Women's 1st XV - Wigtownshire
Oban Lorne Ladies were in action at home this weekend on a soggy Glencruitten pitch as they took on second in the league, Wigtownshire RFC. Right from the kick-off Shire took control and set the pace making good use of the power and speed in their back line. Oban struggled to find their feet for too long and found themselves 0-14 down within the first 10 minutes. A rousing word or two behind the posts from coach Corrie Louw saw Oban pick up the pace as in Shires 22. A small mistake from Wigtownshire was all vice-Captain Lindsay MacMillan needed to seize an opportunity to power through the line to put Oban’s first points on the board. This seemed to up the tempo for both teams as Shire fought back running in more points as Oban fought to make up ground but just couldn’t finish it as tries were held up on the line. Finding themselves 5-28 down before half time Oban dug deep and worked their way back into shires 22. Some strong set piece saw the home side inching closer to the try line as eventually a break came and Julie Campbell crossed the line ahead of half time with Ellie MacInnes adding the extras. Oban keen to keep the momentum pushed back hard into Shire’s half. Arden Binnie capitalised on a rouge kick and forced her way to the try line before half time. MacInnes again adding the extras.
Wigtownshire started the second half with 14 on the pitch after injuries forced their hand. Oban seized their opportunity and came back fighting. The team found their rhythm and began reaping the rewards as Caitlin Fowler crashed through the line to start the scoring. Shortly followed by Poppy McKillop using her footwork and pace to find the gaps also touching down another 5 points. Not to be taken advantage of Shire fought hard and held up a further 3 tries before Campbell added her second of the day. Injuries started to creep in for Wigtownshire as Oban’s physicality started to take its toll. Not to be out done however they regained composure and released their back line again proving why they are so high in the league.
The final 20 minutes proved to be the most entertaining for those watching from the side lines as both teams exchanged points in an effort to stay ahead. Campbell claimed her third try of the match as the wind picked up. Only for Oban to take their foot off the gas to soon and allow Wigton shires winger to race up the wing and plant a further 5 point under the posts equalling the score line. Oban lined up ready to chase down the kick but it was to little to late the points were awarded and Oban was back trailing as the clock ticked down. Oban gave it one last push with seconds to go as they crept closer to Shires try line only for sloppy play to creep in and Shire were awarded a penalty. Kicking the ball out the game ended 43-45 in Shire’s favour. Player of the match was awarded to Lindsay MacMillan from both teams. Whilst Poppy McKillop received Oban’s back of the match. The ladies would like to thank their sponsors for helping to make this all possible and invite everyone to join them on their weekend off at the Halloween Party hosted by the club on Saturday 26th of Oct.
