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News Article |
| STRATHSPEY 13 - 28 MORAY |
| Wed 9th Dec 2009 |
 Moray ran out winners by 28 points to 13, when they played Strathspey in Kingussie last Saturday, in their latest Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia Division 2 (NW) fixture.
The home side opened the scoring in the 5th minute when their scrumhalf landed a penalty, from the halfway line, for a 3-0 lead.
Within two minutes however, the lead had changed. Moray put several phases of play together and progressed into the home 22 where they won a scrum, 15 metres out. No 8 Greg Smith picked up, broke blind drew the defence and slipped the ball to stand-off Jamie Hickie to score out wide. Hickie pushed the conversion attempt wide leaving the score 3-5.
In the 16th minute, the visitors extended their lead. With play inside the home 22, the defence was caught offside and a penalty awarded. Hickie landed the kick for 3-8.
 Six minutes later, they stretched the lead further. Strathspey were caught offside in the 22 and a quick tap and long pass by scrumhalf Johnny Morren, gave wing Douglas Ireland enough room to go outside his opposite number and score. Hickie’s kick came up short leaving the score 3-13.
Five minutes from half time, Moray added their final points of the first period when Hickie landed a penalty when the home side were caught offside in their 22.
Half time : Strathspey 3 Moray 16.
The Elgin side seemed to be in control of the match but Strathspey raised their game after the break and dominated the play for the first 10 to 15 minutes.
In the 46th minute, they reduced the lead to 10-16 when they scored a converted try after a period of pressure in the visitor’s 22.
Three minutes later they were within three points when they landed a penalty from 30 metres out after the Elgin side was penalised for over the top.
The Moray side did not panic and gradually got themselves back into the game. It was important that they put the next points on the board and they did this when Hickie scored his second try of the afternoon.
A period of pressure in the home 22 was cleared to the half way line. Replacement full-back Dale Smith gathered the ball, dummied right and then went left. The defence was lacking on this side of the field and he drew the defence and released Hickie on the loop to score. Hickie converted his try for 13-23.
 In the 68th minute, they added a fourth and try bonus point score. With ball in hand, Strathspey were running at the visitor’s defence. In midfield, Moray open side flanker Craig Forster put in a great hit on his opposite number and was quickly to his feet to win the ball. He moved the ball quickly to inside centre Phil Abbott who dummied, made the half break and put Ireland into the gap to break the defence and score out wide.
Hickie’s conversion attempt came up short to leave the score, which with the final ten minutes being played out with much effort but no additional points, became the final score of Strathspey 13 Moray 28.
It had been a hard fought encounter with both teams contributing well to an entertaining game. The Moray side had been strong in the scrum and the back row had been immense around the park. Behind the scrum, the backs caused problems with ball in hand and Hickie and Ireland had taken their tries well.
This Saturday, Moray are at home and play Stornoway in the league. Kick off is 2pm.
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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 |
|
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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