BY ANDREW DUNCAN

Bishopton enjoyed a thrilling win to get their season off to a flyer.

However, they didn’t have it all their own way at Lanark and were made to work for the bonus point victory.

Four minutes into the game, the visitors were first to strike as scrum half Ruari Taylor pounced.

He was able to pick up a loose ball in midfield and scarper round the defence to dot down under the posts and continue his impressive scoring record against Lanark.

Max Catto added the extra two points and Bishy were up 0-7 in the opening five minutes.

After the restart, Lanark looked to try and take control back on their home turf as they spent the next 15 minutes in the visitor’s half, winning a number of penalties, making it 3 -7 Bishopton.

The pressure continued as a strong line picked out by one of the host’s backs was met with stout Bishopton defence, but the Lanark player was quick to spin off the defender right at the point of contact and land himself on the right side of the line. The conversion in front of the posts was good, giving control back to the home side with a 10 -7 lead.

Bishy would have the last meaningful action of the first half as they were able to gain a penalty in front of the post and Max Catto slotted the points to get the score level to start the second half 10 –10.

Bishopton got the action under way in the second half and were looking to be set for a game within the forwards. With their pack carrying hard, a breakthrough seemed to be on the way as the ball was worked out wide.

It was the older of the Catto brothers Ruaridh that received the ball out on the wing. With only his opposing rival ahead of him, he picked up some bruising speed and stepped back inside the five metre line, taking the tackle.

In doing so, the space was created back out wide and Jamie MacMillan scooped the ball and worked his way under the posts, repeating the feat that he made in his maiden senior game against Lanark.

This time around, he opened his competitive try account on his official senior debut. Max Catto added the extra points and put Bishy back in the lead at 10 – 17.

Bishy were then caught out by a long boot forward as an unfortunate bounce caught out the defence and the Lanark winger ran straight onto the ball.

The conversion was good and Lanark were the ones levelling the game this time.

But they would not be level for long as a Bishopton scrum was awarded after the restart.

The scrum that had been unsteady in the first half now looked to have become steadier and was starting to move the Lanark pack about.

As the ball popped out, Max Catto looked to grab it in upon spotting a gap in the defence, but was soon caught.

This came at Lanark’s frustrations as it opened up the gaps out wide once more and allowed Rharidh Catto to pitch the ball to his brother, who was able to fly in himself and dot down. d

The conversion was missed and the score was now 17 – 22.

Taylor, always the quick thinker, took the tap and spun the ball to Ross McGowan, who broke through the line immediately making his way to half way. He was met by the last line of Lanark defence and was able to pop off to Taylor, who had little in front of him.

Taylor put the hosts to the sword once more and took the try bonus at the same time.