:30 while the Minis travel to Lenzie.

The club are still looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high school to come along and try rugby.  Players up to P7 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U14 and U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 5:30pm and 7pm respectively.

The club, along with the SRU, have sponsored Michael Starkey as a Rugby SVQ trainee and he will be starting to work in the schools following the October school break.  His aim is to introduce rugby to kids at P6 and P7 level in schools throughout the area.

Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

11th & 12th October 2008

Clydebank 1stXV vs Cumbernauld (19-9)

Clydebank 2nd XV vs Cumbernauld (0-67)

Helensburgh vs Clydebank U14 (8-18)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Fabulous Five in a Row

Another big team came to Whitecrook this week and failed to beat the Clydebank 1^st XV who ran out winners by 19-9 although their well drilled 2^nd XV did manage to overcome an under strength Clydebank 2^nd XV by 0-67.

Since the faltering start to the season against Loch Lomond the Clydebank 1^st XV have regrouped and have strung together five wins with most of those against teams who will be pushing for the top spot this year.

Meetings between Clydebank and Cumbernauld have always been a fiery affair and Clydebank have just lost out in the last few encounters so this result was a welcome one which had the fans jumping for joy.

The match started with Cumbernauld having the advantage of the wind at their backs.  Clydebank were playing with a pack that had four forced changes from last week’s win over GHK and it soon told as the scrums and line outs were not as strong as they had been, a result of a new set of players trying to gel.  The backs had a single change on the wing although this change was seamless as the Clydebank backs continued as they finished last week, tackling everything and defending well.

The Cumbernauld team showed their ability early as they were quick to get the ball to their backs and passed it swiftly along the line to the wingers who were difficult to stop.

The first few exchanges were even and the match was tense for the first twenty minutes.  Cumbernauld were first to break the stalemate when their winger received the ball and was heading for the line.  Full back Michael Starkey missed the first tackle and it was good cover defence by the Clydebank backs that saved the day as they forced the winger to hit the flag and step out of bounds before being able to touch down.  This gave the Clydebank fans a shock and the Cumbernauld team a boost to force their current advantage.

Clydebank eventually managed to clear the danger but it only took another five minutes before a mistake gave Cumbernauld a penalty within range of the posts.  The first score went to Cumbernauld who now led 0-3.

The match continued to be played in Clydebank territory for much of the half and after ten minutes Cumbernauld had another shot at goal.  The penalty was converted and they now led 0-6.  Clydebank pushed Cumbernauld back and had their own reward several minutes later when Cumbernauld infringed in the loose.  Ross Moffatt stepped up to add the three points and cut the score to 3-6.

Just before half time Cumbernauld were pushing for a try and were stopped short of the Clydebank line.  The ruck gave Cumbernauld the perfect attacking platform but it was Colin MacLean who turned it over when he stole the ball and set off down the left wing.  Several phases of play later the ball was rolling over the Cumbernauld try line with Clydebank full back Michael Starkey racing his opposite number to the ball.  Cumbernauld won the race but Clydebank had the psychological advantage of being in attack as the first half ended.  The first half could therefore be considered a success for Clydebank as they had held Cumbernauld to a three point lead with a strong wind advantage.

The start of the second half would be a reversal of the first with Clydebank using the wind to pin Cumbernauld back in their own half.

The Clydebank forwards began to settle and put together a string of mauls and rucks to tie in the Cumbernauld midfield defence.  The pressure told on Cumbernauld who infringed at a ruck and set up Ross Moffatt for the penalty.  Ross duly added the three points to bring the score level at 6-6.

The match was tight and both sides were looking for an edge to break the opposition defensive line.  The Cumbernauld stand-off came close after fifteen minutes when he chipped over the rushing Clydebank back line and found a space behind that allowed his wingers to chase the freely bouncing ball.  Clydebank scrambled to defend although a Clydebank player was caught on his own with the ball and penalised for holding on the ground.  Cumbernauld added another three points from the penalty to take the score to 6-9, although this was to be their last of the day.

Stand-off Ross McCombe pushed Cumbernauld back with long penetrating kicks and forced the match to be played in the Cumbernauld 22 metre area.  David Miller and Peter Watson both chased and pressurised the Cumbernauld fullback and wingers who found it hard to judge the high balls and fumbled the ball on a number of occasions.

After twenty five minutes Clydebank had another shot at goal when Cumbernauld were penalised and Ross Moffatt stepped up once more to add the three points and level the score at 9-9.

