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Waysiders 34 Moffat 0

Published on 23 October 2007 at 20:40:00

WAYSIDERS/DRUMPELLIER 34  MOFFAT 0

Moffat Rams travelled to Coatbridge this week with high spirits, following their good performance against Cumbernauld last time out.

 

Coach Ian Hobson asked the players for more of the same this week, however due to a number of factors, this was not how the game panned out. Three weeks on the road, against the top two teams in the league, was always going to prove difficult, but nobody could have forseen how difficult this encounter would prove to be.

 

Before the game The Rams lost their ever present front row Cammy Little, to a shoulder injury and his front row partner Craig Currie decided to start, despite a neck injury. Little was replaced by the ever improving Scott Borthwick, with Scot Galloway as usual in the hooker position. In second row were the tonsorial Jamie McDowall and the pugnacious Bob Drennan. The usual line up in the back row saw Polly Smith and Matt Wennington supporting the “Perambulator” Kenny Carter. In the backs Gordon Dinwoodie partnered Michael Lockhart at half back, whilst Clint Smith and Kevin Jack continued their partnership at centre. Adam Murray returned from injury to partner the back from holiday Dave Scott on the wings, with the mercurial Graeme Gemmell starting at full back. Replacements for the day were Ben Hawthorn, Calum Jardine and Kenny (Lock up your mothers) Chicken.

 

Moffat suffered their fist blow, almost after the first play of the match. Michael Lockhart cleaning up a WD kick through was tackled heavily by two players and landed awkwardly on his shoulder. He was to take no further part in the game. Lockhart was replaced by Ben Hawthorn, himself recovering from a dislocated shoulder. WD scored a try shortly afterwards, following a rolling maul close to the line.

 

Moffat then lost prop Craig Currie, who succumbed to his neck injury, being replaced by Kenny Chicken. Following this unfortunate start, Moffat managed to get into the game, forcing 3 unconverted penalties, before an unforced error in defence allowed WD a soft try before half time.

 

The second half started in similar fashion to the first. Almost in the first play The Rams lost their scrum half Gordon Dinwoodie after sustaining a nasty cut above the eye. Zola was replaced by Calum Jardine at half back. Moffat had now exhausted their replacements, which was highlighted when Graeme Gemmell was injured in an attack and left the field with 25 minutes left to play. Moffat therefore ended the game with 14 players. For the record WD ran in 3 more tries in the second half. Moffats bruised and battered warriors left the field disappointed but not dejected. WD are not leading the league for no reason and are a slick well drilled outfit. The rams kept fighting to the end, but sometimes grit and resolve are not enough.to win matches at this level.

 

To win matches in this league The Rams need all their players to be playing at their optimum level. This week this was not possible, mainly because of injury and illness, however one or two players did not perform as they know they can. The players know themselves if they had a disappointing game and there is no requirement to name them here. On the plus side many players played through the pain barrier and showed real courage and determination in doing so. Special mention must go to Calum Jardine who had another fine showing at scrum half, Polly Smith who was tireless at flanker and Kenny Chicken, who played 70 minutes, having only expected the odd 10 minute spell..

 

There is no game this week, however there will be a training session on Saturday at 12 Noon. Players are expected to attend. This will give the Coaching staff an opportunity to work on some of the aspects of play that are not quite up to scratch.

 

The veterans training is cancelled this Friday and it is hoped that some will join in with the First team squad on Saturday