Polar Bears – 14

With Holmpark bathed in spring sunshine there was an air of feverish anticipation from the crowd of family and rugby club members gathered to witness the first home game in 2023 for the Bishy Bears.

As the game kicked off, it was the Polar Bears who emerged from hibernation the livelier team and with some strong forward play and slick handling from their backs, found themselves in the Bishy Bears half and only some strong defence work from wing forward Andy Thornton and centre Alan McDonald, prevented a certain try.

With this early wakeup call the Bears Bears started to connect phases and on 10mins and after 2 or 3 strong forward drives and a well-placed cross field by stand-off Alan Lees had the Kilmarnock defence scrambling back and as they failed to clear their lines, David Finch pounced on the loose ball for the first try of the match, Lees converted. 

Both teams were now finding their rhythm and more strong running from Kilmarnock’s backs again had the Bears defending their own half. However, it was the Bishy Bears to strike again and on 16 min mark, after a strong scrum and quick ball from scrum half Derek Bryans, released Lees who found Bannerman who cut a hole in the defence and offloaded to Alan McDonald in close support to score in the corner. Lees narrowly missed the touch line conversion.

The second period of play again saw both teams come close with some strong running from the Kilmarnock backs.

However, again it was Bishopton who were to score next and after a sold scrum and pick and go from the ever-present Irish man – James Kyle at number 8, released Bryans in space only to be well tackled just short of the line.  A few phases later saw, Bannerman take an excellent off-load from McDonald in the centre and graciously dived over for the try; with Lees adding the extra 2 leaving the score at 19-0, with Bishy Bears in a commanding position.  However, just before the end of the second period and after a strong Bishy scrum, the backs failed to connect and Kilmarnock hacked on the ball, recycled well and scored for a converted try.  19-7 and the Polar Bears were right back in the game.

As we started the third period of the game, it wasn’t long before the Bishy Bears were in again.  This time another sold scrum released replacement standoff Peter Leslie, who found Craig Gervais cutting a fine line through the defence.  The ball was quickly recycled and with Kilmarnock’s back spread wide, McDonald found Niall McLeod who skipped passed a couple of defenders to score between the posts.  Leslie converted.

However, not disheartened by the score, Kilmarnock continued to threaten the Bishy Bears try line and on the 60 min mark and after some ill-discipline by Bishopton took a quick penalty and scored a well taken try.  This again was converted from out wide.

As the game neared its conclusion, there was one final score to come from the Bishy Bears.  Again, a well taken line out from Al Dick, released the backs and Lees once again found the ever active (man-of-the-match) Gareth Bannerman who cut through a gap to score under the posts.  Lees converted from close range.

Final Score: 31-14

Man of the match – Gareth Bannerman as voted by his peers and because he is handsome

Glue Player – The whole Bishy Bears team

Bishopton – 61

Tries; Brown, Duncan, Neil (2), Hunter, R Moore, Glassford, Douglass, Robertson

Conversions; Bates (8)

Penalties;

Yellow Cards; B Moore

With 2022 coming to a quiet end with the last of the rugby being played in November giving the Bishopton squad a good month of rest, before making the quick trip to Scotstoun to take on Hyndland in the 2023 opener. There was a shake up in the Bishopton line up with a few players having to shift into positions that they have not played before.  

The game was taken underway with Bates sending the ball deep into the Hyndland half, Bish kept Hyndland on the back foot for the majority of the opening 15 minutes, the home side were able to keep the Bish at bay though. Bish were able to steal a Hyndland lineout after it was overthrown, it then took several strong carries to get the men in green back to the try line were the ball was stopped inches from the line. Step up Prop Callum Brown who picked the ball from the back of the ruck and drove over to score the try. Bates was able to convert from under the posts to put Bishopton 0-7 up. 

Hyndland looked to start pushing back from the restart, gaining a series of Hyndland penalties, this resulted in them going for touch but missing the corner and the ball going dead. This gave Bishopton the scrum on their own 10 meter line. Neil picked the ball from the back of the scrum, and burst through to halfway before popping to Duncan who hit a gap in the Hyndland line and was able to run in under the posts from halfway. Bates converted the straightforward kick to double Bishopton’s lead to 0-14. 

Bishopton were soon back on the attack again. Working the ball out wide in a team effort of moving the ball about the pitch, Number 8 Alex Neil ended up with the ball and he was able to break through the line uncontested as the Hyndland defense parted. Allowing the back row to jog in under the posts.  Bates’ conversion was good, pushing the Bish lead further ahead. 0-21.