Clydebank settled back into a controlled game plan and concentrated on ball retention.  Slowly Clydebank gained the upper hand and with about six minutes to go the scores started to come.  The forwards were playing short mauls to tie in the Cumbernauld defence and after a series of these Cumbernauld were getting ready for the running attack when the ball was fed out to Ross McCombe.  Ross took the ball and stepped back and let fly with a drop goal attempt from thirty yards out on the touch line that flew through the posts and left the players and spectators agog as Clydebank took the lead 12-9 for the first time in the match.

Within minutes Clydebank were attacking again.  A break up the middle of the park saw the ball pass through four Clydebank players who each took out a defender.  The ball reached Scott McIntosh who let rip.  Scott charged for the line with the Cumbernauld winger turning to chase.  Scott tired as he reached the line and was brought down five metres out.  David Bell was first there to cover and secure possession as Derek Nolan came in to pick up and go over the line for the first and only try of the match after thirty five minutes.  Ross Moffatt added the two points and the score was now 19-9.

Cumbernauld tried desperately to get back into the match but it would be Clydebank who would come closest to another score when Peter Watson found himself in open space and heading for the line.  Chris White was in support and received the pass ten yards out.  Chris drew in the last two Cumbernauld defenders and passed out to Graeme Kyle chasing up on the left.  Unluckily the pass went astray and the move failed.  The game ended soon after and Clydebank had put to rest the notion that the win over GHK last week was a fluke.  With GHK failing to complete their fixture this weekend Clydebank take over top spot in the league for the time being.

The 2^nd XV match was completely different to the 1^st XV match with Cumbernauld fielding a well drilled team who have been successful over recent years.  The match was switched to Whitecrook after Cumbernauld pitches were judged to be unplayable.  The Clydebank team played with fourteen men due to call offs and the need to maintain replacements for the 1^st XV match.  The result was therefore a foregone conclusion with Cumbernauld running in a host of tries without reply to win 0-67.  The younger players like Robert Parr, Kevin Montgomery and David McLintock all put in excellent performances and worked hard throughout the match as they continue to push for a place in the 1^st XV.

The U16 match against Cumnock was cancelled this weekend.

The U14 squad travelled to Helensburgh and put in a great performance to win by five tries to two.  The boys are developing into a very good team although they still need to attract more players.  Tries were scored by Greg Layden (4) and Andrew Chisholm (1) with conversions from Jack Kirkwood (2) and Dylan Docherty (1).

The Mini section combined with the Mini section of Loch Lomond and also played Helensburgh along with Garnock.  Helensburgh proved to be excellent hosts although some of the Garnock coaches decided to call it a day early as they considered their P4 team to be too good to play Clydebank and left.  Clydebank and Lomond put out three teams at P4, P5 and P6-P7.  The Helensburgh teams were strong and more experienced and the combined Clydebank/Lomond teams found it hard to score.  However, the boys and girls managed to cross the line a number of times and enjoyed the matches.

Next week Clydebank travel to Uddingston who were promoted alongside Clydebank last year.  The 2^nd XV meanwhile are at home to Braidholm and continue to look for their first official win.

The U16 team are at home to Cartha Queens Park on the Sunday while the U14 team and Minis will train at Whitecrook at 12 noon.

The club are looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high school to come along and try rugby.  Players up to P7 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U14 and U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 5:30pm and 7pm respectively.  Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

4th & 5th October 2008

GHK vs Clydebank 1stXV (0-9)

Clydebank 2nd XV vs GHK (10-63)

Clydebank U16 vs Greenock Wanderers (4-30)

Clydebank U14 vs Loch Lomond (0-24)

Report by Gordon McCombe

GHK-O’d by Clydebank

A top of the table clash at Old Anniesland was always going to be a hard challenge for Clydebank, especially following GHK’s recent high scoring performances, but it was to be the boys from Clydebank who would spoil the GHK Captains thirtieth birthday celebrations and send some shock waves through the league when they won 0-9 away from home.  The duck egg for the GHK boys was a long time coming and a fitting payback for the number of times in the past that they have put big scores by Clydebank.

Although there was no bonus point for Clydebank this week it was important that GHK did not get anything out of the match as the nine point margin denied them a losing bonus point and cut the gap at the top of the table to one point.  Unfortunately, the win was not enough to change positions at the top of the league and Clydebank continue to concentrate more on achieving a good league result at the end of the year and surviving in their return to this league.

The 2^nd XV were not so fortunate in their own showdown at Whitecrook against GHK and went down 10-63.  An excellent turn out of players for Clydebank does show promise for future matches but the vast resources at GHK makes it so much easier for them to pick quality squads throughout their teams.

