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News Article |
| STORNOWAY 14 MORAY 1ST XV 39 |
| Wed 18th Oct 2017 |
 Moray made the long journey to Stornoway last Saturday in their latest BT Caledonia League Division 2 North fixture and returned having beaten the islanders by 39 points to 14.
On a sunny afternoon after an uneventful ferry crossing, Moray kicked off, intent on making amends for the defeat they suffered the weekend before.
An early infringement by the home side gave them the first opportunity for points on the board which wing Andrew McBean duly kicked for a 0-3 lead.
 The visitors continued to take the game to their counterparts and heavy pressure produced an attacking scrum within sight of the opposition line.
Back-row John Stuart picked up the ball as the scrum moved forward and drove for the opposition line taking defenders with him as he touched down for the try.
The conversion attempt was missed, leaving the score at 0-8.
Moray continued to dominate and in the midst of an altercation between the two sets of forwards, stand-off Richard Lewis took advantage of space and ran through breaking a couple of tackles to score under the posts.
McBean converted for a 0-15 halftime lead and the Elgin side were in the driving seat.
The visitors continued the way they finished the first half, dominating most phases of play but after about 10 minutes, they switched off a bit and let Stornoway back into the match which culminated in a converted try, reducing the lead to 7-15.
 The team knew they had given the home side some hope and from the resultant kick-off returned to the offensive.
Good continuity play followed by a break and blistering run by McBean saw him eventually touch down in the corner.
The kick from the touchline was missed but the lead was increased to 7-20.
Moray continued to press and the bonus point try was up next. A clever cross kick from the blind side by scrum-half Callum Watson was gathered in mid-field by prop Mark Taylor, who scampered under the posts for the try.
McBean added the conversion points for 7-27.
Veteran club Vice President James Taylor then confused and unknowingly produced a piece of laughter for the crowd when he looked like he was leading a rendition of YMCA from the centre of the pitch…or was he just signalling for the ball.
 The Elgin side were now totally dominating all aspects of play and they forced their way back into the opposition 22.
The ball reach Stuart and like an 'out of control' steam train, he demolished the home defensive line, knocking players aside to make the line for his second try of the afternoon.
The relatively simple conversion was added by McBean for 7-34.
For a second time, the travelling support were reduced to laughter when prop Nathan Gilmour produced a Billy Elliot impression with some nifty footwork …. a certainty to lead the ceilidh dancing in February.
Moray's final points of the afternoon came from a clever line out move, obviously worked on and developed at the training field, which made space for second-row David Clarke to crash over the line for an unconverted try and 7-39.
 Stornoway never gave up and late in the game they broke the line and scored under the posts leaving their kicker with an easy conversion for a final score of 14-39.
It had been a good all round display by the Moray side. They put the long journey behind them quickly and went on to cause Stornoway real trouble with strong running and good handling play.
The comprehensive win set up a good overnight stay on the Isle of Lewis and a pleasant return journey.
 This Saturday (tomorrow), Moray 1st XV are at home on league business when they entertain Shetland.
Kick-off will be early to allow the islanders to return to the ferry but has yet to be confirmed. Please look out in the website at www.morayrfc.co.uk or the Moray Rugby Club Fan Zone Facebook page for final details.
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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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