Men's 1st XV - Cambuslang
Oban Lorne travelled to Cambuslang on a sunny day, eager to continue their winning run. Cambuslang, however, got off to a strong start, putting Oban under immediate pressure. After working their way deep into Oban’s 22, Cambuslang opted for a quick tap penalty, and their scrum-half skilfully fed the ball for an early try. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 5-0.
Oban took a little time to find their rhythm, with early mistakes and Cambuslang’s defensive efforts disrupting their attack. However, they soon began to settle, showing patience in possession. This paid off when Sean Gordon crossed the line, with George Ritchie adding the conversion. Oban moved ahead 5-7.
A penalty awarded to Oban soon after was confidently struck by George Ritchie from around 30 metres out, extending the lead to 5-10.
Cambuslang responded with some strong running, gaining ground quickly. A sharp change in direction of play allowed their winger to step past the last defender and score under the posts. The conversion was successful, putting Cambuslang back in front at 12-10.
Oban struck back with sustained forward momentum. A driving maul from a lineout saw captain Jamie Bate power over the line, though the conversion attempt was missed. Oban led again at 12-15 as the teams went into half-time.
In the second half, Oban’s defence was tested early but stood strong. A crucial lineout steal on their own line and a solid exit by the men in green and red kept Cambuslang at bay. The referee had to step in for some backchat, but Oban's discipline improved as the game progressed.
Oban then regained control, patiently building phases as they approached the try line. A well-timed pass from Corrie Louw found Connor Ferris, who scored near the posts, and George Ritchie added the extras. Oban extended their lead to 12-22.
Cambuslang pressed forward once again, electing to scrum down at penalties to maintain their attacking momentum. Oban’s defence was superb, holding out in their own 22 for a sustained period. A key turnover, followed by an excellent exit kick from Finlay Carmichael, relieved the pressure.
After a series of territorial kicks from both sides, Oban spotted space out wide. A wide pass to Blair MacFarlane allowed him to break free, running from halfway and stepping around the final defender to score a fine try. The conversion was missed, but Oban pulled ahead 12-27.
Cambuslang continued to show resilience, playing aggressive rugby and were rewarded with a try in the corner, though the conversion was missed, making it 17-27.
Shortly after, Cambuslang applied more pressure and scored again under the posts following sustained pressure. A yellow card for Oban’s Luke Plummer compounded matters, and the successful conversion brought the game to a tense 24-27 with just five minutes remaining.
Despite Cambuslang closing the gap, Oban remained composed, keeping possession and showing great maturity. A series of controlled phases brought them into Cambuslang’s 22, where Blair MacFarlane drew in two defenders and delivered a stunning one-handed offload to George Ritchie, who dashed through to score under the posts. Ritchie converted his own try, extending the lead to 24-34.
Cambuslang mounted one final attack, but Oban’s defence held firm, and the final whistle blew.
A hard-fought win for Oban Lorne, with both teams showing great spirit, but Oban’s patience and experience saw them come out on top.