Hyndland came back on the attack from the restart and were working their way up the middle of the pitch. The referee blew up for a Hyndland penalty as Bishopton were off their feet at the ruck. Before Bishopton could reset, the Hyndland player with the ball took a very quick tap before any Bish players could retreat 10m, allowing him to get under the posts without any challenge. The conversion was good. Pulling the score back for Hyndland to 7 -21. 

With a prolonged injury break putting a stop to the game for a period of time, the game got back underway with Bishopton picking up where they left off. With Number 8 Neil again managing to break away unchallenged from the back of a scrum from 60 meters. Bates again knocked over the easy conversion putting Bishopton 7 – 28 ahead. 

The final action of the half came as Hooker Ryan Moore secured a turnover ball from Hyndland, allowing Duncan to break from the ruck before popping the ball to Hunter who was able to run in from just outside the 22m line and work his way round under the posts. Bates converted making the Halftime score 7 – 35. 

The second half was off to a flier as Bishopton got an early lineout that was secured easily before being shipped off the back to the forwards. With the move being finished off by Ryan Moore driving through the defense and diving on the ball. Bates made the easy conversion. This was quickly followed by yet another try as Douglass broke away after Hyndland having a good run of possession, and the Bishopton managing to keep their cool under pressure. Douglass secured the ball and broke away before popping the ball to Glassford to finish the try under the posts. Bates slotted the ball once more, sending Bish 7 – 49 clear.

There was a flurry of scoringing to follow as Hyndland managed to pull a couple of tries back either side of Bishopton grabbing another. Hyndland managed to steal a Bish lineout and break through the line unopposed, getting the easy conversion. The play was then pulled back Bishopton way as Robertson sent the grubber through allowing Douglass to pick up the ball and dive under the posts, the conversion taking the score to 14-56. 

Hyndland then managed another two tries as the again forced Bishopton into building up penalties and managed to take another quick tap catching Bishopton unaware, before running in to score.  A yellow card was quick to follow as Prop Boab Moore saw his marching orders. In the franticness of defense Bish looked to secure the ball and work their way out of the 22 before a loose pass found a Hyndland player, who was able to walk in to score with the ball. This brought the score to 28 – 56 in Bishopton’s favor. 

The scoring for the day was closed out from the restart as Centre Kyle Robertson collected the ball and ran it in from 40 meters. Rounding out the day was Bates as he lined up what would be the final action of the day, but the perfect round of goal kicking evaded him and he left his record at 8 from 9. Making the final score 28 – 61. 

The Ingliston Player of the Match was Prop Alistair Doak who made several strong carries with the ball. 

The Hampton and McMurry Glue player was Rhys Wilson who put in a strong defensive shift after coming on and provided a very selfless assist for Douglass when he had the chance to run it in himself.

This result pushes Bishopton back to 2nd in the league 2 points behind Birkmyre with one game in hand to play. This weekend sees Bishopton host Moffat at home with a 2pm Kick off. 

Bishopton – 14

Tries; Richardson (2)

Conversions; Duncan (2)

Penalties;

Yellow Cards; Doak, Robertson

Bishopton made the journey to Fort William on the same points as their hosts, with Lochaber only below them by virtue of points scored in matches. This meant it was all to play for, with the winner going top of the table, with the teams around them having played more games

The long bus journey up North was made and spirits were high pre-game with laughter coming from the Bish changing room and optimism high amongst a depleted squad. With a surprise inclusion on the bench in the shape of head coach, Franklin Clark, (providing front row cover as and if required) – would Bishopton see a new record holder in the oldest first team debutante department on the day?

The game started off on equal footing with both teams knowing that they couldn’t afford to give their opponents the ascendancy. This showed, as for the first fifteen minutes both teams traded the ball in a series of knock ons, penalties and loose kicking. The first drama of the day came when prop, Alistair Doak, received his second yellow card of the season. The yellow card was received for persistent back talking and complaining to the referee as he protested that he had been the recipient of foul play at the breakdown. With the referee not being in a position to see anything and working off Doak’s reaction he took the chance to send the prop to the Bin.

Lochaber instantly went to work, putting Bish on the back foot, but  Bish held fast with 14 men on the field with a series of penalties being given to Lochaber. However, the hosts were not able to take advantage of any of these. With Doak returning to the game and Bish still working off the back foot, it was against the flow of play that Bishopton recorded the games first points.

A further knock on from Bish gave the home side the advantage and the chance to work back into the Bish half. Another came as Bish knocked on in the tackle, and this time Lochaber were able to work the ball out through the midfield until winger, Cameron Richardson was up quickly in the defensive line and as the ball crossed back into the hosts half he pulled out an interception that the Artful Dodger would have been proud of, Sprinting the length of the half  to score under the posts. Duncan converted the easy kick and Bish found themselves 0-7 to the good, against the run of play.

