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News Article |
| MORAY 34 ALLOA 14 |
| Sat 21st Feb 2009 |
Moray progressed to 3rd round of the Scottish Hydro Electric National Plate competition, when they defeated Alloa by 34 points to 14 in a hard fought encounter at Morriston Playing Fields last Saturday.
In front of a sizeable crowd on the touchline, the Elgin side kicked off. Within three minutes, Alloa thought they had scored the opening try but the final pass went forward and the try was not given.
This sparked Moray into action and 2 minutes later, they took the lead. An unforced error by the visitors, in the middle of the park, was picked up by centre Ryan Anderson and his mazy run took him to within metres of the line. In the tackle he was able to off-load to the supporting stand-off Lee Millar and he made it over the line. He converted his own try for a 7-0 lead.
In the 9th minute, the visitors had the opportunity to reduce the lead. They were awarded a penalty for a high tackle but the goal attempt sailed wide.
Three minutes later, Moray were in the opposition 22 attacking the line. The Clackmannanshire side handled in a ruck and gave away the penalty. Millar landed the kick for a 10-0 lead.
In the 18th minute, Alloa scored a try. A penalty on the half way line was despatched to 10 metres out. A further penalty in centre field was taken quickly and allowed enough room for the centre to squeeze over the line. The conversion was landed to reduce the lead to 10-7.
The game was competitive and as expected, was turning out to be a hard and physical, yet open, game of running rugby.
In the 23rd minute, the home side added to their tally when Millar slotted a 2nd penalty after some handling on the deck.
Four minutes later, they stretched the lead further. From a ruck on the opposing 10 metre line, Anderson broke blind and in contact, slipped the ball to wing Rob Collie who sped over the line for the score. This time Millar pulled the conversion wide to leave the score 18-7.
In the 35th minute, the Elgin side added three more points. Alloa went ‘over the top’ at a ruck in their own 22 and Millar stepped up and slotted the kick for a 21-7 lead, the half time score.
The Clacks team started the second half brightly and immediately threatened the home goal line. Good solid tackling forced the turn over and the ball was cleared.
Moray were pressing well in midfield and in the 50th and 52nd minutes, forced their opponents to give away two penalties. Both were within kicking range and Millar calmly converted both, extending the lead to 27-7.
The home side were playing well and were now in control of the game.
In the 56th minute, they added a third try. With some excellent inter-passing play, they progressed to the visitors 22. A ruck was formed and Collie picked and went blind. In the tackle, he popped to Millar who was coming at pace and he rounded the final two defenders to score out wide. He converted the tight angled kick to take the score to 34-7.
Alloa rallied and four minutes later scored through their wing after some good passing up the left flank. The conversion was landed to reduce the lead top 34-14.
With 10 minutes to go, they still fancied their chances and took the game to the home side. Solid defence prevailed and the game finished with Moray worthy winners at 34-14.
The crowd retired to the Clubhouse having enjoyed an entertaining and attack minded game of rugby. Early in the game, the big Alloa centres had posed the home defence problems with strong running but the Elgin defence stood up and generally snuffed this threat out. Up front, the Moray front 5 did well in the tight and along with the back row, got round the park well. The back line, as well as putting up a strong defensive display, made the most of their attacking opportunities and scored three good tries. ‘Man of the Match’ Ryan Anderson was a rock in defence at centre and posed a real threat with ball in hand, setting up two tries. Lee Millar was immaculate with the boot and took his tries well and Rob Collie had his best game of the season.
This Sunday, Moray are again in Scottish Hydro Electric Plate action when they play Ross Sutherland in the 3rd round. Kick off is 3pm.
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Caledonia 2 North |
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| Aberdeenshire |
12 |
46 |
| Highland 2nd XV |
11 |
46 |
| Moray |
12 |
40 |
| Ross Sutherland |
10 |
22 |
| Banff |
12 |
19 |
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10 |
10 |
| Aberdeen Grammar 2nd XV |
9 |
1 |
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Last 1st XV Game |
| 1st XV Season (2021/22) |
| Banff 33 - 39 Moray |
| 5th Mar 22 - KO: 15:00 |
| Venue: Duff House |
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