LOCH Lomond Rugby club secured safety in the West District Third Division with a 29-12 victory over Birkmyre at the Dillichip on Saturday.

The Bonhill side needed just a point to seal their league status but they went one better and clinched their fifth win in a row.

Birkmyre caught the home midfield off guard to score an early try under the posts. Lomond gathered themselves and soon Craig Norrie crossed the whitewash for a try. Bailey added the conversion and then a penalty to put Lomond in the lead.

Lomond were in control, dominating the forward battle and looking solid in defence, but Birkmyre continued to look dangerous on the break.

The second half started ominously for the home side. Maitland got caught in possession and allowed the opposition to score from 10 metres out.

From the restart, Dennison led from the front and put two huge hits in, which left the opposition stunned. The Lomond pack then began to take control.

This dominance took Lomond to within yards of the opposition try line and it was veteran Tom Carruthers who made club history by becoming the oldest player to score for the club with a well-timed surge to the line.

Lomond now seemed to have the bit between their teeth and from the restart, they quickly recycled the ball, allowing Maitland to make amends for his earlier mistake with a fine finish in the corner which Bailey converted.

Lomond were now looking confident and prepared to spin the ball wide. Donowski made yards, setting up Nicholson to drive into opposition territory and Todd spotted an opportunity and managed to set up McAdam for the fourth try which Bailey also converted.

The game ended with Lomond in control and winning 29-12, securing their league status for next year and recording their fifth bonus-point win in a row.

Lomond now travel to Lanark looking to make it six on the bounce and with one eye on next season – where this form will make them title contenders.

Loch Lomond: Abraham, Dennison, I Norrie, Nicholson, Carruthers, Flynn, C Norrie, McGinty, Todd, Bailey, Fullbrook, Gilmour, Wilson, MacFarlane, McAdam. Reps: Maitland, Donowski, Mathieson.