Lanark Clydesdale 12 – 74 Birkmyre
Saturday 20th April 2024 KO 3.00pm
Men’s West Region League Division 3
Birkmyre took another massive step forward towards a league title on Saturday with a demolition of Lanark Clydesdale by 74 points to 12. In a similar vein to their last match, the game was all but over after 15 minutes with the Kilmacolm side racing to a 24 point lead, which was then was extended to 48 points at the half.
It only took 5 minutes for Birkmyre scrum half, Tom McGeoch to opening the scoring, darting over from short distance. Lewis Higgins, on kicking duties in the absence of David Cruickshank, slotted over the conversion.
That lead was quickly extended by Gordon Stein. Taking a quick tap penalty, he caught the home defence napping to power through a few tackles and run in from 25m out. Higgins then scored the first of his two tries quickly followed by a score from winger, Jamie Haran. Higgins then scored his second before Ali Peacock and Ross McDonnell added to the tally.
The half was rounded off by a great individual score by skipper Ross Moglia a minute before the whistle. Lanark Clydesdale were attacking and had made it into the Birkmyre 22 for the first time. However, before they could convert what was a promising attack, Moglia intercepted a pass and was able to run the length of the pitch unopposed to score under the posts.
The second half was a more balanced affair, and it took 15 minutes before the scoreboard ticked over when the home side ran in for their first score. However, only 2 minutes later, Ali Peacock got one back with a great solo run from 40m out. Player / coach Craig Williams, taking over kicking duties, slotted the conversion.
Finlay Rayner then scored his first try for Birkmyre. The ball was worked out to the left wing and Raynor showed his explosive pace to run in for his score. A few minutes later, Lanark Clydesdale score their second try and on the 75th minute, Harris McFie then scored his first try of the season for the bears, fending off a tackler to score at the corner flag.
The scoring was finished off in the 77th minute when Robbie Espie ran in for his 10th try of the season. Playing in the centre rather than the back row, he capitalised on a positive phase of play to round the game off.
The victory means that a bonus point win against Lochaber in the final league fixture of the season at home on the 4th May will see Birkmyre lift the league title.
Scorers:- Tries: T McGeoch, L Higgins (2), G Stein, J Haran, A Peacock (2), R McDonnell, F Rayner, H McFie, R Espie, R Moglia. Conversions: L Higgins (4), C Williams (3)
