Injuries hamper Lochaber’s away day defeat at the hands of Shawlands
Shawlands Lochaber
BT West Division 3 31 6
IT WAS an under strength Lochaber team that made the trip to Glasgow’s southside and the Drumbreck ground of Shawlands on Saturday. It was the visitors who kicked off the game, which was played for much of the afternoon with a wild wind blowing across the pitch.
Shawlands had the first casualty of the game just a few minutes in with their tight head prop going off injured. Lochaber had their own injures, with a dislocated finger and a cut lip requiring stitches, reducing the visiting team to 12 players at times.
But it was Lochaber who were first to open the scoring with a penalty from Jonathan McCook. Shawlands responded straight from the kick off when they turned over the ball and quickly turned that possession into a try.
Lochaber took the game to within one point with another penalty from McCook. Shawlands scored their second try after a missed tackle in front of the posts.
Lochaber ended the first half strong but could not convert their possession into points. The second half started the way the first half had commenced with Lochaber pressuring the Shawlands defence.
But Shawlands defence yet again withstood the attack and the home side added their third try from close range to further extend their lead.
Two late tries followed, one out wide after several missed tackles allowing Shawlands fullback in to score under the posts and the hosts’ final try, which came with a chip over the top and, after a foot race. the Shawlands player was able to get their first.
The game ended Shawlands 31-6 Lochaber. Lochaber host Cowal this weekend at Banavie, with a noon kick off. This is the first time the clubs have met in the league.
A win for Lochaber would move them above Cowal in the league who currently sit three points above Lochaber.