The first half came to a close with several close calls from Lochaber and several players coming to the rescue, most importantly, fullback Craig Gervais as he made several last ditch saves, with tackles on the tryline. This helped see Bish safely to half-time with a clean sheet.

The second half was as tight as the first, with both teams starting to play more expansive rugby and both sets of defence being equally up to the challenge. The second half stalemate seemed like it might be unlocked just after the hour mark. As Bish gained a penalty on the 10m line and Scrum Half Peter Leslie decided to take a chance and go for goal from long(ish)-range. The ball dropped short and Lochaber kicked clear, only for it to find the safe hands of Sandy Glassford, who took the ball into contact and let Bish reset on the 22. Leslie recycled the ball to Duncan who had spotted the space in the corner and lofted the ball, the Lochaber winger was turned around by the bounce and Richardson was able to gather and bash his way through the last man to get under the posts. Duncan again converted and Bish were 0-14 ahead.

Action for the remainder of the game  was confined to the last 5 minutes, as Bish picked up a second yellow card. Centre, Kyle Robertson, received his marching orders for the remainder of the game after a series of talking toos from the referee for a variety of contentious penalty calls. This led to Bish having to see out the final five minutes in their own 5m channel with Lochaber receiving several penalties and scrums. The second of two scrums awarded right at the death proved important. From the 1st scrum, Duncan passed the ball forwards to Douglass on the wing in an attempt to try and run the ball out from deep, bringing another scrum, from which the hosts were able to take full advantage. The Number 8 carried off the back and blowing through the Bish defence to score, the conversion was wide and brought the final score to 5-14 as the referee blew for full time.

A tough day at the office for Bishopton, but one that saw them come away with the result nonetheless.  This was an outing that showed the current squad have grit and determination in a game that in the past, would have seen Bishopton sides fall away on such a trip. For the travelling support on the day there were no records to cheer about as Franklin did not make his long awaited Bishopton debut, there is a lot of rugby to go between now and the end of the season however.

The Ingliston Country Club & Hotel Player of the Match was Cameron Richardson who scored both Bish tries today.

And the Hampton & McMurray Glue Player was Ryan Devine for an outstanding display at the breakdown and getting his first full 80 mins under his belt for the Bish!

A further notable mention should go out to Paul Connelly who was the latest Graduate Player to make his first full debut for the 1XV, having made several impressive appearances off the bench already this season, meriting him the start in such an important game.

Heading into the international break, this victory leaves Bishopton top of the league on points difference yet again as Helensburgh/Loch Lomond and Hyndland sit on 18 points alongside them at the top. Bishopton however, have the virtue of having played less games.

Bishopton – 79

Tries; Neil (2), Robertson (2), Doak, Douglass, Duncan, Glassford (2), Brown (2), Gervais, MacIntosh

Conversions; Duncan (2) , Robertson, Leslie (4)

Penalties;

After a very wet week, the gents team were relieved to find their game still set to go ahead after suffering a number of early season postponements already. The trip out to Stonehouse was a welcome one too, it has been several years since Bishopton last played there. This time would be to take on the combined force of the recently merged Clydesdale and Lanark, ‘Lanarkdale’.

Despite having a couple of regular starters unavailable through injury, unbeaten Bishopton travelled with a strong squad that were confident of putting in a solid performance against their hosts.

Having won the pre match coin toss Bishopton were given the honours and Duncan got the game underway. There wasn’t long to wait for the first try of the game as Bishopton started in clinical fashion. After reclaiming the kick-off, the visitors went through several rumbling phases from the forwards before working the ball out wide where Neil took the ball and crashed over the line, carrying 4 opposition players with him. Duncan’s conversion went wide and Bishopton took the lead 0-5.

Bishopton extended their lead soon after. From turnover ball at the ruck, the ball was worked from side to side before prop, Ali Doak, rampaged up the middle of the park gaining 15 metres. From the breakdown, the ball was worked out to Kyle Robertson who was able to glide through the defence to score under the posts. The conversion from Duncan was good. 0-12 Bishopton.

Under relentless Bishopton pressure, the hosts frequently struggled to exit their own half for long periods, only eventually reaching Bishopton territory through a penalty kick to touch. From the resulting lineout though, disaster struck.  Bishopton skipper, Alex Neil, managed to steal the throw and after a couple of strong carries from Ross McGowan and Craig Gervais, the visitors were within striking distance again. Another score seemed inevitable and it eventually came when Doak received the ball at short range and was able to force his way in to score the try. The conversion was wide leaving the score at 0-17 Bishopton.

