Men's 1st XV - Bishopton

Oban Lorne delivered a commanding performance at Glencruitten, overwhelming Bishopton with a mix of individual brilliance and structured team play. Their defence was resolute throughout the match, preventing Bishopton from making any significant impact, while their attacking prowess was on full display - although still lots of room for improvement. 

The home side's first score came early, following strong carries from the pack. A tap-and-go from five metres out allowed Bruce Wilmer to mark his return from injury with a try. George Ritchie converted to give Oban a 7-0 lead.

Oban maintained pressure with more powerful carries from Calum MacLachlan and Man of the Match Craig Wright, but Bishopton’s scramble defence made it difficult for the home side to extend their lead immediately. However, Oban’s persistence paid off at 17 minutes when a driving maul from a lineout saw captain Jamie Bate cross the whitewash. Another successful conversion from Ritchie extended the lead to 14-0.

Oban’s hunger for a dominant win was evident as Lorne MacLachlan’s aggressive runs continued to trouble Bishopton. Despite their efforts, Bishopton struggled to gain ground, often losing possession due to handling errors or poorly executed lineouts under Oban’s relentless pressure. After a few disallowed tries due to knock-ons, Oban eventually found the breakthrough once more with captain Bate surging through from 22 metres to score his second try of the game, which Ritchie converted to make it 21-0.

The tries kept coming, and just minutes later, Willmer added his second, running a perfect line off scrumhalf Vas Borisov to score under the posts. Ritchie converted again, taking the score to 28-0. Ewan Shearer, making an immediate impact from the bench, made a barnstorming 30-metre run to keep the momentum going for Oban. Just a few phases later, Shearer finished the attack he started.

As the first half drew to a close, Oban’s dominance continued. After a series of kicks from both sides, Calum MacLachlan crossed the line following some well-structured play from the pack. Ritchie added the conversion, bringing the half-time score to 38-0.

The second half began much like the first, with Oban in full control. Fergus Taylor intercepted a pass inside Bishopton’s half and raced to score under the posts, with Ritchie converting to make it 45-0. 

Oban then showcased the fluid link-up play they’ve been working on in training, resulting in another try for MacLachlan, who finished off a well-coordinated team move. Ritchie’s conversion took the score to 52-0.

At the 50-minute mark, fresh legs were brought on, including Lorne Sinclair, playing his first game back at Glencruitten after returning from Australia. His first touch was memorable, as he collected the ball from captain Bate and ran in from 30 metres to score under the posts. Another conversion by Ritchie extended Oban’s lead to 59-0.

The home side continued to assert their dominance, with Calum MacLachlan adding another try, showcasing his power and precision with a textbook carry. Ritchie, in excellent kicking form, converted once more, making it 66-0. Captain Bate completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute, finishing off a perfectly executed team try. Ritchie added the conversion, stretching the lead to 73-0.

Fergus Macintyre, in his first game of the season, spotted a gap at the ruck and took full advantage, scoring a scrumhalf’s try under the posts. In the final moments of the match, Craig Wright, who had been outstanding all game, capped off the performance with a brilliant individual try, running from halfway and evading multiple defenders before touching down. Ritchie converted, sealing an emphatic 85-0 victory for Oban.

Oban Lorne’s dominant display builds great momentum as they prepare for their away match against Dalziel next week.