Blistering attack seals ‘Burn victory Six players make their competitive debut
PERTHSHIRE 2ND XV ................. 12 BANNOCKBURN ......................... 43
Bannockburn began the new season where the last one ended 546 days ago with a fine victory over Perthshire 2nd XV.
The ‘Burn men racked up seven tries, with centre Lewis Marasco and winger David Grainey each grabbing a brace. Flyhalf Ryan Jones, Ben Ward and Iain Duncan completed the scoring.
Work on the training ground was clearly paying dividends for Bannockburn, with the team combining stoic defence and blistering attack.
David Grainey drew first blood for Bannockburn, capitalising on some slack defending to score in the corner on the ten-minute mark.
Flying Welshman Marasco made a nuisance of himself all game, and left the opposition chasing shadows to run in through the posts after a dropped ball.
The man from Caerleon soon turned provider, setting up
Iain Duncan after some solid defending. Grainey soon added his second try with a frightening turn of pace down the wing, taking Bannockburn into a 26-0 lead.
To their credit, Perthshire did not give up and struck back with a well-taken try of their own before half-time.
Marasco, Jones and Ward added three Bannockburn tries in the first 20 minutes of the second-half, before Perthshire bundled over a consolation score two minutes from the whistle.
No less than six players made their competitive debuts with Lewis Marasco, Tommy Coyle, Colin Fish, Ben Ward and Claudio Swinton all making their Bannockburn bow.
And there was a wholesome moment for Bannockburn’s coaches as juniors graduate David Ramsay showed experience beyond his years with a solid debut performance.
Director of rugby Jimmy Samuel said: “There was a really good turnout from the guys, and having a full squad is super encouraging.
“On the day we played really well, we started strong and ripped them apart with our back line.
“We took our foot off the gas a little in the second half, but overall I’m pleased with the win and the players who came into the team.”
Bannockburn’s next game is at home to Crieff and Strathearn RFC on Saturday with a 3pm kick-off.