Lomond-Helensburgh Vs Strathendrick

In a highly anticipated rugby encounter, Strathendrick triumphed over Lomond-Helensburgh (L&H) with a final score of 18-11, marking a memorable clash between these two competitive teams. The match kicked off with L&H, displaying early dominance within Strathendrick's 22-meters, hinting at a potentially thrilling game ahead.

Lomond-Helensburgh continued to maintain pressure inside the opposition 22 resulting in an early breakthrough try by winger T-Jay Lambert. Unfortunately, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 5-0 in L&H favour. Strathendrick, determined to claw their way back into the match, orchestrated a remarkable comeback. A break from Strath post a scrum in their 22 took them along the field to our 22. However, their progress was halted by a crucial knock-on, resulting in a scrum for L&H.

Strathendrick applied pressure, forcing a clearance kick. A subsequent run along the wing by Strath was thwarted by a timely tackle from Craig Bowman, but this led to a penalty just 5 meters from Burgh's try line. Strath who opted to attempt to run in for a try but to no avail was held up by a strong defence with the try being held up. The try save was short lived however as Strathendrick moved the ball from right to left in the backs resulting in a try. With an unsuccessful conversion the score was 5-5 seventeen minutes in.

The 28th minute saw play resume with a scrum awarded to Strath just outside the homes 5-meter line. A strong L&H scrum forced an early take from Strath's scrum-half, leading to a penalty for Burgh after holding on in the tackle, with Craig Bowman playing a pivotal role. The ball was cleared to just off the halfway line, showcasing L&Hs determination to regain control.

The 30th minute marked a turning point as L&H executed a solid lineout. They moved the ball effectively along the line, with Craig Newport making strong runs. This sustained pressure resulted in another penalty for L&H at the halfway line, leading to a lineout just outside Strathendrick's 5-meter line. Unfortunately, the lineout was deemed not straight, frustrating L&H’s attempt to capitalise on their territorial advantage.

As the game continued resembling a ping-pong match between both teams’ full backs with successive clearance kicks by both teams, The home side displayed glimpses of their attacking prowess. A strong run by Warren Smith (Waz) down the wing signified the determination to reassert their dominance, starting their attack just off the halfway line. However, Strathendrick capitalised on a turnover, temporarily halting the momentum. The first half concluded with both teams deadlocked at 5-5, setting the stage for an intriguing second half.

The second half commenced with L&H kicking off, showcasing their intent to regain the lead. They displayed nimble ball-handling skills along the line, particularly on the left wing, but Strathendrick remained steadfast in their defence.

The pressure from Strathendrick's defence caused L&H scrum-half to execute a clearance kick, sending the ball sailing to Strath's 10-meter line. The match continued to be characterised by tense back-and-forth exchanges, with Strathendrick displaying their ability to capitalize on the home teams errors.

10 minutes in to the second half, Strathendrick was awarded a pivotal penalty in the oppositions 22, seizing the opportunity to push their lead to 8-5. The 54th minute witnessed a noteworthy moment when Reece Court executed a powerful run and a well-placed chip down the left wing, creating an exciting passage of play. A brilliant tackle by Strathendrick brought Court's run to an end, but Strath's lineout was deemed not straight, providing Lomond-Helensburgh with a valuable scrum opportunity.

The home side capitalised on this opportunity, swiftly moving the ball down the right wing, thanks to the quick distribution by Warren Smith. Their persistence paid off as Strathendrick was penalised for a high tackle, providing a penalty within their own 10-meter line. "Waz" showcased his kicking prowess with an excellent kick to Strathendrick's 22, followed by another penalty awarded to the home side. The last lineout was kicked to the 5-meter mark creating a tense atmosphere as both teams sought to gain the upper hand.

The 57th minute marked yet another crucial penalty awarded to the home side, this time at Strathendrick's 5-meter, as Strath's defence grappled with the pressure. Burgh opted for a tap-and-go strategy, with the ball swiftly making its way out to the wing but play stopped with the persistent infringements by Strathendrick led to a yellow card for a high tackle, the home team capitalised on this opportunity, slotting a successful kick to level the score at 8-8.

As the clock ticked on, the intensity of the match reached new heights. But unfortunately L&H not learning from Strathendricks mistakes with a yellow card shown to Iain Norrie for a no arms tackle just inside the homes half, adding to the drama of the encounter. Strathendrick seized control with a penalty kick inside the homes 10-meter line, securing a narrow lead of 11-8.

The match's closing moments were filled with suspense, with Burgh looking for opportunities to equalize once more. The home sides defence remained strong, with a stellar double tackle by Chris Macfarlane, (Bassy) and J.Chapman on Strath's 22 illustrated the unwavering defensive efforts. A penalty was awarded to Strathendrick for not releasing the ball within their own 22, but a well-executed penalty kick restored parity at 11-11.

The counterattack continued by both teams for the remainder of the match, with errors from L&H, Strathendrick capitalised on a lineout within the home 22, moving the ball effectively along the line to the left wing, where they scored a crucial try. This pivotal moment tilted the score in Strathendrick's favour at 18-11.

The game concluded with Strathendrick emerging as the victors, with L&H unable to mount a comeback in the face of several errors. The match showcased moments of brilliance, tenacity, and fierce competition.

1XV Shirt Sponsors: Chrystals Shortbread, Stewart Travel, The Ardencaple Hotel, IFfluent

1XV Team: T.Rees (Sponsor Club Patron Morag Fraser), S.Smith (Linda Macdonald Jewelry), S.Goulpillot, A.Ripo (C)(Townhead Farm), J.Chapman, S.Newport, K.Crossan, C.Macfarlane, A.Mcauley (Bubbles of Balloch), W.Smith (Kick10Ball), C.Bowman (Chrystals Shortbread), C.Newport (Mentor Scotland), N.Grey (Third Eye Analysis), T.Lambert (Ashlar Consulting), D.Sterry (Argyll Aesthetics), I.Norrie, B.Lovell (Club Patron Morag Fraser), T.Gregson (La Jupe), J.Miller, C.Norrie, M.Chase, R.Court (Superbia Performance).