Green Army lift the silverware
Continued from page 32
Lamont scored a deserved try mid way through the half, with Rebecca Sims superbly offloading to the onrushing fullback for Oban’s fourth try of the game.
At 26-5 Oban could now relax a little and looked more comfortable throwing the ball around against a tiring but determined defence.
Fullback Lamont looked to add to her try scoring exploits but was brought down short of the line. Lamont and Sims managed to combine yet again with the latter picking and touching down from close distance taking the score to 31-5 with 15 minutes remaining.
The coaching team freshened the side up going into the closing stages of the game with Veronica Spiers, Nienke Van Geal and Rachel MacDonald all taking to the field.
Oban again added to their points haul as Kirsty Sinclair’s run forward from a stray Oban pass let in 17-year-old Eilidh Shearer for her first senior rugby try, much to the delight of the whole Oban Lorne team and support.
The ladies in green were hungry for more tries and again went close with winger Rachel MacDonald just losing control off the ball near the line after a promising break.
Oban rewarded the whole 22 playing squad for their efforts with a further four changes to the team with five minutes remaining, with Claire MacPherson, Hannah Cringles, Liz Cromer and Jenny Farthing all making an appearance.
The day’s performance was capped off with a pre-planned try from the back of a scrum with Lucy Stewart’s inside pass finding Erika Skofca, who finished off the scoring for the day as Oban ran out in the end comfortable 45-5 winners.
As Mhairi Hay blew the final whistle, there were huge celebrations and relief from the whole team as they had deservedly secured the BT National Women’s Bowl for 2017/2018.
The team and coaching staff were awarded their medals and the National Bowl from an emotional SRU vice-president Dee Bradbury, who has been a huge part of Oban Lorne RFC over the years. Dee has been a player, captain, club secretary, minis convener, president and now honorary president of Oban Lorne RFC.
Oban stand-off Lucy Stewart was awarded player of the match as selected by Scotland women’s internationalist Lisa Martin.
Success at the national stage has been a huge achievement for the Oban Lorne Ladies’ players, coaches and is a huge mark of how much the ladies section have built successfully in their short history. The final win on Saturday would not have been possible without the hard work and determination from all of the players involved, along with coach Corrie Louw and team manager Darrel Williams. Support was also given to the players at the final with George Hamilton as team physio and club treasurer Willie Malone also travelling as part of the cup final squad.
Finally, the club would like to thank all their sponsors for their support to the ladies section. This includes PMG for the sponsor of the players’ bus to Murrayfield and back as well as JAM Drilling for their continued input into the ladies team along with Lonan Properties and Coastal Connections. The preparations put in place for the final would not have been possible without the support of these businesses.
Oban Lorne RFC would also like to thank The Oban Times for their continued coverage every week.
The ladies still have one match remaining this season as they travel to take on Grangemouth Stagettes RFC in the last remaining National League 2 fixture of the season. This game is due to be played on Sunday May 13.