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News Article |
| MORAY 11 RAF LOSSIEMOUTH 5 |
| Mon 14th Nov 2016 |
 After a hard fought battle at Morriston last Saturday, Moray edged out RAF Lossiemouth by 11 points to 5 to cement their place at the top of BT Caledonia League Division 2 North (West).
Moray's only defeat of this season was at the hands of the RAF team and the significance of this game was huge, as the winners would top the West league at the half way stage of the season. After Christmas, the top three teams of both West and East play each other to decide the North League champion.
The Elgin side showed great intent from the kick-off. At the first scrum, in the flyers half, they drove their opponents backwards and opened the ball wide. Lossie were caught offside in the back line and wing Connor McWilliam stepped up and slotted the kick for an early 3-0 lead.
The RAF side tried to respond quickly and a penalty took them to 5 metres out. Some resolute defending held them out and the danger was cleared.
It was evident early on that the Moray scrum was going to be dominant and although the Lossie side were bigger, they took the next three scrums against the head with some powerful driving.
A reasonable majority of the next 30 minutes or so was played between the 22's but on a couple of occasions, the Elgin side breached into the 22 but the RAF defence was resolute and opportunities lost.
 In the 35th minute, however, Moray progressed to a scrum in the 22. Once again the scrum put their opponents on the back foot and the ball was opened to the backs. A deliberate knock-on by a defender was called by the referee and McWilliam stepped up to increase the lead to 6-0.
In the final minute of the first half, Lossie had a scrum 5 metres from the home line. Going backwards at a great rate of knots, the No 8 picked up and drove for the line. A couple of phases later it took some big tackling to dislodge the ball forward in the act of scoring. A scrum was given, taken and the danger cleared for a half-time score of Moray 6 RAF Lossiemouth 0.
Moray started the second half brightly and immediately went on the attack. Play progressed to 10 metres from the line but the visitors managed to hold the home maul up and gained the scrum put-in. They were driven off the ball once again but the home side knocked on at the tail of the scrum. Once again a big scrum drove them backwards but scrum-half Calum Watson was caught offside and the threat cleared.
Eight minutes later, the RAF had a penalty opportunity, 25 metres out, to reduce the lead but the attempt was missed.
 In the 58th minute, however, the Elgin side stretched their lead. Play progressed to a defending line, 8 metres from the try line. Second-Row Connor Duncan got a hand to the ball but a high tackle handed Moray a penalty. As their scrum was completely dominant, they opted for the scrum. A clean hook and a big drive took them steadily towards the line and No 8 John Stuart picked up and drove over for the score. McWilliam pulled the conversion attempt wide leaving the score at 11-0.
Moray continued to pile on the pressure but the Lossie defence was organised and solid.
In the 70th minute, the home side had the opportunity to stretch the gap to 14 points but the normally reliable McWillam missed a relatively easy kick.
The RAF team were not finished and in the last 10 minutes took the game to home 22. The Elgin defence remained committed and resolute but in the 78th minute, after several drives at the line, prop Mark Rutter broke the defence and scored an unconverted try to reduce the lead to 11-5.
From the restart, they RAF side tried to advance back into the Moray half but some strong tackling forced a knock-on and the game finished with the final score, Moray 11 RAF Lossiemouth 5.
 It had been a good and well deserved won by the Moray side. The scrummage had been the platform for the win and had given their opponents a torrid time all afternoon. Perhaps the score should have reflected more on the amount of ball they won but credit should go to the flyers for the sterling effort they put into defence and not allowing the home backs any room to create the opportunities. The RAF side always looked a threat with ball in hand but the home backs also put in a good shift in defence.
Moray have now completed all their fixtures in the west league and although Lossie have a game still to play, the difference is 7 points meaning the Elgin side will finish top at the league split.
This Saturday, Moray are away to Ellon in the quarter final of the BT Caledonia Regional Bowl North.
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| 5th Mar 22 - KO: 15:00 |
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