Arran suffer heavy first league defeat

Clydebank RFC 54 Arran RFC 6

Arran suffered a heavy defeat in their first league game since being promoted to the BT West Division 2.

They lost 54-6 to a strong Clydebank 1st XV who showed them what life may be like in the higher league.

The home side scored eight tries in what was a much improved display for them.

The winning bonus point was also secured just after the break and, even though Arran were never in danger of winning the match, Clydebank could also have played so much better and missed several opportunities to score more tries.

The home side opened the scoring after five minutes when the full back chipped over the defence and collected his own kick to run in under the posts which led to the first of seven conversions on the day. Arran hit back with an easy penalty kick at goal in Clydebank’s 22 and closed the gap a few minutes later from another penalty from further out. It took the home side a while to get into their attack- ing shape but when they did they looked threatening and dangerous with ball in hand. Clydebank went into half time with a comfortable 21-6 lead.

Clydebank scored almost immediately in the second half. Arran tried to clear their lines with a kick and the ball was charged down and dropped perfectly into a pair of Clydebank hands and they had a short run in to dot down for the bonus point try. Thoughts of an easy afternoon try fest were dashed with poor decision-making and discipline by Clydebank which allowed Arran to get some decent possession. To their credit, they attacked with intent and never gave up with their second row an ever present danger.

The final score of 54-6 could have been a lot more with better decision-making and finishing. Arran never gave up and made it very hard for Clydebank especially with their powerful forwards.

With Arran’s home game against Waysiders Drumpellier cancelled this week, their next outing is away to Cumnock on October 3.