Life’s just a beach on Islay
OBAN Lorne’s 1st XV and ladies’ team made the trip to Argyll neighbours Islay RFC who hosted their annual Beach Rugby Festival in Port Ellen last weekend.
The Green Machine fielded both a strong men’s and ladies’ team who were both hoping to keep up their good record in recent festivals.
Oban’s 1st XV team have reached the final of the event on four occasions but have never lifted the beach rugby trophy.
The ladies’ team, with a large squad, performed well against the other three teams taking part with a good win over Cartha Queens Park and played well in losses to Watsonians ladies and T200. The ladies then had a rematch with Cartha in the bowl final where the opposition won by a 3-2 margin. The team did suffer a blow midway through the day when Lucy Stewart was airlifted to hospital in Glasgow with a suspected neck injury.
Fortunately, the injuries were not as serious as first thought and she will return to pre-season training as normal.
Aberfeldy and Paisley along, with an Islay team, were Oban Lorne 1st XVs opponents in the group stage of the men’s competition where the Oban side won all matches fairly comfortably.
The semi-final was contested with reigning champions Kilchoman Distillery. Oban Lorne won a tough and close game despite yellow cards to both Robin MacQueen and Andy MacDougall.
Oban Lorne faced Bruichladdich Distillery in the final, who were represented on the day by BT Premiership newcomers Marr RFC. Unfortunately, Oban ran out of steam in the final going down nine tries to two as they finished up as runners-up yet again. Argyll and Bute fielded a team made up with some Islay boys. Islay lost to Loch Lomond in the men’s plate semi-finals, going down 4-1. Kintyre travelled over for the second year running and made it through to the third-place final but went down seven points to three against a strong Trinity Accies. The second-place plate final saw a convincing win for Loch Lomond against Aberfeldy which ended 3- 0.
The hospitality shown by Islay Rugby Club and the warm welcome from Port Ellen, along with a well- earned dram at the end of the day from Kilchoman Distillery, made for another great weekend.
Pre- season Training
Pre-season training for Oban Lorne RFC’s senior teams will begin on Tuesday June 27. Oban Lorne 1st XV are looking forward to their third consecutive season in West Division 1 under the guidance of head coach Corrie Louw.
Due to league expansion, the team will endure 22 league fixtures this season, meaning the squad will need to be well prepared for the season ahead. Oban Lorne’s 2nd XV and ladies’ fixtures are yet to be announced by their respective leagues. Pre-season training is open to all players and beginners are more than welcome. Times and venues will be confirmed on the club’s Facebook page and website.
Lions breakfast with Oban Lorne RFC
The club will be hosting a British and Irish Lions breakfast for the three upcoming test matches with the All Blacks on June 24, and July 1 and 8.
The test matches will be shown live on the club’s big screen with a full breakfast being served from 8am.
Cost per person is £ 8.50 with proceeds going to club funds. All members and non-members are more than welcome to come along.