Oban Lorne suffer heavy defeat

AN UNDERSTRENGTH Oban Lorne 1st XV fell to what could be a record club defeat on Saturday going down 106-13 to Kilmarnock in their first away fixture of the league season.

There was no chance of the team building on last week’s good showing in a narrow home loss to Garnock with Coach Corrie Louw being faced into eight changes to the starting XV. Player commitment along with a couple of injuries seems to be causing some serious concern for the squad even in these early stages of the season.

Connor Ferris started his first game for the club in six months while Mark Charlton, Craig McGuire, Jonathan Sayer and Kyle Graham all started a 1st XV match for the first time.

There was also a return to the team for second row Jamie MacMillan after an absence to the team for a couple of seasons.

Despite the heavy final score Oban did lead early in the game 5-0 with a well-worked try and managed to contain the hosts to a 12-8 advantage after 20 minutes. The floodgates, however, opened up after this as Kilmarnock notched up a huge points tally of 106 points.

Much credit must go to the 18 players who made the long trip. Their commitment and effort must be applauded despite the heavy loss.

The task does not get any easier for Oban Lorne as they entertain league leaders Allan Glens RFC this Saturday at Glencruitten. Kick off 3pm. The Green Machine did have some good news to enjoy last midweek as they played out an entertaining 41-37 win against Californian touring side Cal Poly Tech University.

The home side fielded a mixture of 1st XV and 2nd XV players, even including 54-yearold full back Robert Wright who played the first half of the game.

Both sides attacked with good intent with a high scoring match entertaining the big crowd.

Oban’s physical dominance in the pack proved to be the difference on the night as the hosts clung onto a narrow 41-37 win.

A minute’s silence was well observed prior to the game to mark the passing of Angus MacColl at Isle of Mull RFC.

Angus was a popular figure among rugby clubs throughout the west of Scotland becoming well known after years of playing for the Isle of Mull 1st XV.

Thoughts of all at Oban Lorne RFC are with Pamela, Leanne, Scott and the rest of the family and to all the members at Isle of Mull RFC.