The 1^st XV match started well for Clydebank who were determined to control the play and they had the first real chance within two minutes when a clean line out win by Joe Moore set up an attacking maul for the forwards who marched up the park soaking up the loose GHK defenders.  Scott McIntosh looked up from the back of the maul and set off into the midfield where he offloaded to Ross McCombe.  Ross sliced through the GHK defence with David Bell in support.  The ball was once more recycled and reached Scott McIntosh charging up on the left.  The GHK defence was stretched but managed to stop Scott short of the line.  Several more times the ball was recycled and the attack point moved from left to right.  Eventually, the desperate GHK defence paid off as Clydebank knocked on and the scrum allowed GHK to clear their lines.  This passage of play showed GHK that this week they were up against a team who would not lie down and were prepared to take them on.

There was an early shock for Clydebank when an injury forced Jamie Baxter to be replaced by Graeme Kyle although Graeme would soon make his presence felt in the match with big tackles on the GHK players.

GHK took the play back into the Clydebank half and on eight minutes an infringement by Clydebank in the loose gave GHK a chance at goal.  The kick went wide and Clydebank set about their task of playing the match in the GHK half once more.  Ross McCombe kicked well to keep GHK deep inside their own half.  Strong runs by McIntosh, Moore, Watson and Nolan all combined to put pressure on GHK and eventually after only four minutes it was GHK’s turn to infringe at a ruck in front of their goal and Ross Moffatt stepped up to take the penalty.  This time Ross split the posts and GHK were behind for only the second time this season.

Another injury saw Don Ross replace Joe Moore and things were looking difficult for Clydebank with early forced changes.

GHK had a good passage of play after this with their backs getting chances to run with the ball but the Clydebank midfield of McCombe, Bell and Watson had posted “No One Shall Pass” signs all across the park and soaked up everything GHK threw at them.

The Clydebank forwards began to dominate in the scrums with the GHK front row whining as they were pushed skyward by their back five as the Clydebank scrum stood their ground.  Clydebank were also winning scrums against the head but the referee, feeling sorry for the battered GHK front row, stopped play when this happened, inexplicably returning possession to GHK.

However, with Clydebank defending well against the short GHK onslaught it was another infringement that gave GHK their second chance at goal which they also put wide.

The game settled into a tussle around the middle of the park until a clearance kick by Clydebank put the GHK fullback under pressure.  David Miller was chasing up as the ball was spilled by the fullback.  David collected the ball and after some indecision due to ambiguous signs from the referee he set off for the open line and what should have been a try.  Unfortunately, the referee was signalling a double penalty due to a late challenge on the initial kick but failed to give Clydebank the clear advantage that would have seen David score.

The penalty allowed Ross Moffatt to take a shot at goal and once more he slid the ball through the middle of the posts and GHK were trailing by 0-6.

The last few minutes of the half saw GHK push Clydebank back into their 22 metre area.  The pressure was on Clydebank to defend at this difficult time, which they did well to end the first half in the lead leaving the GHK support to ponder how their backs could make inroads into this match.

The second half was going to be tough as GHK now had the advantage of the slope and their prolific backs would surely now have a free run at the Clydebank line.  The Clydebank players had not read the script for this phase of the match and proceeded to dominate the second half with most of the play carried out in the GHK half and the GHK wingers left spectating on the fringes.

Clydebank showed their intentions early on when a scrum at the restart after a short kick by GHK saw Scott McIntosh pick up and charge the GHK midfield.  The play stayed in the GHK half for a while with Clydebank getting the lion’s share of possession.  After five minutes Paul Andrew pounced on a poor pass back into the try area from a GHK lineout on their five yard line forcing the standoff to hastily kick clear.  The referee however judged Paul to be offside allowing GHK to clear their lines safely.  The Clydebank back row of Scott McIntosh, Paul Andrew and Colin MacLean caused GHK no end of problems as they stopped them getting any chance to run the ball.

It took twenty minutes of pressure and eventually GHK made a mistake in front of their posts and allowed Ross Moffatt to step up once more.  A clean kick straight through the middle saw Clydebank leading by 0-9.

Around the half way mark GHK had several forays into the Clydebank half but the Clydebank back line soaked up the pressure of high balls and fast running backs.

As the match progressed GHK became more and more desperate and frustrated.  After twenty five minutes Clydebank were attacking and an infringement by GHK gave Clydebank another chance at goal and allowed them to kill some time.  The kick was forty yards out but Ross Moffatt had converted these before.  Unluckily the muddy conditions caused Ross to hook the ball and GHK were let off.

