Women's 1st XV - Ayr
Oban Lorne Ladies travelled away on Sunday to face Ayr at Millbrae at 2pm. The ladies team have recently struggled to maintain the high numbers we started the season with for games and training due in part to the October holidays and to some ongoing injury issues. Those at training have been working hard and a big thanks to our coach Corrie and Ellie for all they do. Despite missing key players we travelled with a squad of 18 which is testament to our growing squad. We welcomed Islay McKee to the field today for her first game with us and Iona Dunlop for her 2nd game. Both girls made some big hits and good runs , out on the wing for Isla and Iona contributing to a strong forward pack.
From kick off it was clear the Ayr side was stronger and quicker than the side we faced in Oban for the first game of the season who couldn’t put a point on the board.
Ayr scored an early try up the wing after a few break away runs capitalised on Oban not pressing enough in defence and missing tackles. 5-0 to Ayr
Oban regrouped and improved the press in defence to achieve possession and worked hard with some big carries from forwards Julie Campbell and Jordan MacIntyre which was rewarded with a try for Julie Campbell converted by Ellie Picken. Ayr 5-Oban 7
Both teams were fighting hard for possession and play was frantic with both teams being penalised for errors. Ayr managed to secure the ball over the line after a series of break away runs from set plays putting Oban on the back foot. Score 12-7. Oban worked hard to level the score with some strong carries from Rebecca Sims and Poppy McKillop which resulted in a brilliant break away run and try for Poppy converted by Ellie Picken. 12-14 Oban. A penalty in Ayr’s 22 saw their number 7 player red carded. Despite this they achieved another breakaway try leaving the score at half time 17-14 after three collapsed Ayr scrums Oban was awarded a penalty were pressing hard in attack but the whistle halted play.
The second half didn’t go Oban’s way despite having an extra player Ayr still came out dominant .
Some brilliant steals in the line out From Grace MacLean saw Oban over turn Ayr possession several times. However a series of errors and penalty’s went against Oban which resulted in two break away tries for Ayr. Score 31-14
Oban again regrouped and pressed hard gaining possession from an Ayr error and Heather Fothergill tore up the park followed with some strong forward carries keeping possession with in 5metres from the line for a long period. Ayr defended hard but eventually Oban captain Julie Campbell clawed her way just over the line for an Oban try. With the score now 31-19
Unfortunately during the last ten minutes Oban struggled to retain this momentum and Ayr managed to break away twice with another two tries. Oban suffered injury blows loosing big hitters and strong forwards Ellie Picken and Jordan MacIntyre after she took a nasty tackle.
The final Score Ayr 41- Oban 19
Oban awarded back of the match - Poppy McKillop and forward of the match - Jordan MacIntyre/ Caitlin Fowler
Ayr awarded the Oban player of the match to Julie Campbell . Ayr player of Match - number 8 Jojo.
Oban ladies are hoping to get numbers back up at training and work hard to keep improving as a team.
