Paisley – 22
Bishopton – 0
Tries;
Conversions;
Penalties;
It was a long awaited day in Bishopton, as for the first time in years two full teams were set to play on the same day for the Bish. The 2XV were making their return to the field prior to the 1XV’s game with Paisley to round out the Renfrewshire Cup for 2021. However, it was not to be as Covid struck and in the interest of safety the 1XV game between the two clubs had to be called off due after a positive test.
But it was still an exciting day for many of the Bish players as there were several players stepping up from the youth section to make their senior debuts, as well as a fine (albeit brief) performance from Willie Howatt, also playing his first game of senior rugby at the tender age of 41. Wille has long been a club member with his son playing in the mini section and, following the recent creation of the Over 35’s section of the club, decided to take up the game himself.
With several club legends on the wrong side of 45 (too generous?), some slightly younger returning former players looking for some more social rugby and the young fresh faces pushing for the 1XV, the Bishopton team was a strong mix of energetic youthful inexperience and some not-so-energetic experience to guide them along. Club record appearance holder and team organiser Matthew ‘Wally’ Wallace was at the helm, driving and cajoling as only he can do.
Paisley got the game underway and immediately earned a penalty as the Bish receiver was called for not rolling away at the ruck. This set the tone for the opening ten minutes, and as the rain started both teams traded knock-ons and penalties, neither giving the other much room to manoeuvre.
But it was Paisley that drew first blood, making use of a penalty they stuck the ball into the Bish 22 and secured themselves a line-out. The Paisley side, who clearly had experience of playing with each other, were able to work together to secure the lineout as the scratch Bishopton side were still working out each other’s strengths. From the line out they were able to cleanly work the ball to the backs and make a break from the wing around the outside of the Bish defence. The Paisley winger dotted down near the touch line for the try, the conversion was not to be as it sailed wide of the posts. 5 – 0 to the home side.
The remainder of the first half saw a lot of territory change hands as the weather began to influence play, making handling the ball difficult and the kicking game became more prominent. One of the more exciting exchanges of the half came from the visitors towards the end of the session. Paisley launched the ball to the Bish 5m line allowing fullback Peterson to collect the ball and burst through the defence before putting his foot to the ball and landing it inside the Paisley half. With the ball taking a wicked bounce in front of the Paisley fullback, Peterson was able to throw on his afterburners and put pressure on his opposite number who made an unfortunate connection with the ball giving Bishopton a lineout on the halfway line. The halftime whistle was blown up soon after.
Bish got the second half underway with club stalwart Alan Lees sending the ball long. In the second half it was clear that the Bishopton side were starting to hit their stride, with the team starting to get a feel for one another and players that had been away for some time feeling the muscle memory kick back into action. One such player was David Adams who put in a memorable performance in both the backs and forwards. Having started the game at inside centre he finished it at number 8, in both positions he was able to put his keen eye for a line break to good use. On numerous occasions throughout the match he was able to break the line and make a good number of yards, although each time Paisley had an answer to stop Bish from making those last vital few to reach the try line.
The second half went much the same way as the first with both teams trading knock-ons and penalties. Come the sixty-minute mark the game started to open up as the prolific Paisley bench came into play against tired Bish legs. Paisley secured the second try of the day as the fresh forwards worked their way into the strike zone. The final pass came to one of the large Paisley props who was able to take the ball at pace and at short range there was no stopping him as he fell over the line for the score. The conversion again was not completed. 10 – 0 Paisley.
The final ten minutes saw the game open up more in Paisley’s favour, and they looked to be in for their third try of the day after releasing a very speedy winger on the outside stretch. Chris Balcombe, returning after a few years out, was able to charge across the back line and bring the man down from out of nowhere. His efforts however were in vain, as the resulting ruck resulted in a penalty. Paisley opted to catch the Bish on the quick tap before the 10 yard retreat could be completed. A couple of very tidy passes from fresh hands saw them get to the other wing quickly and then round under the posts for the score. The conversion again was missed, 15 – 0 to the hosts.
Soon after Paisley were on the march again, and thought they had their fourth try of the day as a player was able to skip through the Bish line under the posts. But the referee had already stopped play, and with Bishopton tiring fast it merely delayed the inevitable. Bish had received what would be the final scrum of the day, only to be pushed backwards allowing Paisley to take the ball against the head. With their tails up there was a series of crash ball phases, pounding the defence until a gap was found in the Bish line to get under the posts once more. The final conversion attempt of the day finally brought some success for the Paisley kicker as the ball went between the uprights, bringing the score to 22 – 0.
The final play of the day was had by Bishopton as they gained another penalty just inside the Paisley half. Fly half Lees took the ball in hand with shouts from the touch line to kick the 3 points as he had done in many a dying minute of a game. However the wise old mentor, as always, opted to tap the ball and keep it in play for the younger players to get more much needed experience. This was certainly not, as was suggested after the game, because he didn’t have it in his bag anymore to kick from such a distance. The game was brought to a close soon after as a knock-on occurred and the referee blasted 3 short, loud bursts around the Anchor pitch.
A tough game as always against any Paisley side but the Bishopton team, who for the most part had never played together before, were able to take a lot away from the day. 1XV coach Franklin Clark was looking on from the touchline and will have seen how the younger players pushing for his squad were able to hold up under pressure, and also see just how much depth the club has with more players coming through in the Over 35’s section – ready to answer the call now they have the taste of the contact game once more.
The Lorimers Man of the Match was Euan Keltie who put in a sterling shift at flanker, making several key tackles throughout the day and going about his work quietly and efficiently.
The day’s Barnhill Glue player was one of two young players stepping up for his senior debut in Rhys Wilson, (the other being Jack Watson). Rhys was brought into a hard-hitting front row and held up superbly well with some strong carries in the loose also.
Next week sees a rest week before the league campaign final starts up on September 4 with Bishopton set to take on Shawlands. As for Bishopton 2XV, after that great performance there will certainly be a few more run outs in the offing in the season to come.