Try number four soon followed. The dominant Bishopton pack made a mess of the Lanarkdale scrum and from the resulting loose ball, the impressive Doak was able to pop the ball up to Duncan who made a 50m line break before shipping the ball wide to Fin Douglass for an easy finish to secure the bonus point. The conversion was again wide and the score moved out to 0 – 22.

By now, the Bishopton scoring was coming thick and fast and Duncan was the next onto the scoresheet. Another scrum won on opposition ball allowed scrum half, Carey, to release Duncan who fended off the first defender before cantering his way to the try line from 25m. The conversion from in front of the posts left the score at 0-29.

The pattern of Lanarkdale mistakes, strong Bishopton set-piece and clinical finishing continued. From yet another scrum, Bishopton launched a strike move from the base. Number 8 Neil, broke to the blind side before putting Gervais into space to make good ground. When Gervais was tackled, accurate breakdown work allowed quick ball for the relentless Bishopton attack and the ball went wide, allowing Sandy Glassford to glide over to extend the lead to 0-34. Conversion missed.

The final score of the half came from long range. The kick off was regathered in the Bish 22 before being shipped wide to Robertson who produced a magnificent solo effort, scything through the Lanarkdale defence to race 70 metres downfield to touch down under the posts before converting his own try. Half time score Lanarkdale 0-41 Bishopton.

The second half got off to a fast start as Ross McGowan broke a tackle and made 50m up the pitch before releasing Robertson who moved Bish to within touching distance of the try line. From here, the forwards took over with some hard carrying, finished off by prop, Callum Brown as he smashed over from a metre to score his first ever try for the club. Robertson again took up the kicking duties but it was wide of the mark. 0-46 Bish.

With the game over as a contest, the scoring hit a lull as both teams traded blows and errors crept in. Some Bish interchanges injected life back into the game though and from a penalty 10m out that Glassford took quickly and pushed wide, Gervais carried into contact. Excellent presentation at the breakdown allowed Glassford to come in and pick up straight from the base of the ruck and sneak over for another score. Peter Leslie’s conversion dropped short. 0 – 51 Bishopton.

Another score soon followed. Bishopton were clinical in getting the ball quickly back into the opposition half, working the ball through the majority of the team’s hands. Brown received the ball 20m out and shook off two defenders before spinning himself through another two to jog in the last 5m to score his second of the afternoon. Leslie this time converted, giving Bish a commanding 0 – 58 lead.

The wind assisted restart from the home side went long but Bish again ran it straight back. This time the backs combining for a fine team try.  Robertson made good ground before putting Leslie into space, who in turn, rolled back the years, evading defenders before popping to Gervais who finished the move with a trademark ‘swan dive’ over the line. Leslie converted again, extending the Bishopton lead to 0-65.

The floodgates had long since opened, and like the Lanarkshire weather, the scoring showed no signs of drying up anytime soon. Bish quickly received a scrum after the restart, and were able to work the ball around the field once more, with several players carrying the ball 10m or more, working it into the opposition 22. Neil then carried for about 10m to score the try, wading through the defence to land on top of the ball. Leslie’s conversion was good, extending the Bish lead to 0 – 72.

There was then some more back and forth as both teams made changes. The final Bishopton score of the day after some lovely interplay between the front row. Doak was again at the heart of it, exchanging passes with Craig Mcintosh who was able to power over from close quarters to become another first time try-scorer for the club. Leslie converted to close out Bishopton’s account for the day and give the visitors a handsome 0 – 79 lead.

It was Lanarkdale that had the last joy of the day though. As full-time approached the pride started to come out in the home team and they managed to keep Bishopton pinned in their own 22 through a series of penalties. They continued to tap and let the forwards do the hard work, finally getting a score in the corner.  The conversion from right on the touchline was by far the best kick at goal of the day and gave the home side something to cheer about.

The full time whistle followed soon after and brought an end to the match just as the rain started to pour again having been on and off during the game.

The Ingliston Country Club & Hotel player of the match was Alistair Doak who made several turnovers, a few cracking runs and topped it all off with a try.

The Hampton & McMurray Glue player was James Kyle who was instrumental at the restarts collecting several of them and kickstarting the phases towards the next try and giving the team a solid base to build from.

The result sees Bishopton go top of the league on points difference despite having a game in hand on their nearest challengers.

Bishopton have a fallow week this week and are due to travel to Lochaber on the 22nd.

