Another very tough game for the Under 18’s, with tackling again out of the top drawer for the blacks.
Greenock Wanderers Under 18’s 0 v 24 Stewartry Under 18’s
Greenock came out of the blocks at Stewartry and for the first 10 minutes did not give Stewartry any possession. However, all of the play was pinned back into the Greenock half by intense Stewartry tackling. Stewartry eventually gained possession from well won lineout ball after a shaky start, with Alasdair Hannay winning most of the line ball out all day. After a number of plays, Stewartry spread the ball wide to Finlay Smith who did well from 25 metres out to evade the Greenock defence and touch down right in the corner. Archie Picken was unlucky with a difficult conversion.
Greenock came back again, but again stout Stewartry defence continued to demoralise the lads from Fort Matilda and any Greenock play was again confined to their own half. Greenock were pushed right back over their own Try line and a clearance kick by the Greenock full back was charged down by Lochie Spence who was also able to drop on the ball for a magnificent 2nd try. Half time ended 0-10 to Stewartry.
Stewartry started the 2nd Half playing with the wind at their backs and used it to good use to gain ground deep into the Greenock half. The Blacks scrum worked very well with Harry Campbell having a great first game at prop. Further tries were scored by Gregor Hamblin who had a superb game taking the ball into contact and gaining ground all 2nd Half, and Lochie Spence scoring a very well deserved second. Both were converted by Archie Picken to make the final score 0-24 to Stewartry and secured them a place in the West Youth Cup Quarter Final at home v Hamilton on Saturday 10th March.
Some great defensive work, but work need to continue to improve on attacking options if the blacks wish to continue the cup run. However, tackling was out of the top drawer and if the same effort continues for the remaining games, Stewartry will be a difficult team to score against.
Difficult to select a man of the match, but it would be fair to say that the dynamic back row partnership of Hannay, Hamblin and Allan jointly deserved it on the day.
Stewartry Tries –
Finlay Smith 1
Lochie Spence 2
Gregor Hamblin 1
Stewartry Conversions –
Archie Picken 2
Stewartry Squad:
Murray Wright
Finlay Smith
Archie Picken
Harry Campbell
Andrew Budde (Captain)
Connor McGuire
Gregor Todd
Gregor Hamblin
Alasdair Hannay
Ryan Cochrane
Archie Nicolson
Lochlann Spence
Ben Spence
Tommy McGrath
Kieren McGuire
Tom Allan
Smug
Stewartry RFC
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(07803) 184 194
