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News Article |
| ABERDEENSHIRE 2NDS 19 MORAY 36 |
| Wed 5th Oct 2011 |
Moray left it late to record a hard fought 36-19 win over Aberdeenshire in Aberdeen last Saturday and make it three wins out of three in their RBS Caledonia Regional League Division 2 North campaign.
The home side were the first to put points on the board when they capitalised on a sliced clearance kick. The ball was gathered and a drive by the forwards was finished off by the wing-forward who picked and broke the line for a converted try and a 7-0 lead.
In the 9th minute, Moray closed the gap to 7-3 when centre Andrew McBean landed a penalty after an infringement at a ruck 30 metres out.
Nine minutes later, they took the lead. McBean, in an attacking run, chipped the ball and made touch 5 metres from the opposition line. The line was taken against the throw and a couple of driving phases later, second-row Calum Purcell barged his way over the line for the score. McBean landed the conversion for the 7-10 lead.
The lead, however, only lasted 4 minutes as Shire scored a second try. Ball was picked from the base of a scrum in the 22 and a dart to the blind side created an overlap allowing the wing to run in a converted score for a 14-10 lead.
The remainder of the half became a battle in mid field with no real clear cut chances created by either side leaving the half time score Aberdeenshire 2nds 14 Moray 10.
Almost immediately from the re-start, the visitors breached into the opposing 22 through a good break by centre and captain March Higgins. The ball was recycled quickly and a couple of phases later moved to full-back Ryan Anderson who made the line. McBean landed the additional points to put Moray back in the lead at 14-17.
Six minutes later, the Elgin side were pressing for another score inside the home 22 but a backs move was intercepted. Although it looked like the defence was going to get back halt the attack, the centre that broke was aware and he offloaded with a long pass to the wing, who ran in the converted try to regain the lead at 19-17.
Moray returned to the offensive and in the 52nd minute found themselves at a scrum in the 22. Clean ball was taken and picked and driven by No 8 Stuart Harrington. After a further driving phase the ball was released to the big back row man at pace and he broke the defence to score. McBean landed the conversion and the visitors were now back in the lead at 19-24.
The Elgin side then went on to take more and more control in the forwards and of the game.
In the 63rd minute, they increased the lead. Scrum half Aled Herbert scooped up ball close to the side line and made a great break down the wing but the move came to halt when his pass was knocked on. The resultant scrum, however, was taken against the head and Harrington picked up and drove over to score his second and the bonus point winning try. McBean landed the conversion to increase the lead 19-31.
Ten minutes later and to round off the afternoon and secure the win, Moray scored a fifth try. Some good driving and continuity passing took them to a ruck in the 22. Ball was moved quickly from the break down and a long pass put replacement centre Cameron Hughes in space and he darted over for an unconverted try and a final score line of Aberdeenshire 2nds 19 Moray 36.
The Aberdeenshire side had made it a very difficult afternoon for Moray but the Elgin side stuck to their game plan and managed to squeeze out a good win.
This Saturday, Moray are on league business and welcome Lochaber to Morriston Playing Fields, kick off 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 |
| 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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