LOCH Lomond’s September weekend fixture saw a depleted side travel to Strathaven.

Lomond started with vigour but struggled to compose themselves against good opposition. The Loch lads succeeded in putting pressure on Strathaven from kick-off but conceded an early score in the corner despite a knock-on during Strathaven’s build up.

Rather than let this deter them, Lomond began to turn the screw and several drives from the forwards and nice running from the backs forced Strathaven into conceding penalties.

Captain Todd has obviously been studying Japanese tactics and opted to run the ball, resulting in McDermid being driven over the line for a score.

Campbell converted to put Lomond in the lead.

The next period of play saw the defences of both teams called into play, however it was Lomond who were found wanting. A number of missed tackles resulted in a home score. Lomond upped the ante and at several points were within inches of the whitewash, but Dynowski and Brown were held up as they drove for the line.

Lomond continued to threaten and were denied again as Abraham shipped the ball to Cambell, who in turn had the ball knocked out his hand as he was about to touch down.

With McFarlane, Bailey and Maitland running the ball in the backs and the forwards punching holes via Norrie, Dennison and Newport a score looked imminent, but it wasn’t to be.

Despite hard work from Mitchell and Robertson on the wings, the home side used pace and quick hands to score several tries in the corners.

Encouragingly Lomond’s back division had an average age of 21 and, minus veterans Norrie and Dennison, the forwards' average was 25.