Table topping ladies record impressive win
Oban Lorne Ladies made the long journey to Ayr on Sunday with a squad of only 15 players for what would be their toughest match of the season. Ayr having been relegated from premier league last season would be a strong and organised team to take on.
During the opening minutes nerves were showing and mistakes were made by both teams. The opening plays saw lots of scrums, with both teams having strong forward packs the scrums were fairly even. After 10 minutes Oban’s fly half Lucy Stewart scored her first try and then converted to take the score to 0-7. Fifteen minutes in and Stewart scored her second try of the day. Following some great footwork and support from her team mates, Lucy found a gap in the strong defence. Again Stewart converted well. 14-0 to Oban Lorne.
Oban were playing well as a team working together and showing how much hard work they have been putting in during training together with coaches Corrie Louw, Billy Thomson and Darrell Williams.
Shortly there followed another break by Lucy Stewart, with great support by hooker Selina Keppie and an offload to winger Ellen Barlow for Oban’s third try of the day. The conversion was good again by Stewart as Oban now led an impressive 21-0.
Flanker Ailsa MacLachlan did well in controlling the defence and excellent line speed throughout the game complemented by Erika Skofca and Kirsty Sinclair meant Oban’s defence was proving hard to break.
However, after 30 minutes a try came for Ayr by their powerful forwards finally breaking through the strong Oban defence. The conversion narrowed the lead to 7-21.
Oban came back with a great response to the Ayr try; an interception by powerful centre Erika Skofca on the Ayr five-metre line followed by a quick offload to Kirsty Sinclair lead to her scoring her first try of the game. After 35 minutes there was another try for Ayr, with a good conversion bringing the score to 14-28.
Half time saw a good motivational talk from head coach Corrie Louw who was overall pleased with the ladies’ performance.
The restart was slightly scrappy with a couple of penalties awarded to both teams. Oban soon sorted out their issues and after 45 mins there was a second try for Sinclair after an interception on the halfway line. She could not be caught by Ayr defence and touched the ball down with ease. The try was converted and Oban’s lead extended to 14-35.
After 55 minutes, Ayr were hungry to close the gap and their scrum half found space on the outside of the Oban defence. After a penalty against Oban for being offside, she scored a try on the wing taking the score to 19-35.
Heather Fothergill was quick to respond to the ref’s calls and got in a few great tackles putting Ayr wingers into touch. There were also great tackles put in by Howdo Bean, who found herself playing in the forward pack for the first time with Oban. Ailsa MacLachlan was also quick to defend the Oban line and made some strong runs through the game. At 65 mins Oban used a quick inside ball to Skofca and, following a strong Oban scrum, there was no stopping her. Stewart’s reliable conversation brought the score to 19-42. After 70 mins Ellie MacNiven scored a try on the back of a powerful run and some clever footwork from the Ayr five metre line. The conversion was good yet again and the score finished at 19-49.
Oban’s players of the match were awarded to forward Ailsa MacLachlan and Lucy Stewart. The ladies are away again on Sunday to Greenock Wanderers Ladies, who sit mid table after the opening few games. Oban train every Tuesday 6pm and Thursday 6.30pm at the rugby club.
Sunday’s result means that Oban sit clear at the top of National Division 1. Sunday’s win is also the club’s first victory over Ayr.