Special reserves produce thrilling win
GREENOCK Wanderers men’s 2nd XV produced a top performance to see off a strong West of Scotland side at Fort Matilda.
Both sides provided a thrilling game for the large crowd watching prior to Scotland’s game against Argentina which was shown in the clubhouse.
Wanderers were composed of mainly younger players with not a lot of senior experience and a couple of first team forwards Louie Hoodless, pictured, and Andy Graham.
West were first out of the blocks with a well-worked move close to the line to score.
It did not take long for Graham to impose himself by scoring after a barging run, with Wanderers converting the penalty to make it 8-5.
A yellow card was shown to a West forward for persistent fouling after 23 minutes and the resultant penalty was converted to make it 11-5 after 31 minutes.
The home side continued to press and were rewarded by a converted score, but West were not to be outdone and replied through the forwards to cut the deficit on half-time.
That score energised West and Wanderers were under the cosh for a period, with the Milngavie men battling back to make it 19-18 10 minutes into the second half.
Shortly after West’s standoff waltzed through several tackles to feed his centre to score between the posts and make it 26-18 after 66 minutes.
Wanderers responded with a great score after winning the ball and processing it through the backs.
This set up the match for a thrilling finish and it fell to Wanderers to score a try in the dying moments to win 30-26.
Full marks to both sides for dishing up a spectacle and the crowd for their support.
One or two of the 2nd team will be challenging the 1st XV for places soon which is very healthy for the club. Thanks also to Bobby and Andy for coaching the squad and getting so much from them to the delight of the home crowd.