Bishopton – 59
Cowal – 14
Tries; Glassford (2), Neil (3), Robertson, Bolton, Catto, Bates
Conversions; Catto (7)
Penalties;
After a week without rugby Bishopton were looking to get some momentum back on the go and make it three wins from four in the league, and it was Cowal who made the trip to Holmpark on what could only be called a dreich day. But the anticipation of a game at hand was enough to keep smiles on faces.
Cowal got the game underway and were awarded an early penalty as they were not releasing, they were not able to take advantage. Bishopton won the ball back and Bates was able to clear it long, the resulting Cowal lineout was won back by Bish and the first score of the day was on the cards as Prop Callum Brown made two huge runs brushing off defenders as he went. The ball was then worked to the backs who were able to show some secure hands before being stopped at the try line with inches to go. Glassford then had the insight to dive from the line at close range working his way over for the score. Catto lined up the extra points and slotted them with ease to give Bish an early 7-0 lead.
Bishopton soon doubled down on their lead when they got a strong steal back in possession as Doak made a strong clearout over the ball gaining it back, allowing Glassford to put it over the top and out for a Cowal lineout. The ball was won back in the lineout and it was shipped wide to Brown once more who was able to break the line and pull Bish up the pitch once more. Having made the hard ground, Neil was able to come in and clean up from the back of the ruck and sweep round the middle of the defence and score. Catto slotted the conversion as it came off the inside of the post, putting Bish 14 – 0 up.
Neil again took the bull by the horns as he made a scintillating run with the ball but was soon caught in a high tackle. Glassford started the move with a quick tap and go, quickly working the ball to the back line that were stopped short of the line once more and Glassford was sharp to the bottom of the ruck and sniped round the bottom of the ruck and in for his second score of the day. Cattos’ conversion sailed past the post, keeping the score at 19 – 0.
From the restart Bish knocked on but, from the resultant scrum Bish got one back as Cowal knocked on as they exited the scrum. As the ball came out the back McGowan was able to work round and make a fierce line break before he was brought down. A Bish penalty was awarded for cowal not releasing in the tackle and Bates kicked for the corner, but Cowal were able to keep it in play. The return was quickly turned over and Robertson was on a break up the wing and opted to chip the ball over the top, the ball took an unfortunate bounce and went dead. He was quickly vindicated however as the 22 drop out came softly into Neils hands where he quickly popped the ball back to Robertson, who this time kept the ball in hand and sped round the outside of the Cowal defence and under the post for the try. Catto converted the easy kick giving Bish a 26 – 0 lead.
Two further tries came before half time the first coming from Neil as he got his second of the day with strong running from 20 meters brushing off attempted tackles as he went after McGowan gave a dazzling show and go dummy pass that wrong footed the defence entirely allowing Neil to take the pass and the score uncontested. Catto converted under the posts.
The final score of the half came just before the whistle, it started with a Bish penalty and Bates putting the ball into the corner resulting in a 5m lineout. The ball was secured and brought down for the mauling drive with McLaren breaking off from the back and crashing down over the line only for touch to be called and Cowal Lineout the result. The lineout was stolen once more by a towering Neil and sent back in the bish line working wide before the ball went loose allowing Cowal to drop on the ball and clear it long. Gervais collected the kick and went on a mazing run avoiding 5 tacklers in the process before he was finally caught close to the try line. The ball was then worked wide on the overlap allowing Bolton in for his maiden try for the Bish with a short sprint to the line. Cattos conversion from the touchline was wide giving Bish a Halftime lead of 38 -0.
The Second Half got off to a quick start, as Bish recovered the ball and worked back to the Cowal half. At which point there was a big overlap as the ball reached Catto at Outside Centre, he was able to run the ball in and score under the posts before converting his own try. This was quickly followed up with a second quick fire try for Bish as they worked back into the Cowal half and set up several phases. The last of which saw Bates take charge 10 meters out from the Cowal line and popped a ball off to Neil who was able to canter over the line and seal his third try of the day and complete his hat trick. Catto again converted from close range. Giving Bish a commanding lead of 52-0.
Cowal were not to be disinherited however and throughout the match kept their heads up and kept going they were rewarded 55 minutes into the game when they were able to build some phases together, with the help of several Bishopton knock ons. As Bish were defendig on their own 5m line, Cowal found a gap in the defence and crossed the whitewash to get their opening score of the day, and the conversion was good to get them on the scoreboard 52 – 7.
Bishoptons final score of the day came from Stand Off bates getting his first try for the club. The play was started by Hogan on the wing, as he was able to avoid several tackles and break away before being tracked down. But he was able to get the pass away and the ball worked back inside the where it reached McGowan who was able to pop the ball to Bates at close range who coming onto the ball at pace was able to dive straight across the line. Catto was able to add the extras from under the post. Giving Bish a 59 – 7 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
The final play of the day came from a valiant Cowal team. Again working back into the Bishopron half and earning their way close to the try line. As they got within 10m of the line they earned a penalty, they opted for the quick tap and go and pushed all their forwards behind the ball in order to get over the line. The conversion was good making the final score 59 – 14. A true example of having the will to keep going and not giving up on your team.
The Lorimers Man of the Match was Lock Alex Neil, putting in an all round performance with his hat trick of tries, multiple lineout steals and an assist. Another dominant performance from the towering second row which is becoming a consistant outcome on match days.
The Barnhill Farm Glue Player was Ross McGowan, making his official return to the forwards as a starter during the game and soon swapping to the backs in the second half to fill in, while also providing assists and being involved in a lot of build up play. With two Glue Player awards in a row Ross will be looking to make it a hat trick next week which will be the mark of the strong team player that he is.
This coming week sees a top of the table clash with the Glasgow University Medics who currently sit top of the league. It is sure to be a great contest with both teams coming off important victories and the league contest starting to heat up. With Bishopton having a game in hand it a win is vital to push for that top of the table spot.
