Good run for U16s and U18s continues at Strathaven
Oban Lorne’s U16 and U18 teams recorded big wins in their respective leagues over the weekend, building on what has so far been a successful season for youth rugby at the club.
On Saturday, the U18s made the trip to Strathaven with a large squad also involving players from Lochaber RFC.
After a slow start, conceding 20 points in the first 15 minutes, the boys upped their game to run out eventual 59-36 winners in an entertaining match that included five sin bins between the two sides.
The result lifts the U18s into third place in the league but they still have two games in hand over Stewartry and Marr RFC, who are sitting above them.
It was a double header with Strathaven at the weekend as the U16s took to the field on Sunday.
Oban were bolstered with a couple of players from Isle of Mull RFC and ran out impressive 82-69 winners in an extremely high scoring fixture. The U16s also occupy third place in their West League and remain unbeaten so far this season.
This Saturday, the U16s and U18s welcome Stewartry RFC to Oban. Both fixtures kick off at 2pm with the U16s playing at Glencruitten and the U18s playing at North Connel.
Oban men’s hockey team travelled to Glasgow on Saturday to take on the well-drilled Uddingston who currently sit top of the table.
The first half started well, despite the challenges of the fast pitch, fast opposition and playing into the bright east Glasgow sunshine. However, the Oban defence was finally broken down towards the end of the first half and Uddingston took a 1-0 lead.
Oban made a slow start to the second half with continuing strong pressure from the Uddingston forwards. As the second half progressed, the Oban mid field rallied and started to put together some good passes. Oban finally broke through the Uddingston defence in the last quarter with Stuart Head scuttling a sweep shot across the opposition goal line.
Oban sealed the game with a second from Alistair Burton who slid in a goal on his reverse stick with just 10 minutes of the game remaining. A great win for the team.
Stand out players on the day were Andrew Hodge, Lorne Binnie and Dannie Onn. Man of the match was goal keeper David Love who showed great leadership.
Thanks go to Donald Histead who stepped in as an umpire for the day.
Next weekend’s game will be another tough away fixture in Glasgow as the team take on Clydesdale.
On Sunday, a mixed team from Oban travelled to Taynuilt to take on Lochaber in the West Coast Hockey League.
Despite the sunshine and valiant Oban effort in the hard fought game, Lochaber won 3-2. Man of the match was Theo Andrews, with a special mention to Lorne Binnie.