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News Article |
| BANFF 7 MORAY 22 |
| Mon 18th Nov 2013 |
Moray moved into 5th position in RBS Caledonia League Division 2 North last Saturday when the defeated Banff by 22 points to 7 away from home.
The visitors kicked off and after only 2 minutes were handed a penalty for offside at a ruck, 22 metres out but close to the touchline. Full-back Andrew McBean didn't quite judge the strong cross wind and pushed the attempt past the right post.
Three minutes later, he was given another opportunity but this time from the opposite side of the field. Unfortunately on this occasion he overcompensated and pulled the attempt wide.
Moray were controlling the game and applying a lot of pressure in the opposition 22. An opportunity was missed in the 14th minute when they lost an attacking line-out, 5 metres out.
It was not until the 23rd minute that they made the breakthrough. A number of phases took them to a ruck in the 22. The ball was moved right and wing-forward Neil Wiseman drew the defence and created enough space for stand-off Johnny Haslam to make it over in the corner for an unconverted try and a 0-5 lead.
Seven minutes later, somewhat against the run of play and in their first real foray into the opposition half, Banff replied with a converted try to take the lead at 7-5. A scrum was taken against the head and after a few phases of driving, the outside-centre broke through some loose defence and scored under the posts.
The Elgin side immediately returned to the offensive and in the 33rd minute regained the lead. Some good driving play by forwards and backs forced a scrum, 15 metres out. Ball was secured and No. 8 Laurie McCutcheon picked up and drove through two defenders to make the line. McBean added the conversion points for 5-12.
Moray had another good opportunity in the final minute of the half to extend the lead but unfortunately knocked on near the line leaving the half time score; Banff 5 Moray 12.
The Elgin side started the second half as they had finished the first and after only 2 minutes extended the lead. A penalty took them to a line, 5 metres out. Clean ball was taken, the ball moved wide and Haslam made a dart for the line. He was held a metre from the line but the ball was quickly recycled and McCutcheon burst over for his second try of the afternoon. McBean could not add the conversion points, leaving the score at 7-17.
Moray continued to take the game to the home side but it was not until the 64th minute that they added a fourth and bonus point winning try.
A penalty was given on the 5 metre line and they decided to tap and go. In the process, hooker Lewis Higgins knocked on and a home scrum was given.
To make amends the pack took the scrum against the head and McCutcheon picked and drove over the line for his third try of the afternoon. McBean didn't manage to add the conversion points leaving the score 7-22.
Second-row Calum Purcell nearly added a 5th in the 73rd minute but valiant Banff defence held him up when he was over the line.
A missed penalty, 3 minutes from time, was the last opportunity to add further points and the final whistle went with the score at Banff 7 Moray 22.
It had been a game that Moray had controlled from the off and they were worthy winners on the day.
Defensively they stood up well to the big Banff forwards and with ball in hand, they had caused problems all afternoon. In fact with a little bit more precision, more points would have been added and the score would have reflected more the dominance they had.
This Saturday Moray are at home and play Aberdeen Wanderers in the semi-final of the RBS North Regional Bowl. Kick-off is 1.30pm.
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Caledonia 2 North |
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| Aberdeenshire |
12 |
46 |
| Highland 2nd XV |
11 |
46 |
| Moray |
12 |
40 |
| Ross Sutherland |
10 |
22 |
| Banff |
12 |
19 |
| Mackie |
10 |
10 |
| Aberdeen Grammar 2nd XV |
9 |
1 |
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Last 1st XV Game |
| 1st XV Season (2021/22) |
| Banff 33 - 39 Moray |
| 5th Mar 22 - KO: 15:00 |
| Venue: Duff House |
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