Bishopton – 30

Tries; Hunter, Douglass, Adams, McGowan

Conversions; Duncan, Bates

Penalties; Hogan, Duncan

Yellow Cards; Baird

On a Sunny September day, Bishopton travelled over the Clyde and down to Helensburgh to take on the combined team of Helensburgh and Loch Lomond who have joined force this season as neither club has a full team able to compete in the league. 

It was with this in mind that Bishopton were cautious and ready to take up a strong challenge not knowing what would be in store for the men from the village. But it was with this and many changes to the Bish line up that there was an excitement in the air in the week leading up to the game. 

Kick-off finally came round and Bishopton wont the coin toss and were set to start the game, Duncan returning to the Bishopton starting lineup. The Bish got firning early on with several quick penalties going there way and before long they were withing kicking range and Hogan turned his sights on goal, he easily slotted the kick and Bish took an early 0-3 lead. 

But it was Burgh/Lomond that would take advantage and cross the whitewas first, with Bishopton making life hard for themselves with poor tackles being the order of the day the home side were able to punch several gaps in the defence. Allowing them to work the ball out wide very quickly and the Fullback being able to slide through over the line and get the ball down. The conversion coming off the post was a slight let off for the visitors. Puting Burgh/ Lomond 5 – 3 ahead. 

From here the game started to settle and both teams had phases of the ball with Bish keeping the home side on the back foot and it showed as Burgh/Lomond knocked the ball on several times. This came the the advantage of the Bish when a scrum was awarded on the touchline, giving Bish the platform to send the ball to the opposite wing letting Hunter unleash his pace and run in from 50m to score under the posts. Hogan knocked the conversion wide and Bish regained a slight lead 5 – 8. 

Bishopton continued to keep Burgh/ Lomond on the move and pushed them back with several penalties and dominating in the lineout, however a Bish knock on brought this to an end. Though the scrum didn’t give the hosts any advantage, Bish drove straight through them, with Baird picking and going out the back crashing within metres of the try line for Bish to receive a penalty. The Penalty was tapped by Duncan who swung a 20m pass out to Robertson on the wing who was able to pitch the ball to Douglass to cross over easily with no man to cover him. Duncan took over kicking duties and slotted the conversion pusing bish ahead 5 -15. 

In the run up to halftime there was a lot of good rugby with both teams taking a crack at each other’s lines. However before halftime things turned ugly. As a wayward tackle on Baird which saw him upside down and reacting against the perpetrator. Both were shown Yellow cards and set to miss 10 minutes, however after the fact the Burgh/ Lomond player had more to say and the referee upgraded this yellow to a red. Meaning the hosts would be down to 14 permanently. The penalty came Bishoptons way and we opted for the points with Duncan securinging the additional 3 moving Bish forwards and bringing the first half to a close. HT Helensburgh/ Loch Lomond 5 Bishopton 18. 

The second half got off to bang, as the hosts kicked off and Doak was on the end of it releasing the ball to Neil who made 20 metres back to halfway before popping to Adams, who ran the length of the opposition’s half to score under the posts, giving Duncan an easy conversion, however it is always the easy ones that you miss! The conversion went wide giving Bish a lead of 5 – 23. 

With the try coming early doors this seemed to ignite a fire in the home side as they started to put a lot of pressure on the Bish with several close calls and keeping the pressure on in the 22. Getting close and giving Bish a goal line drop before the Drop goal was attempted from the kick out, it went wide but the resulting ball behind the posts was charged towards with Wallace managing to just get the touch down as the home player charged in. 

The warning signs had been there for Bishopton and Burgh/ Lomond were there to pounce as they managed to score two quick tries, The first came through the forwards as they bore the brunt of the work picking and going before taking advantage of a lax Bishopton defence, the conversion was good from right in front of the posts. 12 -23 still in Bishoptons favour. 

The second came from a lineout arguably Bishopton’s stronger area, with the ball stolen from a loose knock down Burgh/Lomond dragged Bish across the pitch before working the overlap on the far side and pouncing with a long pass out wide for the winger to power home. The conversion from out wide was missed bringing the score ever closer to 17 – 23. 

Bishopton were now in full defensive mode have conceded twice with an extra man on the pitch, the Gervais came to the front and led with several turnovers and a trademark cything run as he was able to avoid four defenders before being cut down with a high tackle, with Bates now on the pitch the player come coach lined up the long penalty only to see if drift wide. 

Bishopton looked to have the bit back between the teeth and started to gain ground once more. Gervais again managed to steal a turnover. Burgh/ Lomond soon forced a lineout and Bish were deemed to be reaching across, giving the home side a penalty they sought to claw back some more points and go for goal. The shot sailed wide and Bates was able to clear the ball long, as it dropped short.

