Stewartry U18s travelled the long road to Renfrew with the minimum squad due to work commitments and injury, but put in a strong performance against a very much improved Bishopton team.
The Black were still shaking off the effects of the coach journey in the first half of the game, but still managed to go in at half time 12 – 0 in the lead thanks to a try from a strong forward effort and breakthrough by Gregor Hamblin and an excellent sniping steal from the rear of the scrum by scrum half Finlay Smith who darted in from the Bishopton 10 metre line to score (Archie Picken converted).
Stewartry started the 2nd Half strongly and were rewarded with two tries from the strong running Alasdair Hannay and a great try by Alistair wood following a great length of field break by Tommy McGrath proving the importance of supporting break out runners right to the try line. Bishopton came right back into the game with two quick tries in a 5 minute period making the score 10-24 and looked like they could come right back into it. The Stewartry pack were having none of this and powered up the field to be rewarded with a scrum on the opposition 22 and from a pre-planned move saw Gregor Hamblin score his 2nd try from a blindside break. Bishopton came back into the game for another 5 minutes but Stewartry scored a final well deserved try for Full Back Tommy McGrath who had made so many great breaks on the day.
Man of the match once again was without doubt Alasdair Hannay for his great work rate, tackling, team spirit and loose ball winning skills.
Another great away win for the Blacks, with the team starting to show great team work and team spirit both on and off the park. Two home league matches to go, and Stewartry are now sitting firmly in 2nd place behind Kilmarnock.
Next game is this Saturday 9th December at home v Oban Lorne. A good support for the boys would be appreciated, all welcome.
1st Half Scorers
Stewartry Tries
Gregor Hamblin 1
Finlay Smith 1
Stewartry Conversions
Archie Picken 1
2nd Half Scorers
Stewartry Tries
Gregor Hamblin 1
Tommy McGrath 1
Alasdair Hannay 1
Alistair Wood 1
Stewartry Conversions
Archie Picken 3
Bishopton Tries – 2 (both in 2nd Half)
Stewartry Team:
Murray Wright
Finlay Smith
Shawn Burton
Tommy McGrath
Archie Picken
Alistair Wood
Andrew Budde
Connor McGuire
Gregor Todd
Gregor Hamblin
Alasdair Hannay
Brady Rutherford
Ryan Cochrane
