Mid Argyll lose out on away win
Hyndland Mid Argyll West League Division 3 31 24
It was a busy weekend for Mid Argyll RFC with teams travelling across the region to fulfil a number of fixtures.
The senior men’s team travelled to Glasgow to play Hyndland.
A strong squad made the journey, with a few players making a return to the squad for various reasons, giving the Boars confidence going into the game for a first away win of the season.
Another strong start from the Argyll team saw them pile the pressure onto the home side, but couldn’t convert it into points.
Hyndland were first on the scoresheet against the run of play which was converted.
The Boars hit back soon after with a well-worked move which saw Simon Morrison hit the defensive line and pop a smart pass to Kyle Colville, who broke the remaining defenders and crashed over the line. Ali Peterson converted.
Hyndland were next on the board with another converted try, only for Mid Argyll to equalise from a fine backs move in which Lewis Campbell released Dougie Ritchie, who sprinted through to cross for his first try on his first senior start. Peterson converted.
Before the break, Hyndland
Mid Argyll U-14 boys joined forces with Isle of Mull and Campbeltown Juniors for a match at the Ropework Park in Lochgilphead on Sunday. Some fantastic rugby was on display, played in excellent spirit. A spokesperson for Mid Argyll Rugby Club said: ‘Well done to all our boys, especially Tom and Ross, who despite making debuts looked like they had been playing for years.’
struck again after Mid Argyll were caught out defensively and quick ball saw the home team run in their third try, this time unconverted. HT: 19-14.
Injuries forced big changes and while the Boars settled into the new formation, Hyndland took advantage, scoring another unconverted try.
Mid Argyll then hit some great form and dominated for the next 10 minutes.
As Hyndland tried to clear their lines, Ritchie scored a fantastic try in the corner after charging a kick down.
Another try from the home team stretched their lead, but Mid Argyll weren’t finished yet and before the end a last-gasp effort saw Daniel Broderick force his way through the Hyndland pack for him to score his eighth try of the
season.
It leaves the Argyll men still searching for that elusive away win with only two games of the season remaining. The Boars are away to Lanark on Saturday March 23 before their last game at home to Irvine on Saturday April 6.
There were some fantastic performances from the away team, but man of the match went to Ritchie for his brace on his first senior start.
On Saturday, Mid Argyll RFC U14 girls took part in a development day (See report, right).
On Sunday, it was the U16 girls’ turn. Two of the girls and coach Drew Buckley made the trip to Greenock for their evolution development day. Violet Turnbull and Mirren Bowden impressed as they joined other clubs to create this much-needed playing opportunity. To finish the weekend off, Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Mull U14 boys came together to take part in a development day at the Ropework Park in Lochgilphead.
If any girls or boys are interested in trying rugby or rejoining the club, training is held after school on Tuesdays at the joint campus. All welcome.
Disappointingly, before the game on Sunday a large amount of dog mess had to be cleared from the pitch.
The club is pleading with dog owners that use the pitch to exercise pets to please clean up after their dog.
The Ropework Park is used by children and adults to enjoy recreational and organised activities and they would like to do that without negotiating the mine field of dog mess. Bins are provided by the council at the entrance to the field, please pick it up.
Tomorrow (Saturday March 9), will see Mid Argyll Ladies play their very first game when they play a friendly with Waysiders Drumpellier against Strathaven in Glasgow.
This is a huge step forward for Mid Argyll RFC and everyone at the club hopes the ladies have a great day out. Ladies’ training is 7pm on Monday nights at the joint campus astro. If anyone would like to get involved and give rugby a go just come along. Look on their Facebook page for more details.