Bishopton – 56
Lanark – 6
Tries; Alex Neil (3), Ruari Taylor (2), Kyle Haldane, David Moat, Cameron Richardson (2)
Conversions; Max Catto (4)
Penalties; Max Catto
Bishopton looked to host Lanark two weeks after the revers fixture got the hosts seasons off to as start, the Bish were looking to bounce back having had a hard fought defeat to Mull last week and a win was sure to do that but having conceded three tries to Lanark two matchdays ago they knew it would be a rough ask. And the match started off as such with Lanark taking two early penalties with the 14 men that they started the match with to go 0-6 up within 12 minutes as Bish were kept on the back foot.
However, Bish were able to take advantage of the returning ball on the second penalty as they finally looked to be at the races. The territory started to build up and a scrum was gained, Taylor took the advantage from the back of the scrum and popped the ball of too Neil. Neil then powered through the Lanark line and was able to break away with 15 meters to the line and had strong run to get over the line and get the ball down to get the score, Catto added the extras and got Bish back in the lead 7-6 Bish.
Bish then took a penalty on the 22 and Catto lined it up and slotted it over 10—6 Bishopton. But the Bish were back at it moments later when they received another penalty. The tap and go was called for and the ball pushed wide and up to the line within 5 meters Neil gave the should and powered over from close range. His second try of the day, Catto’s attempt from out wide didn’t make the posts. 15 – 6 Bishopton.
Bish were now in full control of the game as the built up multiple phases as they received the ball back, but it was Taylor who made the break from halfway and wasn’t going to be caught as he sped away and got himself clear of the field and was able to extend his consecutive matches with try’s going to 3 games with scores on the board. Catto slotted the conversion and extended the lead to 22 – 6
Having scored three times from open play the team then went about showing what they could do in the set piece where they dominated several Lanark lineouts with steals and then gained a scrum on the 5-meter line. From here they were able to continue to push the Lanark scrum back over the try line and Number 8 Haldane simply had to break away and place a hand down on the ball to get the score. Catto slotted the conversion and the referee blew for half time giving the home side a strong 29 – 6 result at the break.
It didn’t take the players as long to get into the second half as it did the first. Within minutes of the second half starting another former member of the youth ranks – David Moat having just come on at halftime to make his senior debut for the club, was able to pick up and pass from Hearty who had cut in off the wing having collected a long kick downfield. Popped the ball out to Moat who was able to power past two Lanark defenders and then make his way into the corner for the score. Cattos conversion from out wide dropped short making the score 34 – 6.
Straight from the kickoff Moat looked to be on the break again coming through the midfield like a hot knife through butter but was eventually stopped but was able to pop the ball to Taylor who made further yards before sliding the pass out the Richardson on the wing who had no where to go other than across the line. Getting his first score for the club. Catto’s conversion from right on the touchline dropped short 39 – 6 Bishopton.
Bishopton were now going through the phases building up play after gaining the ball back working deep inside the Lanark half were a scrum was gained, the aftermath of the scrum resulted in some fantastic play and interchanging of the backline. As the ball worked out from Taylor along Catto and Carey with the lines being interwound and crossing over in any direction which was possible before making its way out to Richardson on the wing who turn on the after burners to slide across the line in a true poacher’s fashion. Kicking duties briefly switched to Moore from way out on the wing but it was not to be 44 -6 Bishopton.
At this point Lanark were starting show they were feeling the affects of having no bench but to their credit them had manged to keep the Bishopton offence quite for ten minutes having conceded three very quick tries. But there was to be no more than ten minutes before Catto broke the line coming to life against a flagging line but as he went three players were upon him as soon as he was through. Taylor running the support line in behind took full advantage of the efforts on Catto who popped the ball up from the ground and Taylor took the gift-wrapped pass and stretched his legs under the posts. From right in front of the posts Catto resumed kicking responsibilities and slotted from in front 51- 6 Bishopton.
Again, Lanark were desperate to keep Bishopton out of the scoring as their line looked hard to make a reply to the Bishopton onslaught that had seen 51 unanswered points having gone ahead early in the match, but they couldn’t seem to make that break through. Between running the ball into contact only to be turned over or kicking to the back field and allowing the Bish backs to unleash seer pace and crisp passing upon them. But the held out till the final minutes looking like they had steamed the flow of point that were being conceded. But right at the death conceded another penalty 10 meter’s out.
Bishopton felt blood in the air and Taylor, Richardson and Neil descended on the sight of the infraction all sniffing out the opportunity to grab their hattrick ultimately only one could be given the final crack at the line and it was the hulking second row Neil that got the bite at the cherry. As a Taylor turned supplier with the quick tap penalty and the tiered Lanark defence stood no chance as Neil smashed into them. Grabbing his third try of the day. Catto again kicking from out wide was just wide of the posts and the referee called a stop to the game. Final score Bishopton 56 Lanark 6.
This weeks Crabbies Man of the Match could only go to one player in Alex Neil for bagging himself 15 points, not quite able to go the full points for age as he was celebrating his 21st birthday on the day but he took a great shot at doing so.
The Glen Lusset Glue player went to another former under 18 this week who to boot making his club debut and grabbing his first club try was David Moat making a huge difference upon coming on and yet once more showing that the youth at Bishopton are gunning for the starting jerseys over the elder statesmen of the club.
A rousing result for the Bish and a strong bounce back after a hard-away trip to Mull last week. And managing to keep the whitewash at their backs uncrossed all day. Next week sees the action remain at Holmpark as local rivals Birkmyre come along for the Bowl tie which will sure to be interesting as this fixture has not been played in two seasons due to both clubs passing one another in the leagues through promotion in consecutive seasons.
