Clinical Glasgow medics make Lochaber pay for slow start
LOCHABER were unable to build on last weekend’s win against Cowal as they were brushed aside by title contenders Glasgow University Medics on Saturday.
The Glasgow side were looking to bounce back after their first loss of the season last weekend at home to Wigtownshire and they quickly got to work. The home side started strongly and scored two quick tries on the right wing, giving the travelling Lochaber side little time to get going.
The game started to settle down, with Lochaber edging the scrums, but they were unable to win any advantage from set pieces. Lochaber struggled to retain possession for long periods of the first half, while the medics used their possession well to keep the score board ticking over.
The home side were struggling to break down Lochaber’s defence in the centre of the pitch, however, they were finding more success down the right flank.
Lochaber had the chance of three points with the last play of the first half but opted to run it in search of their first try. The medics turned the ball over on their five-metre line, however, and kicked the ball out to end the half.
Not long into the second half, Lochaber prop William Stewart came off injured and was replaced by winger Greg Hendrie, who was making his second appearance for Lochaber since turning 18. This meant the scrums had to be uncontested as there was no front row replacement.
With 10 minutes to go, Lochaber got their first points of the game. Fly-half Jonathan McCook @ToughCookiePT, raced out of the line to make the tackle. The ball was knocked loose and Lochaber centre Findlay Ireland reacted quickly to kick the ball on. With one last kick, he dived on the ball over the line just beating the medics’ full-back to the ball to score his eighth try of the season. McCook added the conversion.
The medics got one more try before the end of the game, dotting the ball down under the posts for an easy conversion. It was the only conversion their kicker made the whole game.
There was just time for the re-start. Lochaber retained possession and were awarded with a penalty almost 40 metres out. They tried for a penalty and although McCook had the distance, he didn’t have the accuracy this time.
The final whistle blew, with the final score 42-7 to the medics. Lochaber remain in fifth spot in the league, while this win extends Glasgow University Medics’ lead at the top of the table.
Lochaber are at home on Saturday hostoing Mull. The kick-off time of 3pm is to be confirmed. See Lochaber Rugby Club’s Facebook page or the Scottish Rugby Union's website for updates.