Men's 1st XV - Cumnock
On a fine, sunny day at Glencruitten, Oban Lorne's first team welcomed Cumnock, setting the stage for what promised to be a fast-paced match.
While the game didn’t turn out to be the end-to-end spectacle many had hoped for, it was instead marked by tight, structured play and fierce defence from both sides. Unfortunately, Oban's captain Jamie Bate had to leave the field just minutes into the game due to a nasty head wound that required stitches. He was replaced by Rado Maximov but later returned to support his team from the sidelines.
Cumnock's dominant scrum made it difficult for Oban to secure front-foot ball, leading to much of the early game being spent clearing the ball downfield and defending against Cumnock's dangerous counterattacks.
Oban responded by piling on the pressure with strong forward carries and effective wide plays, particularly from Blair MacFarlane and Craig Wright. However, Cumnock's defence held firm, and they gradually worked their way up the pitch. A yellow card for Luke Plummer following an overenthusiastic tackle added to Oban's challenges.
Despite this, Oban's solid defence in their own 22 kept Cumnock at bay, allowing them to clear the ball and work their way upfield. Patient, multi-phase play eventually led to young Jack Johnston crossing the line.
With momentum on their side, Oban continued to keep the ball in hand, executing great phases of play with strong carries from Luke Plummer and Ewan Shearer. Their persistent efforts stretched Cumnock's defence, culminating in Fergus Taylor scoring in the corner. The conversion was again missed, leaving the score at 10-0.
Cumnock fought back, scoring a forward-driven try near the posts, which was converted, narrowing the gap to 10-7.
The best try of the match came early in the second half when Craig Wright, after missing touch from a penalty, gathered the returning kick just past halfway. Opting to run it back instead, he jinked past several would-be defenders to score under the posts, with George Ritchie converting.
Cumnock played advantage for Oban’s high tackles, executing patient forward play off the scrumhalf. Despite some lapses in Oban’s defence, Cumnock managed to score in the corner, although the conversion was missed. The referee had a word with Oban about their tackle height—an area they will need to address.
As the game progressed, scrappy play and errors from both sides were punctuated by stoppages due to niggles and the hot weather, giving the teams a brief respite. Cumnock took advantage of this, exploiting gaps in Oban's defence to score another try, which was converted, putting them ahead 17-19.
Oban regained some control, keeping the ball in hand, led by Flyhalf Finlay Carmichael. A slick pass from Blair MacFarlane put James Divers through a gap on halfway. Divers showed experience and a calm head to draw the fullback and return the ball to his centre partner Blair MacFarlane, who scored under the posts. Ritchie’s conversion brought the score to 24-19.
With just 10 minutes remaining, Oban aimed to keep possession, but a knock-on gave Cumnock the ball back. They spread it wide and gained significant yards, eventually scoring a well-executed team try on the wing, which was converted, putting them back in the lead at 24-26.
In the closing minutes, Oban continued to press, but Cumnock defended resolutely. However, a crucial tackle and turnover in Cumnock's 22 resulted in a penalty for Oban, which Finlay Carmichael calmly slotted over with less than four minutes to go. Solid defence from Oban in the dying moments ensured the visitors were kept out, securing a narrow 27-26 victory.
There were plenty of positives for Oban Lorne, but also areas to work on as they look ahead to their away match against Cambuslang next week. Despite the challenges, Oban have started the season with two big wins which will give them confidence and momentum.