The resulting lineout was not straight by the homeside and Bish managed to get a series of scrums and from there they were able to work the ball through several phases getting closer to the try line at each attempt. One final burst from Baird got the team within inches of the try line allowing the ball to be pitched to McGowan standing with acres of space between the posts to crash over, Bates secured the extras and Bish were again clear at 17 – 30. 

The game ended with Bishopton securing a lineout and Carey clearing the ball into touch. Full Time Helensburgh/ Loch Lomond 17 Bishopton 30. 

The Ingliston Country Club & Hotel Player of the Match was Boab Moore, who was a force today come scrum and lineout time. Keeping the opposition on the back foot all day.

And the Hampton & McMurray Glue player was David Adams who came into the team at a last minute call off after a few years away. Grabbing himself a try in the process!

Another strong win from Bishopton as rugby looks to return to Holmpark this week with Moffat returning to Bishopton for the first time before the pandemic. 

Waysiders/Drumpellier – 14

Tries; Robertson (2), Hunter

Conversions; Hogan (2)

Penalties;

Yellow Cards; Doak

Rugby took its time to return to Holmpark for Bishoptons Gents 1XV as the original opening game of the season was called off by Shawlands and this was followed with all rugby being cancelled following the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen. 

So it was the turn of Waysiders/ Drumpellier that were the guests at Holmpark to help raise the curtain on Bishopton’s season, But it was Waysiders that started on the front foot keeping Bish pushed back. But penalties gave bishopton the ball back and allowed Hogan to clear their lines, through Hogan’s kicks and finding touch bishopton were able to start putting pressure on the Waysiders defence. One such kick put deep into Waysiders half, was knocked on by the fullback as he tried to collect it. This gave Bish a scrum to build off of close to the try line. Having suffered on the first few scrums Bish were able to secure the ball and get it wide and through the hands reaching Robertson who punched through the defensive line to dot down for the try.  Hogan put the conversion wide giving Bish a 5 – 0 lead after 15 minutes. 

From here Bishopton started to put the pressure on Waysiders and started to look the stronger of the two teams. Gervais came into his own here upon settling in the Fullback position the veteran showed that age is but a number when he broke away on a cything run.  Beating four players before getting the ball off to Hunter who was able to make it close to the try line before being brought down. Bish soon recovered the ball and Gervais was off again, cutting through the Waysiders defence like a hot knife in butter. But was finally brought down, allowing Robertson to collect and break away under the posts for the score. This left Hogan with an easy conversion and he took Bish to a 12 – 0 lead. 

Waysiders came out in the second half strong and got off to a good start scoring a try out the gates as they capitalised on several penalties, the first of these they opted to go for the posts but it was cut wide and gave Bish the ball back. Though another soon came and much closer to the try line. They opted to go for the tap and were able to crash over, the score in front of the posts was easy to convert and cut Bishopton’s lead in half 12 – 7. 

Bishopton were quick to strike back as Hogan managed to pick up a loose ball it was quickly shipped wide to Hunter on the wing who was able to break away and outpace 3 players on a 60m run in to score the try under the posts. Hogan converted to push Bish 19 – 7 ahead. 

The game then descended into a series of penalties and both teams saw men take yellow cards, as Doak was first sent to the bin for Bish as a further penalty against Bish for not rolling away was given. Waysiders received one as Hunter again looked to be on his way up the wing but was brought down illegally. 

It was Waysiders that saw the day out as they continued to gain close range penalties and Bish were keeping them away from the try line, but one last ditch penalty saw Waysiders crash over the try line from 5 metres out. The conversion was good and the final whistle was blown. Bishopton 19 Waysiders Drumpellier 14. 

The Ingliston Player of the Match was Stephen Hogan, who returned to league action after a year away from the game and slotting in at Fly Half outside his normal role, putting in a commanding presence to run the game and keep Waysiders on the back foot with his long kicks in behind the back line. 

The Hampton and McMurry Glue Player was Stephen Phillips, another returning player this time from a slightly longer absence from the team.  Stephen stepped up on thursday last week to help out due to injuries in the forwards and lend some experience to the next generation coming though, though you would not expect that he had been away from the game for several years with a bouncing pick up he took with ease in the second half. 

Next week sees the team hit the road as they travel to Helensburgh to take on the newly formed Helensburgh/Loch Lomond team that have come together this season. A huge test of character will be on the table for the team as they look to make a mark in the early stages of the league.

The team started well against a strong Oban side with Bishopton leading at half time. Oban came back in the second half and the game ended in a draw.

