Boys 18s v Annan

Oban 18s made the long journey to Annan with a squad of 17 on Saturday for their 1st game of 2025.

The home team started the game well and controlled the first 10 minutes testing the Oban defence which held firm with good work throughout especially from half backs Alexander Macdonald and Joe Corns.

Having weathered the storm Oban began to make their way up field with good driving play from Robbie Lochart, Cammy Crowe and George Pagan leading to Corns putting the hard working JJ Blackley over for the first score on 15 minutes, converted by Macdonald 0-7.

With Macdonald now controlling the game with a varied selection of kicks and passes Oban started to dominate.  

On 20 minutes Pagan burst through the Annan defence and off loaded to Hamish Macintyre to score, converted by Macdonald 0-14.

3 minutes later a good kick chase from winger Robert Gosling resulted in a 5m scrum to Oban from which the ball was moved swiftly to David Simpson who scored on the wing, converted by Macdonald 0-21.

The remainder of the half belonged to Annan whose driving play was testing Oban's defence leading to a string of penalties, Annan finally got their reward with a try on 33 minutes 5-21.

Second half

Encouraged by their first half finish Annan started the second half quickly taking the game to Oban, this time Oban held firm and from a turnover in their own half Pagan once again drove into the heart of the,  Annan defence, the ball was then moved swiftly between Corns, Crowe and Lockhart whose well timed pass saw hooker Franek Kupczak charge over for the first score of the half on 5 minutes, Macdonald converted 5-28.

3 minutes later he dangerous Kai MacKechnie made 20 m,  the ball was then passed quicky between forwards and backs to send Crowe over for a score, converted by Macdonald 5-35.

On 47 minutes MacKechnie  made 30m returning an Annan clearance kick, quick ruck ball saw Corns move the ball to the blindside for the impressive Louis Smyth to score in the corner, 5-40.

This ended the official scoring but mention should be made of 2 tries that were disallowed as they were straight from the training ground where the boys have been working hard at stretching opposition defences, creating and attacking  space.  

Firstly the boys attacked 3 phases to the left, creating a gap to the right which a well timed pass from Macdonald saw Lockhart gallop over the try line, only for it to be disallowed for foul play on Macdonald 😳.  

The second disallowed try followed quick line out ball, great off the ball running creating options and confusion amongst the home defence, leading to speedy debutant Sandy Halewood to race away, only for the final pass to be deemed forward.

Overall a great performance, with so many players playing well it is difficult to name a man of the match, special mention to the hard work of George Pagan who is improving with each game,  however Alexander Macdonalds game management, discipline from being targeted off the ball and goal kicking wins the award for this week.

A massive thank you to Sandy Rokiitta for driving.

Next Saturday we are home to Bishopton.