LENZIE 1st XV MATCH REPORT //2nd XV match reports here ... 3rd XV match reports here... |
LENZIE 19 v 25 MARR Pride was the only thing at stake for the 2 mid-table sides in their final game and Marr probably deserved their win as they seemed to want it more.Marr pressed hard for the first 15 minutes as the home side defended desperately. Campbell kicked penalties for a 6-0 lead.Nisbet on Lenzie’s right wing made his debut a few weeks ago but this was the first chance he really had to show his skills and pace and he did it well with several good runs. This was rewarded when he made ground and fed inside for Queenan to score and make it 6-5. Campbell then stepped through poor tackles to score and convert for Marr who turned round 13-5 up.Lenzie had the wind now but were unable to keep possession and Marr scored 2 tries in 10 minutes to make it 25-5.This seemed to spur the home team on and they upped their game. Lenzie ran a series of penalties to no avail until a brave run by Brett was carried on on the left for Scott to score. Brodie struck a good conversion off the bar for 25-12.Lenzie then scored again via a solo effort by Hamilton to get to 25-19 with 5 minutes left. Try as they might they could not get the winning score. This was a very mixed performance by Lenzie where even the normally reliable scrum struggled and the brave fightback was too little too late. This coming Saturday is the Annual Dinner preceded by the AGM on Thursday. A good attendance is requested at both STRATHMORE 9 - 3 LENZIE Unfortunately another disappointing result for Lenzie on Saturday, despite playing some tremendous rugby, with forwards and backs all contributing to the effort. It was a very entertaining match with the contrasting styles of the direct approach adopted by the home side and Lenzie playing a more expansive game Lenzie faced the stiff breeze in the first half and but were rarely under sustained pressure from Strathmore. Lenzie’s set piece functioned much more effectively than the previous week, and the backs made good use of some good quality possession. Strathmore used the elements to gain field position effectively in the first period, but Lenzie countered with some thrilling rugby. From a scrum 5 metres from their own line, Ferguson, Scouller and Jones set off and released Hamilton, he made fully 70m and only tremendous cover prevented the full back linking with Wilson for what would have been the try of the season. Just before half time from what looked an innocuous collision resulted in McPherson being injured and was taken off on a stretcher. It transpired that the No 8 had broken a leg. All at Lenzie Rugby Club wish him a speedy recovery. In the remaining minutes before half time Strathmore were awarded two penalties both of which were converted to give the home side a 6 – 0 lead. Lenzie continued their fine play in the second half, Queenan, Scouller, and Jones all came close to crossing the Strathmore line but Lenzie’s only reward for their efforts was a Ferguson penalty. McAulay, McLean, and Wood worked tirelessly all afternoon, Ferguson varied the play well, and Hamilton had a fine game at full back. With Matier and Paterson returning from injury and an encouraging performance despite the result, there was much to take from the game, but this was soured by the injury to McPherson. This week Lenzie entertain the runaway league leaders Lasswade at Viewfield, kick off 3.00pm. January 28 HELENSBURGH 10 - 10 LENZIE Lenzie kicked off with the wind in their favour and found a good field position after only 2 minutes play. A clean lineout take by Wood, driven forward by McNeish and Milano, enabled Byres to feed the backs with quick ball, and simple drawing and passing put Hamilton clear for the winger to score. A great start for Lenzie which was Ferguson added to with a fine kick from the touchline to give the visitors a 7 – 0 lead. The home side responded and took the game to Lenzie both through their forwards, and their back line. The Lenzie organisation in defence was well marshaled and all that Helensburgh were rewarded for their efforts was a successful penalty after 25 minutes play. Lenzie were struggling in the set piece and Helensburgh also had the edge at the breakdown, however following a good burst by McAulay, Lenzie were awarded a penalty which Ferguson kicked to stretch the Lenzie lead to 10 – 3 at half time. Lenzie turned to face the breeze in the second half and completely dominated play for fully 30 minutes. Although still struggling in the scrums in particular, the forwards increased their work rate and made fewer mistakes. Good pressure from McLean, charging down a clearance kick, almost added to the score but the ball fell to a Helensburgh player and the danger was relieved. A clearance kick was fielded by Jones and he burst through the middle, he linked with Scouller who almost reached the try line, and as the Helensburgh cover closed in he fed Hamilton who was tackled into touch at the corner flag. Lenzie continued their pressure, Yorston, who had controlled proceedings from stand off, chipped ahead and Ferguson was just beaten to the touch down by the Helensburgh full back. McPherson was next to break the gain line and linked with Henderson who was tackled agonizingly close to the Helensburgh try line. Lenzie also had 3 penalty chances that would have extended their lead but all slipped past the posts. Helensburgh weathered the storm, and then found good field position with 10 minutes remaining. Try as they might Lenzie could not break out, and with only a minute of normal time remaining, Helensburgh won a scrum in the Lenzie 22, against the head, and after a couple of surges from their forwards, released the ball to their backs and their centre crashed over for a try. The simple conversion was converted to tie the scores. Lenzie kicked off and allowed the Helensburgh winger to escape down the touchline and only a fine covering tackle prevented a “sucker punch” try. Lenzie then survived more pressure from Helensburgh before the final whistle sounded. This was a very disappointing result for Lenzie, they played well for long periods, dominated most of the second half and created scoring opportunities to win the game handsomely. However, they are simply not converting the scoring opportunities their play merits and the set piece ball needs to be much more secure – plenty to work on at training. Credit to Helensburgh for their defensive effort, particularly in the second half, and coming back at Lenzie in the final minutes – with a bit of luck they could have won the game. |