Clydebank kept their cool for the remainder of the match with the forwards retaining possession well throughout and the backs tackling everything and retaining possession well in contact.  GHK lost all sense as they wasted penalty opportunities in the Clydebank half in the dying minutes that would have at least given them a losing bonus point.  Eventually the final whistle saw the Clydebank support jump for joy and almost saw the GHK Honorary President fall off his shooting stick.  The birthday celebrations for the GHK captain would be subdued that night but there would be plenty of singing in Clydebank.

Although this result has no change at the top of the league it does show that this league is still wide open and any team is capable of winning it.

The 2^nd XV match had GHK demonstrating the difference between the two clubs.  The depth and experience of players at GHK allowed them to overwhelm the Clydebank team and saw them run in a number of tries.  Clydebank did manage to cross the line with a try from Gordon Spence and a conversion and penalty from Mick Duncan giving a final score of 10-63.  Stewart Laird, Robert Parr, Daniel Donnelly and David McLintock all put in excellent performances but the inexperience of the youthful Clydebank team was their ultimate undoing.

The U16 team took on Greenock Wanderers this week and lost 5-30.  Although the match was a well contested affair and Greenock were deserving winners the ugly side of competitive rugby was apparent when the visitors intimidated the Clydebank players as they left the park rather than adopting the normal attitude of respect and congratulation that is becoming less common at higher youth levels.

The U14 squad welcomed Loch Lomond on Sunday for the return of last week’s fixture.  The Lomond team were better prepared this time around and ran out easy winners by 0-24.  This match was a good bit more physical that previous matches but the boys did well against a strong team.

The Mini section also played Lomond after West of Scotland called off due to other commitments.  Three matches were played at P1-P3, P4-P5 and P6-P7 with a great level of competition where everyone enjoyed themselves.

Next week Clydebank face old rivals Cumbernauld at Whitecrook and look to maintain their good form at home and consolidate their position in the league.  The 2^nd XV meanwhile travel to Cumbernauld in the hope of securing their first official win.

The U16 team travel to Cumnock while the U14 team and Minis go along the coast to Helensburgh.  The Minis and U14 team will meet at 10:30am at Whitecrook.

The club are looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high to come along and try rugby.  Players up to P7 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U14 and U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 5:30pm and 7pm respectively.  Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

27th & 28th September 2008

Clydebank 1stXV vs Cumnock (36-0)

Loch Lomond vs Clydebank U14 (14-18)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Cumnock Crumble at Clydebank

Another win with bonus point were on the menu this weekend for the 1^st XV as a poor Cumnock team crumbled before Clydebank while the rearranged 2^nd XV league match against Strathendrick was cancelled as Strathendrick struggle to form a 2^nd XV this year and so Clydebank take the points from this match.

The main event however was a shadow of what it could have been as desperation by the Clydebank players in front of the try line, the referee and the weather all combined to restrict the scoring to 36-0 to Clydebank when it could so easily have been well in excess of fifty points.

Clydebank started well against a Cumnock team that was a poor reflection of its former self.  Strong scrummaging and loose play by Clydebank was to be the difference between the two teams.

After a minute gone a maul on the right wing formed by the Cumnock scrum half looked to be in control by Cumnock when Paul Andrew burst up the wing with the ball as the Cumnock back line stood discussing which attacking move they would adopt.  Only the left winger noticed as he tackled Paul short of the line.  As the ball was popped up to Don Ross, who was in support, it was knocked on and as Don touched down over the line the try was disallowed.  This was to set the pattern for the day as Clydebank dominated the loose and the final moves would break down.

It took until the sixth minute to start the scoring.  A bullish run by Derek Nolan up the left wing took Cumnock by surprise and set up Paul Andrew five yards out from the line.  Paul stepped inside the covering Cumnock defenders and slipped through three of them as they tried desperately to tackle him as he touched down.  Ross Moffatt stepped up for the conversion and uncharacteristically sliced it leaving the score at 5-0.

The initial period of domination and well worked first try looked to have brought out the selfish Mr Hyde in the Clydebank players who now thought they could all score in a potentially high scoring match.  This would not stop them winning but it would put a dampener on the match and ultimately limit the eventual score line.

Clydebank continued to dominate and pressurise the Cumnock defence.  A high ball by David bell after nine minutes saw the Cumnock full back think twice as Michael Starkey and David Miller closed in on him.  The ball was allowed to bounce and Michael knocked the ball on as he tried to collect it for the try he had already scored in his head.  This was the first of many potential tries that would go a begging.

