Lorne Under 18s do the double over Marr

Oban Lorne 40 Marr 26 T4 West U18 League

Oban Lorne U18s welcomed Marr RFC in glorious conditions at Glencruitten on Sunday for the second meeting between the sides this season. Oban had recorded an impressive 24-17 win against Marr in Troon earlier this season and were hoping for a repeat scoreline on Sunday with a strong squad available.

Despite having the long travel in their legs, Marr started the stronger of the two sides and dominated the opening exchanges to lead 7-0 after 12 minutes.

Oban had their first period of pressure from the restart with the ball eventually reaching second row Craig Cook in midfield who showed off a lovely dummy and sidestep to finish off under the posts. Angus Neil converted to tie the score at 7-7.

The home side, buoyed by Cook’s try, were growing into the game with the forwards creating good ball for Sandy Bavington at scrum-half and Angus Neil at stand-off to release a dangerous backline.

Scrum

Oban took the lead on 25 minutes with Kieron Morrison picking and going from a five-metre scrum and finishing off with ease to make it 14-7 to Oban.

Jordan Norman came off the bench and immediately had an impact on the game with a couple of trademark powerful runs putting the Marr defence on the back foot. A third run from Norman brought Oban’s third try of the afternoon from the centre extending Oban’s lead to 21-7.

Oban were playing well with good carries from man of the match Craig Cook and Alister Lilley putting Marr under pressure.

The home side were aided with the appearance of centre David Cameron in the second half who played 50 minutes for the 1st XV on Saturday, meaning he could play the whole second half of Sunday’s game.

The lead was extended to 28-7 early in the second half with Angus Neil embarking on a solo darting run round the defence to finish off a great individual try for his side. Marr responded on the hour mark narrowing the gap to 14 points before Angus Neil was on hand again finishing off a good move out wide to score on the left wing.

Both sides traded scores in the closing exchanges with Robert McLaughlin crossing for Oban while the visitors claimed a late consolation.

In the end it was a superb team performance from Oban with the four Lochaber boys impressing as well as stand-out performances from Craig Cook and Angus Neil.

Sunday’s win lifts the team into third place in the league. Oban U18s’ next home game is on Saturday December 1 as they welcome Bishopton/ Cambuslang to Glencruitten. Kick-off 2pm.