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News Article |
| MORAY 45 - 0 LOCHABER |
| Tue 27th Oct 2009 |
 Moray put on a good solid performance in last Saturday’s Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia League Division 2 (NW) fixture at home against Lochaber, convincingly winning by 45 points to nil.
The Elgin side kicked off on a wet an windy afternoon with conditions not seemingly conducive to open running rugby.
Within two minutes, they had taken the lead. Wing-forward Craig Forster picked up ball in broken play in his own 22 and drove up the middle of the pitch. He was eventually stopped on the opposition 10-metre line but was able to offload to supporting stand-off Dale Smith, who outpaced any cover defence to score the try under the posts. He converted his try for a 7-0 lead.
Three minutes later, the Fort William side were handed a penalty 30 metres out. Rather than attempt to kick the penalty, they kicked for territory at touch but the home side took the resultant line-out and cleared the ball.
In the 12th minute, Moray extended the lead to 12-0 when they scored a fine blind side try. Again Forster was instrumental as he initially took the ball blind at a ruck in the opposition 22. He passed to centre Phil Abbott who made yards before offloading to second-row Connor Duncan who scored out wide. Smith’s attempt at the conversion just failed.
Five minutes later, the Elgin side scored their third. A break up the right side saw Duncan and wing Douglas Ireland make ground before the latter released Captain and No 8 Dave Porter on the outside to score. Smith converted for 19-0.
Lochaber rallied and in the next 10 minutes had their best spell. They threatened the line on a couple of occasions but sound defence won the day.
In the 35th minute, the home side scored the fourth and bonus point try. After a barging run by prop Fraser Duncan, a penalty was given in the Fort William’s sides 22. A quick tap was taken and the ball released through the backs hands. Wing-forward Marc Higgins came into the line at outside centre and broke the defence to score. Smith converted to leave the half time score Moray 26 Lochaber 0.
Ten minutes into the second half, the lead was further increased. Scrum-half Johnny Morren picked up spilled ball midfield and made good ground. He offloaded to prop Jason Ogg who made it to 5 metres from goal, where he set up a ruck. Hooker Mark Abenheimer picked and drove over the line and with Smith converting, the score moved to 31-0.
In the 59th minute, another rampaging run by the forwards took the play to 5 metres out. Ruck was set, quick ball moved out and centre Adam Henderson got enough room to make it over the line by the posts. Smith landed the conversion for 38-0.
Lochaber again rallied and made it into the home 22. They tried to force their way over the line but the defence was strong and the rucking fierce causing a turn over and a clearance.
In the final play of the game, the Elgin side scored. The try typified the way they had played all afternoon. Strong running and offloading play by the forwards took possession to the Lochaber 22. The ball was spun wide and after a strong run by Abbott, Higgins was on hand to score his second try. Smith converted leaving the final score Moray 45 Lochaber 0.
It had been a good all round display by the home team and despite the weather conditions, they played some good handling rugby in both forwards and backs. Man of the Match Jason Ogg produced some storming runs and was always keen to get ball in hand. A mention must go to Connor Duncan and Dale Smith who both scored their first senior try.
This Saturday, Moray are again at home and play Highland Reds in the league. The team will be keen to avenge the earlier league defeat they suffered at the hands of the Reds in Inverness. With the clocks changing, kick off is 2.00pm.
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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 |
| Mackie |
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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