The next try came on the seventeen minute mark as Ross McCombe made a break through the Cumnock defence.  As Ross was tackled by the Cumnock No5, and their man of the match, he popped the ball to Jamie Baxter who crossed the line for the second try.  Ross Moffatt made no mistakes this time and the score was now 12-0.

The next thirteen minutes would see Clydebank make a string of schoolboy errors that would prevent them adding several tries.  It wasn’t until the thirtieth minute that a sequence of scrums on the Cumnock five yard line would pay dividends.  After Vinnie Nellis had initially dropped the ball over the line and Ross Moffatt forced the standoff to touch the ball down behind the line following the ensuing Cumnock scrum, Clydebank had the put in at a second scrum five yards out.  Clydebank had dominated the scrum against an inexperienced Cumnock front row and easily won the strike.  A quick pass out to Ross McCombe saw him take on the ball against the young Cumnock standoff who could not stop him as he scored the third try.  Ross Moffatt added the conversion to take the score to 19-0.

Six minutes later a classic sequence of play led to an excellent first try from David Bell.  A fine lineout win by Euan Cuthbert set up a maul that marched up the park tying in the Cumnock defence.  As the maul was stopped the ball was immediately fed out to Ross McCombe who passed on to the charging David Bell who crashed through the Cumnock defence for the fourth try and bonus point.  Ross Moffatt once more added the conversion to take the score to 26-0.

The restart was to give rise to the try of the match.  Cumnock kicked off and the ball was collected by Clydebank and fed to Ross McCombe who put in a penetrating cross kick to the far wing with Bryan Flanagan chasing.  Bryan collected the ball as it bounced up into his arms and he put his head down and sprinted for the line.  Bryan drew in the covering defender and passed inside to Michael Starkey who was in support.  Michael headed for the posts with the Cumnock centre on his tail but managed to reach the line and touchdown for the fifth try.  Ross Moffatt hit the post with the conversion and left the score at 31-0 going into half time.

The second half did not match the high scoring first half as the skies opened and the rain began to fall.  The referee also appeared to take pity on the poor Cumnock team as he proceeded to slow the match down at every opportunity.

The first eight minutes of the half had Clydebank dominating possession as they bombarded the Cumnock try line.  The forwards and backs all worked well together as they retained the ball through a number of phases of play.  Eventually the ball was fed out from a ruck through the backs to David Bell in front of the posts where David is normally so deadly.  David stepped through the Cumnock defence who were left flat footed as he touched down.  Ross Moffatt hit the post for the second time and the score would remain at 36-0.

Cumnock had a period of about ten minutes when they put some pressure on Clydebank.  A series of offences at the ruck eventually led to the Clydebank No 8 getting a ten minute rest and giving Cumnock the man advantage.  As they pushed the Clydebank defence they could not complete their moves as Clydebank tackled well.

Clydebank eventually regrouped and returned to the attack.  An excellent break by David Miller up the wing gave the crowd something to cheer about as he fed into Euan Cuthbert who stepped through the Cumnock defence.  Euan was eventually stopped and the ball fed back to the wing to Bryan Flanagan who looked to have a clean run to the line.  The covering Cumnock second row had a different plan as he stopped Bryan short of the line and bundled him into touch.

The remaining thirty minutes would see Clydebank come close but fall short on a number of occasions.  The match stumbled from break down to break down as ball became slippy and the referee decided to stop the flow of the match at every opportunity.

Stewart Laird came close on thirty minutes when the covered the extra five yards he failed to cover last week and touched down only to have the try disallowed for an earlier offence.  Colin MacLean also crossed the line just before full time but the poorly positioned referee failed to see it and once more it was chopped off.  A last gasp attempt looked to be a certain try when the ball was fed out swiftly through the backs.  As the overlap became apparent the crowd were preparing the cheer as Michael Starkey failed to make the final pass to Alex Allan and decided to take on the last man and ultimately lose the ball.  This was a fitting end to the half which had so much promise but too little substance.

The U14 squad travelled to Dumbarton to play Loch Lomond on Sunday and came away with a win of 14-18.  The team was under strength due to holiday weekend call offs but with team numbers matched the boys set about their task like professionals and proceeded to tackle everything that moved and opened the scoring for the day with the first try.  The Clydebank points came from five tries by Greg Layden (3), Jake Anderson and Haneef Draz along with two conversions by Jack Kirkwood and one by Dylan Docherty.

