Mull travelled without specialist front rowers, forcing uncontested scrums and rendering Lomond’s set piece advantage obsolete. However the centre partnership of Gilmour and McFarlane made the most of the extra ball they received and were instrumental in Lomond’s victory.

Early Lomond pressure secured territory and winger Maitland was the surprising benefactor as a maul rumbled over the line. Lomond then decided to turn on the style, and centre George Gilmour rolled back the years to weave an exquisite line through the Mull midfield and score the best try the Dillichip has seen in a long time.

This was the highlight of a man-of-the-match performance from Gilmour that also featured direct running and ferocious tackling. Lomond led 12-0 with 20 minutes gone, but Mull hit back when their skilful right winger jinked past opposite number O’Donnell to score in the corner.

As the first half drew to an end, indiscipline in the Lomond ranks allowed Mull to control the ball and only heroic defence, from flanker Ferrier in particular, kept them at bay.

The second half started more positively for Lomond and scrum half Mathieson used all his experience to create the vital third try. Spotting an opportunity, he dinked the ball into Mull’s 22, forcing them to concede a line out.

Lomond’s resultant catch and drive was held up allowing a scrum from which a classic blind side break by McGinty fed Mathieson who slid in for the score.

Mull refused to lie down and a skilful break from their nimble full back allowed their winger to grab his second score of the day which was converted to make it 17-12. Lomond edged their way back upfield and eventually were awarded a penalty.

Captain Todd wisely chose to extend the lead beyond seven points and the penalty was converted by Mathieson after McAdam hit the post with an earlier attempt. With the game secure, Lomond threw caution to the wind as they sought the bonus point.

Quick thinking again from Mathieson allowed Gilmour to break down the blind side and feed McFarlane who drew his man and offloaded to speedy winger Burton who blazed down the touch line to seal a 25-12 victory.

Lomond remain in the relegation zone because of a points deductions for fixtures they couldn’t fulfil. However they will be confident of posting further wins and climbing to safety providing they continue their current form.