Bankies just edge Lomond in pulsating derby match

0 - 0 • Published 3 Mar 2009 12:30

Clydebank 22 Loch Lomond 18

CLYDEBANK earned revenge for their defeat on the opening day of the season in a pulsating Whitecrook derby match.

Clydebank kicked off into a swirling wind and Lomond signalled their attacking intentions by driving up-field and forcing an early penalty gratefully converted by Darren Nicholson.

Seeking an immediate response, Clydebank drove from the restart to within a few metres of the Lomond line.

A straightforward back-row combination from the base of a scrum somehow caught Lomond cold and the wing-forward ploughed through weak tackles to make the score 5-3.

Lomond dominated the remainder of the half, but were unable to capitalise on several excellent scoring opportunities.

Finally, after a period of relentless pressure, the breakthrough came when Brendan Malone crashed over from close range following some excellent work by the pack.

Clydebank came roaring back into the match, earning a kickable penalty about 35 metres from the posts.

It seemed to be drifting wide, but instead hit the post and bounced into the waiting arms of Clydebank"s winger who took advantage of a slumbering defence to score.

This time there was no mistake with the conversion and the half ended with Clydebank in front by 12-8, despite Lomond having played most of the rugby.

The start of the second-half saw a rejuvenated Clydebank side pin Lomond back into their own half.

A lovely dummy from the Clydebank stand off allowing him to scythe past a statuesque defence for a great individual try.

Lomond shrugged off the set-back and put together some fine passages of play.Eventually, their pressure forced a penalty which Nicholson easily converted.

Now 19-11, the match seemed to be swinging in Lomond"s favour, but Clydebank upped their level and kicked a penalty.

The game was slipping beyond the grasp of Lomond, but there was time for one last cavalry charge.

David Lockhart took a quick line-out and released the ever eager Craig Norrie who surged forward and was held up just short of the line. From the resulting series of rucks, Fairman smashed defenders aside to grab a late try.

The last two minutes were frantic, but Lomond could not fashion the chance to win the game.

Loch Lomond: McAdam, Lockhart, Mathieson, Nicholson, Lewsley, Fairman, A Flynn, M Flynn, Malone, Todd, D McGinty, Tilley, Sakerski, Norrie, S Dennison.

Substitutes: J Law, G McDermott, S McGinty.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 03 Mar 09

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