The Mini section travelled to Kilmarnock and had two sets of matches for teams at P3-P5 and P6-P7.  The younger group played well scoring a number of tries.  The older team were short in numbers and played matches against Kilmarnock and Hillhead/Jordanhill who were also present.  With the other teams having being playing for a number of years the experience gap was evident with both matches being lost.

Next week Clydebank face their biggest challenge so far when they travel the short journey to Anniesland to take on the enigma of Glasgow High Kelvinside who have for so long skewed this league with their less than transparent association with the premiership club Glasgow Hawks.  The 2^nd XV get back to league duty when they also face GHK, but this time back in Clydebank.  Next Sunday the U16 squad face Greenock Wanderers while the U14 play the return match against Loch Lomond.  The Mini section will play a mix of Lomond and West of Scotland.  All youth matches will be at Whitecrook with kick offs ranging from 12 noon to 1:30.

The mini rugby continues to grow although we are still looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high to come along and try rugby.  Players up to P7 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U14 and U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 5:30pm and 7pm respectively.  Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

20 & 21st September 2008

Strathendenrick vs Clydebank 1stXV (24-42)

Clydebank 2ndXV vs Cartha Queens Park 2B (45-21)

Argyll Tigers vs Clydebank U16 (42-5)

Clydebank S1/S2 vs Paisley (36-15)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Sublime Moffatt Shocks Strathendrick

It was a successful weekend for the Clydebank 1^st and 2^nd XV’s as they both won with thirteen tries scored between them.  The 1^st XV went second in the league after a strong 24-42 win on the road against Strathendrick while the 2^nd XV, who had their league match against Strathendrick postponed till next week, won 45-21 at home against Cartha Queens Park 2A.  Meanwhile, the youth sections had a hard away fixture to Oban where there was mixed fortunes.

The 1^st XV match was a shaky affair which saw Clydebank almost lose it when they were trailing at half time but a concerted effort all round ensured a final victory.  The first half started well for Clydebank as they pinned Strathendrick down in their own half with strong attacking runs from forwards and backs.  Strathendrick defended well but the pressure was to ultimately tell.  A lineout close to the Strathendrick line was won by Clydebank who fed the ball out to the backs who promptly passed back into the forwards to set up a ruck tying in the Strathendrick defence.  The ball was quickly recycled and passed out the blind side via Graeme Kyle to Ian Starkey who touched done in the corner.  Ross Moffatt added the first of six successful conversions for the day to take the score to 0-7.

Clydebank continued to control the match early on with fine positional kicking by Ross McCombe and strong runs throughout the team.  A deep run into the Strathendrick half by Derek Nolan ended with a scrum to Strathendrick after he lost the ball forward in the eventual tackle.  However, hooker Craig Shearer won the ball against the head allowing Clydebank to attack once more.  Graeme Kyle broke from the scrum to set up the attack which saw the ball pass swiftly through the backs.  The forwards covered well to support the attack with Graeme Kyle once more taking on the ball and making the final pass to Peter Watson who was tackled short of the line but stretched to touch down on the line for the second try after fifteen minutes.  With Ross Moffatt’s conversion it was 0-14 to Clydebank who were looking formidably comfortable.

The game was to take a dramatic twist as the remainder of the first half saw Clydebank go into self destruct mode.  On seventeen minutes Strathendrick had a long mazy run through the Clydebank defence who stood back and watched.  The ball ended up with the Strathendrick winger Andy Turner who touched down under the posts to the shock of the Clydebank support.  The missed conversion in front of the posts left the score at 5-14.

Clydebank were on the back foot as Strathendrick proceeded to pressurise the weak Clydebank back three who struggled to settle.  After twenty five minutes a high ball into the Clydebank 22 metre area was fumbled by fullback Michael Starkey allowing the ball to go free with the Strathendrick standoff Bruce Duncan charging up to pick up and touchdown for Strathendrick’s second try.  With the conversion from fullback Kyle Campbell the score was now 12-14.

Strathendrick continued to put Clydebank under pressure and on thirty three minutes the scrum half Dougie Porteous was to cross the line for their third try leaving Clydebank dumbstruck.  The added conversion put the score at 19-14 and left Clydebank trailing and struggling to settle.  At half time Clydebank were behind and facing a breeze in the second half.

In the second half Clydebank decided it was better to take Strathendrick on in the forwards although it would take fifteen minutes before they would settle.  With Clydebank now playing a tighter game they began to make inroads into the Strathendrick half and slowly but surely they came within reach of the line although Stewart Laird fell five yards short in the belief he had scored when crossing the Strathendrick five yard line.  However, more close rucks got Clydebank to the line where Ross Moffatt eventually touched down to bring Clydebank back into the match.  Ross once more added the conversion to take the lead 19-21.