In the second game of the afternoon Bishopton faced a fast and powerful Glasgow Accies side. For periods of the match Bishopton matched up well but in the end the Accies ran out comfortable winners.

The final pool game was against the Helensburgh Barbarians side. Bishopton played some great attacking rugby and defended superbly to secure a dominant victory.

After finishing 3^rd in their pool the team faced off against Loch Lomond in the Bowl Final. This was a fiery affair with both teams having played each other in the league regularly in recent years. After a quick start Bishopton were able to run up the score and win the Bowl without conceding any points in the final.   

Looking forward; the Men’s team will travel to Arran to take part in the Arran 7’s on June 11^th. After taking part in that tournament the team will break for summer and pre-season will begin at the start of July with a focus on S&C, the club has organised specialist help with Kris Hughes supporting the S&C elements of pre-season.

Bishopton – 27

Tries; Richardson, Hunter (2), Glassford

Conversions; Catto (2)

Penalties; Catto

2022 finally got underway for the Bishopton Gents First XV after three weeks of hard and meticulous training it was finally time to put it into practice with an away trip to Loch Lomond on the cards. A much changed team was in place from the last game before the christmas break with several players unavailable and core of long term injuries returning to the setup. 

With the pitch draped in an overcast drizzle of rain, the game finally got underway and 2022 was kicked off by Bishopton Captain Max Catto. It was a quick start for Bishopton as Lomond returned the ball straight off the kick off putting it straight out of play resulting in the Bish line out being just outside their own 22. 

Bish got the lineout underway quickly and clinically pulling the ball down safely and delivering it to the back. The ball was efficiently passed across the back line before reaching Cameron Richardson who was able to burn up the outside to touch down for the try. Cattos conversion from out wide was short of the posts and left Bish with a narrow 0-5 lead early in the game.  This was soon followed with a Bishopton penalty as Lomond were caught offside at the breakdown giving Catto a central shot at goal and he duly delivered splitting the posts. Making the Bishopton lead 0-8. 

Loch Lomonds started to look like they were going to make a comeback midway through the half as they slowly but surely started to push Bish back towards their own line as their experienced and heavy hitting forwards took the game to the Bish defensive line. Their patience of slowly chipping away soon came to bare fruit as they gained a penalty inside the Bish 22. Disaster struck however as a missed kick saw the ball miss touch and sail dead through the goal area, bringing the play back to the 22 for a Bishopton scrum.  Bishopton held the scrum allowing them to secure the ball and send it to the backs, the ball reached Douglass at Fullback who was able to break through the defensive line.  He then broke away covering 50 meters before being forced to get the pass off to Hunter who was able to sprint under the posts unopposed for the score leaving an easy conversion for Catto to push bish to a 0 -15 halftime lead. 

The second half was very much a different story as Lomond were able to put the pressure on bishopton, forcing them into multiple scrums opting for them when they gained a penalty rather than kick for the corner or posts. A change in the tide came with 10 minutes to play and a flurry of substitutions in the front row of the bishopton pack. With the scrum secured Bish were able to push back up the field, this resulted in Lomond knocking the ball loose and Abernethy being the first to pounce on it. While being able to quickly scramble back to his feet and charge forward before pitching the ball to Glassford who was able to run the ball in unopposed. Cattos conversion drifted wide of the mark keeping the score at 0-20. 

The final score of the day came again from Bish securing at the ruck, and setting up on the blind side with Duncan receiving the ball from Glassford at the base and quickly moving it on to 

McGowan who broke though the Lomond defense before getting it wide to Hunter who was able to run the ball in with the pace to avoid the remaining defenders. He was able to get the ball down between the posts for easy conversion for Catto. Taking the final score to 0-27 in Bishoptons favor. 

The Lorimers Man  of the Match was Findlay Douglass who was instrumental from fullback being involved in the build up to two tries and some key line breaks throughout the game. 

The Barnhill Farm Glue Player was David Bolton who was very good in the loose on the day with several hard carries and his pin point arrows at the lineout ensuring a secure base to build the play off for the backs. 

A hard fought match in earnest despite what the scoreline suggested, but a much needed win for the Bish as it kickstarted 2022 allowing the club to strenthen our position on third place. This will hope to be continued this weekend as Bishopton take on Clydesdale at Holmpark with visitors sitting third bottom of the league. 

Lochabre – 10

Tries; Robertson

Conversions; Catto

Penalties; Catto (2)

On a sunny and crisp November morning, Gents Senior Rugby made a return to Holmpark with the first game being played since 16th October, with internationals and away trips keeping the team from their home patch. 

