The Oban Times

Promising first season from tenacious under 18s team

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Lochaber Rugby Football Club fielded its first Under 18’s team in nearly 22 years this season.

The team competed in the West Under 18 Developmen­t League.

They showcased some great rugby during their fixtures and ended the season mid-table. This was a testament to their ongoing dedication throughout the season and turnout for predominan­tly away games as far afield as Ardrossan and Galashiels.

With the team made up of players from a wide catchment area, the dedication from the parents has been outstandin­g which has enabled the team’s success.

Last weekend Lochaber Under 18s took on Biggar at home in the West Under 18 Cup, Shield and Plate tournament.

The first half saw Lochaber digging deep and defending as Biggar applied a lot of pressure which resulted in them scoring three tries and taking a 17-0 lead at half time.

In the second half, Lochaber

showed exceptiona­l resilience and tenacity in denying Biggar any points.

A well-deserved try by Lochaber’s Fergus Taylor mid-way through the second half bolstered the team’s spirits. This led to heightened pressure from Lochaber in the latter stages of the game which suggested they may reduce the score deficit.

Biggar, however, defended well and kept Lochaber at bay. The game ended 17-5 to Biggar.

The result was enough to ensure Lochaber are in the Plate semi-final this Saturday, March 19, at home against Carrick. Kick-off is at 2pm.

Coach Adrian Collins said: ‘I am very proud of the team’s growth and performanc­es and would encourage spectators to come along this weekend and cheer the team on to what will hopefully be a well-earned final spot.’

 ?? All photograph Iain Ferguson, alba.photos. ?? Lochaber and Biggar Under 18s before their West Youth Cup match.
All photograph Iain Ferguson, alba.photos. Lochaber and Biggar Under 18s before their West Youth Cup match.
 ?? ?? Lachlann MacKinnon stays in possession as team mate Fergus MacIntyre rushes to back him up.
Lachlann MacKinnon stays in possession as team mate Fergus MacIntyre rushes to back him up.
 ?? ?? Liahm Yard and Gregor Warnock close in on a Biggar opponent.
Liahm Yard and Gregor Warnock close in on a Biggar opponent.
 ?? ?? Fergus MacIntyre dives into a tackle while team captain Hamish Kennedy closes in.
Fergus MacIntyre dives into a tackle while team captain Hamish Kennedy closes in.
 ?? ?? Left: Hugo Hoevelmann, right, and Charlie Knight tackle a Biggar player, backed up by Gregor Warnock.
Left: Hugo Hoevelmann, right, and Charlie Knight tackle a Biggar player, backed up by Gregor Warnock.
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