World Cup woes for Scotland but bright future for Oban’s Bradbury

There was heartbreak for Magnus Bradbury and his Scotland teammates on Sunday as the national side crashed out of the Rugby World Cup at the pool stage for only the second time in the tournament’s history.

It was a minor miracle the game went ahead at all after typhoon Hagibis battered the area 24 hours earlier but the game in Yokohama went ahead as planned with the hosts desperate to give supporters something to smile about.

And indeed they did with Gregor Townsend’s side failing to progress from Pool A after losing a frenetic clash 28-21.

At the age of 24, Bradbury still has at least one more World Cup in him but that would be no consolation in Yokohama as the Scotland team were left to reflect on a frustrating tournament.

Bradbury was instrumental in Finn Russell’s try, winning a crucial turnover to help create the score, but then missed a tackle on Kotaro Matsushima in the build-up to Japan’s opener.

All in all the Oban warrior’s work rate, 14 carries and 16 tackles, was commendable – imagine what a couple of injury-free seasons could do.

Rugby pundit Stuart McFarlane, who was commentating on the games for BBC Radio Scotland Sportsound, said: ‘Magnus Bradbury was a very close second to Jamie Ritchie in terms of Scotland’s most effective player in this tournament. He has a bright future.’

Back on home turf Oban Lorne 1st XV were forced to cancel their scheduled West League Division two clash against Cumnock due to a waterlogged pitch at Glencruitten. The decision was taken on Friday afternoon so that the opposition had time to cancel their coach.

The men have no game this weekend.

Oban Lorne Ladies got back to winning ways on Sunday, beating Glasgow Uni 46-12 at home.

‘To play 80 minutes with 13 players, and to walk away with a bonus point win is incredible to say the least,’ commented Oban Lorne’s Lucy Stewart.

The ladies travel to Aberdeenshire on Saturday where they face National Division One leaders

Garioch.