With a lineup sporting many changes from the away against Moffat several weeks ago. The team were raring to go come kickoff and looking to secure a win against a team sitting above them in the league. 

Catto got the game underway and was in possession frequently in the opening minutes gaining a scrum with a kick over the top that was knocked, the resulting scrum gave way to a penalty that Catto stepped up and slotted with no issue giving the hosts a 3 – 0 lead.  Lochabre followed this up with two penalties of their own managing to convert one of them to level the score at 3-3. Catto nudged the home side again before halftime as Robertsons Kick secured a goal line drop out, when Lochabre conceded a penalty. Catto Slotted the penalty from the 22 with the Halftime whistle close behind. 

The second half got off to a bang as Douglass took the highball from the restart bursting his way down the wing, before being able to offload to Robertson in the tackle who was able to break away up the wing and breaking through the middle and scoring under the posts, giving Catto an easy conversion giving The Bish a 13 – 3 lead. 

Lochabre began to push Bishopton to their limits in the closing section of the game,  beating Bishopton at the set pieces and putting the home side on the back foot. In the dying moments Lochabre gained a scrum on the Bishopton 5 meter line. Lochabre were able to push Bishopton back the 5 meters to the try line just as they had most of the day, allowing the Number 8 to dive over the line and secure the five points. The conversion was good, giving Bishopton a narrow lead of 13 -10. But Bishopton were able to hold out on a tight final 10 minutes as Lochabre put a lot of pressure on the defence, but it was able to be soaked up by a strong Bishopton defence up until the final whistle. 

The Lorimers Man of the Match was Findlay Douglass for his work under the high ball and breaks from the back field in setting up the try. 

The Barnhill Farm Glue player was Callum Brown who was able to front up in difficult scrummaging circumstances and also carried strong in the loose making several key line breaks. 

Another huge achivment for the club on the day was the debuts of both Eoin Cameron and Robbie Fraser who were the latest Bishopton Graduates to make their debuts for the club

This weekend we are expected to travel to Lanark for what is always an eventful fixture, but the men from Lanarkshire have been struggling this season only being able to muster a single league game so far, but we hope to see them on the feild and getting their league campaign well underway.

Bishopton – 0

Tries;

Conversions;

Penalties;

There were several enforced changes this week as Bishopton took on league leaders Glasgow University Medics. With Several key players forced out with injury and unavailable for other reasons. Several players stepped up to play out of position and get a team on the pitch to play the game. 

The First half of the game was relatively uneventful, the only play of note came halfway through the half as the Medics claimed a lineout on the 22, securing the ball and shifting the ball across the back line, getting it out to the wing with a 3 man overlap. The conversion was good givining them a 7-0 lead going into the second half. 

Ten minutes into the second half Glassford came up with a try saving tackle forcing the Medics winger to drop the ball over the line. This gave Bish the goal line drop out to clear their lines, however it was easily collected by the Medics, who took it towards the opposite line and found themselves with a 5 man overlap and no challenge to score the second try of the day. The conversion again was good putting theMedics 14 – 0 up. 

The Final ten minutes saw the Medics run in a further two tries, the first saw them build up the phases running straight and hard with the Bishopton defence doing everything in their power to stop the onslaught. But as the phases built up the medic unleashed the ball wide and were able to score in the corner. The conversion floated wide. 

The final try of the day was well executed by the medics in the final minute in order to give them the bonus try on the day, they worked the Bish defence well, sucking the line into the middle of the park and leaving themselves with five men over on the wing. Once the ball came out there was no chance of stopping the score. Again the conversion was good bringing the final score to 26 -0 in favour of the Medics.

The Lorimers Man of the Match was Craig Gervais, who again brought his talent to spot a line, avoid the tackle and make ground was much needed, as well as several key tackles in defence that certainly kept the score down early in the game. 

In last week’s match report  we asked the question: Could he make it three in a row? And Ross McGowan delivered, as Barnhill Farm Glue Player. McGowan due to injury and players being unavailable this week stepped in to fill the hole at 10. 

The result will not be one to look back fondly on come the end of the season but with a lot of rugby still to play, hopefully it will not be one to look back on in regret come the final whistle of the season. 

With this week’s prospective game against Clydesdale having been called off due to them having a dispensation, our next outing will be a trip to Moffat on the 6th of November followed by a two week break for the international window. 

But There is still rugby on this weekend with our Ladies XV taking to the pitch on Sunday at 2pm to take on Cban Lorne in a highly anticipated league game and we hope that there will be a big turn out for that game to cheer the ladies on.