The nerves of players and spectators settled and Clydebank got back down to business.  The game stayed tight but Clydebank managed to keep the upper hand and were once more on the Strathendrick line on the half hour mark.  Another controlled ruck allowed Ross Moffatt to feed David Bell running up the blind side where he once more mesmerised the Strathendrick defence and touched down.  Ross Moffatt added the conversion and the score was now 19-28.

Several minutes later Clydebank were back on the Strathendrick line and piling on the pressure.  Another ruck took its toll as a Strathendrick player stepped through the ruck which was on the try line and kicked the ball away from Ross Moffatt’s hands as he was about to pass out to an eagerly awaiting Clydebank attacking line.  The referee was on hand to see this and immediately awarded a penalty try.  Ross stepped up again for the conversion to take the score to 19-35.

Clydebank settled once more but let their guard down and within two minutes the Strathendrick winger Andy Turner was running in for a try at the other end of the park.  Gasps of disbelief from the spectators highlighted the fear that Strathendrick would once again come back into the match.  With the missed conversion the score was now 24-35 and Strathendrick were not going to let go.

As the last few minutes ticked away the Clydebank players settled down and once more pressurised the Strathendrick line.  A loose ball by Strathendrick in their own try area was all that Paul Andrew needed and he pounced for the final try of the day.  The sixth try was also converted by the sublime Ross Moffatt who kicked everything as well as scoring a try to end the match 24-42 for Clydebank.  With the bonus point for the second week in a row Clydebank move into second place in the league.

The 2^nd XV had a successful day with seven tries scored against an aging Cartha 2B squad who had stepped in at the last moment to fill the fixture originally planned for Strathendrick 2^nd XV.  With tries from Ronnie McKee (2), Robert Parr (2), Neil McKenzie, Declan Coyle and James Roberts it was a fine win of 45-21 to Clydebank.  The conversions were added by Mick Duncan (4) and Robert Parr (1).  Robert Parr made his presence felt with his speed and long runs at the Cartha defence showing how he is improving and pushing for a position in the 1^st XV.

The youth teams all travelled together to Oban this week with matches for the U16, S1/S2 and two mini teams covering age groups P4 to P6.  The U16 team felt the effects of the travel and were behind by several tries in the early stages of the match.  It took until the second half for the boys to settle and get back into the match when they recovered a single try by James Drummond to end the match 42-5.  The Oban squad was a very good side collected from several local teams and were always going to be a hard team to beat away from home.

The S1/S2 squad played their second match and struggled to come to terms with the more extensive skills required at this age level.  With the match played over three 20 minutes sections it was Oban who got the lions share of the possession and points early on.  In the last section the Clydebank players started to come together and eventually ended the match with five tries to Oban’s twelve.  Four of the Clydebank tries came from Greg Layden who powered through the Oban defence while Chris Hunt showed great strength to burst through several tackles up the right wing to score.  As the team gain more match time they will improve.

The mini teams had a mix of matches winning some and losing some.  However, a host of tries were scored throughout the squad with tries from Jamie Baxter and Adam Drummond in the P5/P6 group and tries from Liam Gill (4), Kurt Spencer (2), Michael McDermot (3), Andrew Findlay and Leigh Kinnimont in the P4 age group.

Next week the Clydebank 1^st XV welcome Cumnock to Whitecrook while the 2^nd XV look to fill the postponed fixture with Strathendrick, also at Whitecrook.  The S1/S2 team will travel to Dumbarton to play Loch Lomond while the Mini section travel down the M74 to Kilmarnock.

The mini rugby continues to grow although we are still looking for anyone in Primary 1 through to Primary 7 or in 1^st year to 5^th year at high to come along and try rugby.  Players up to S2 train at Whitecrook in Dean Street at 12 noon on Sundays while the U16 squad train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Whitecrook starting at 7pm.  Further information is available from Gordon McCombe (07812 582775) or on the club web site at www.clydebankrfc.com.

13 & 14th September 2008

Clydebank 1stXV vs Oban Lorne (32-3)

Greenock Wanderers vs Clydebank 2ndXV (70-5)

Clydebank U16 vs Uddingston (19-26)

Clydebank S1/S2 vs Paisley (11-10)

Report by Gordon McCombe

Clydebank Overwhelm Oban

A Younger, Stronger, Faster Clydebank team led from the start against an obviously tired Oban Lorne team who had travelled the long journey from Oban and had also played a match on the Thursday night, which may have been fun but was certainly ill advised.  With the illusive and hypnotic David Bell opening the scoring in the first two minutes it set the trend for the day which led to a 32-3 win for Clydebank.

