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| GREENOCK WANDERERS 44 - 7 CAITHNESS by Iain Grant |
| Fri 26th Sep 2008 |
A patchwork Caithness side were beaten but unbowed in the club's first clash against Wanderers.
A positive mood pervaded the threadbare squad on their return from Fort Matilda despite their six tries-to-one reverse in their latest foray in Scottish Hydro Electric National Division Two.
In a season in which playing resources have been stretched like never before, a hotchpotch squad of 16 was mustered with acting coach Dougie Wright the only back-up.
The personnel crisis forced late starter Keith Foubister to embark on the latest crash course in his rugby education with a first outing in the forwards, playing at blindside.
There was also a first start for Scott Foubister, who has played a handful of games for the under-18s, while Glasgow-based former Thurso High fly-half Stuart Grant answered an SOS to play his first game in over four years. He lined up at centre in a midfield partnership with regular flanker Danny Gordon.
It proved a tough day for the front five, in particular, knowing that there was no chance of a breather given the lack of cover.
As the second half wore on, the front row and fellow foot soldier Danny Budge were running on empty after giving their all to the cause.
Caithness were very much in the contest at the interval, turning round 18-7 behind.
Greenock proved feisty opponents but were meeting with some resolute defence. That did not prevent them going 12-0 ahead thanks to well-taken tries from winger Nick Wright and centre Brendan McGroarty, one improved by fly-half Anthony Devlin.
Devlin added a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The Greens' best spell was the second quarter when they cast off the shackles and started to apply decent spells of concerted pressure.
Their try followed a well-constructed series of phases which climaxed with Evan Sutherland breaking from the base of a ruck and giving an inside pass to send back-row colleague Grant Anderson over. Gary Mackay converted to reduce the deficit to 15-7.
Caithness were stung in the final play of the half when they conceded a needless penalty to allow Devlin to pot his second three-pointer of the day.
Apart from fatigue, the Caithness effort was hit by knocks which limited the mobility of several players. With Wright by now on the field, there was no cover and Scott Foubister was among those who had to struggle on.
The writing was on the wall as Wanderers' slick back three started to become increasingly involved. Wright and McGroarty crossed for further tries, with wing forward Calum Robb also grabbing a brace. Devlin converted three to end the day with a 14-point haul.
Caithness coach Jim MacMillan, who was unable to travel with the side, took heart from reports he was given.
He said: "With the personnel we had out and the unfamiliar positions some of the guys played in, we can't really complain about how the game went. We had, for instance, Keith Foubister, who has made only a handful of starts – all on the wing – having to play in the back row. Fair play to the side we had out, as they competed well for about an hour."
MacMillan said the feedback was much more positive than the previous away defeat to Kilmarnock.
The Greens will strengthen for tomorrow's home match versus Hillfoots. It is a game Caithness need to win if they are to keep their heads above water in what is shaping to be a very competitive league.
Flanker Stevie Campbell will return, and David Pottinger and Mike Flavell should further boost the back-row options.
The game may prove too early for Blair McIntosh's battle to recover from a thigh injury, but Norman Foubister and/or William Mill are set to return to bolster the back division.
Skipper Ewen Boyd is at a wedding, though Hamish Coghill will return if he has recovered from an ankle knock. Dave Lewis-Saunders is back training and is available.
"We have to be targeting to win this game," MacMillan said. "The guys were quite positive about last Saturday and, with a few coming back, we'll be looking to extending our winning run at home."
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Greenock Wanderers: L. Tyley, D. Watson, C. Clark, B. McGroarty, N. Wright, A. Devlin, I. Forster, M. Coyle, G. Paterson, A. McMichael, L. Scully, D. McIntyre, C. Robb, A. Abernethy, A. Love. Replacements (all used): A. MacDougall, J. McKenna, J. Stewart.
Caithness: K. Gove, S. Foubister, D. Gordon, S. Grant, G. Macleod, G. Mackay, K. Hamilton, J. Foubister, S. Dunnett, D. Buchanan, E. Boyd (captain), D. Budge, K. Foubister, E. Sutherland, G. Anderson. Replacement (used): D. Wright.
* There has been no stopping Whitecraigs this term, Hillfoots being their latest victims. Hillfoots were thumped 52-5 at home by the Newton Mearns-based side, who are continuing the momentum they built up last season in winning NLD3.
Elsewhere, Highland were delighted to get a first win of the season when they defeated Newton Stewart 22-10 in Inverness.
Linlithgow and Hawick YM continued their unbeaten runs with 16-3 and 12-5 victories respectively at Stewartry and Kilmarnock.
Glasgow Accies took the spoils 17-10 in their inter-city joust away to Forrester.
* Caithness fans are being urged to come early to Millbank tomorrow to cheer on the under-18s, who are in action against Aberdeen Grammar. The John Lewis Scottish Youth Cup second-round clash kicks off at 2pm.
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| 1st XV Season (2009/10) |
| Kilmarnock 81 - 5 Caithness |
| 17th Apr 10 - KO: 12:00 |
| Venue: Bellsland |
| :: Match Report |
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| 1st XV Season (2010/11) |
| Caithness vs Kilmarnock |
| 4th Sep 10 - KO: 15:00 |
| Venue: Millbank |
| :: More Fixtures |
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