The 2^nd XV unfortunately had the opposite fortunes as they came up against a fast and furious Greenock Wanderers 2^nd XV who sliced through them to win 70-5.

The 1^st XV match was a joy to watch for the Clydebank support as the team shrugged off last week’s performance and returned to the fast aggressive mode of play they ended last season with.

The opening minutes saw the Clydebank back line combine well after a scrum to attack down the right wing and pin Oban against their try line.  A ruck close to the try line was quickly recycled and fed along the backs to David Bell who mesmerised and dummied both the Oban backs and the crowd as he crossed the line under the posts to start the scoring within two minutes.  Ross Moffatt added the conversion to take the score to 7-0.

It wasn’t long before another try was on the board.  This Clydebank team were operating as a smooth machine in comparison to the team that played last week as both forwards and backs combined in fast rucks and quick passing moves that left Oban dazed.  After an attack down the left wing the ball was switched back to the right where Don Ross was waiting to receive the pass and run in the final ten yards for the second try as Oban’s South African centre tried desperately to stop him.  The missed conversion left the score at 12-0.

Clydebank continued to pressurise the Oban defence with penetrating kicks by Ross McCombe down the wings and strong runs by forwards Graeme Kyle and Scott McIntosh.  The scrums had also improved this week with Craig Shearer dominating the Oban hooker and Ross Moffatt and Paul Andrew overwhelming the Oban half backs from the scrum.  This pressure told after fifteen minutes as Ross and Paul engulfed the Oban standoff as he received a pass from the base of his own defensive scrum inside his 22 metre area.  As a ruck formed Oban infringed and gave away a penalty which Ross converted to take the scoring to 15-0.

Oban had a short foray into the Clydebank half and after Clydebank went in from the side at a ruck Oban got a penalty which allowed them to add their only points of the day.

The next ten minutes was fairly even with the game being played in the middle of the park and no real attacks being put together by either side.  Eventually a break down the right wing by Graeme Kyle on the thirty minute mark set up several line-outs near the Oban try line, an area where Clydebank had been so deadly the previous season.  On the second line out Clydebank were pulled down when they would normally have marched over the line but adapted well as Ross Moffatt quickly released the ball to Scott McIntosh who brushed off the Oban winger and touched down in the corner for the third try to take the score to 20-3.

The Oban players were desperate to get back into the match and took the game to Clydebank.  With the first half running on to 47 minutes Oban took their chance and pressurised Clydebank into defending in their own half.  On the forty minute mark Oban were in front of the Clydebank posts and broke off the side of a ruck and crossed the line only for a Clydebank player to get under the ball and prevent the try.  The remainder of the half fizzled out without incident and the drizzle that had been present throughout the first half developed into a more persistent downpour.

The pace of the second half was dictated by the rain which made the ball difficult to handle for both teams although it was the Clydebank forwards who adapted better and lead by example as the back row of Graeme Kyle, Paul Andrew and Scott McIntosh dominated their opposite numbers.

The pressure on Oban told once more within the first five minutes as they gave away a penalty although Ross Moffatt failed to convert it.  The pressure was maintained and after fifteen minutes Craig Shearer won another ball against the head in a scrum close to the Oban line allowing Scott McIntosh to pick up the ball from the base of the scrum and charge like a bull up the blind side.  Ross Moffatt quickly retrieved the ball from an ensuing ruck, passing to Graeme Kyle who crossed the line for the all important fourth try and the bonus point.  With the missed conversion the score was now 25-3.

Oban would not be allowed to settle after the restart as Ross McCombe received the ball and put a high kick up into the Oban half with Peter Watson chasing.  Peter managed to kick the loose ball towards the try line and leave the tired Oban defenders stranded as he picked the ball up on the line and add another try to seal the Clydebank victory.

Oban defended well for the remainder of the half as Clydebank continued to attack but with the deteriorating conditions no scores were forth coming.  In the final minutes Scott McIntosh had another bullish run up the middle of the park.  The ball was fed out the Michael Starkey who eventually passed forward to Colin Dow who had an unrestricted run in for the try.  The try was disallowed and the game ended soon after.

The 2^nd XV match was one way traffic although the squad of players continue to bond as a team and their one score was a whole team effort that saw almost the whole