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Isle of Arran 31
Renfrew 0
Despite the extremely muddy conditions at the Ormidale Park on Saturday, Arran’s senior rugby team triumphed over a much-improved Renfrew.
In October Arran thrashed Renfrew 82-5, so expectations were high around the home side before the game even began.
Coach Bert Ramage said: ‘I think they played very well. The weather definitely affected the game. Hands get cold and slippy, so there were a few missed opportunities but Jamie Picken and Donald Murchie carried the ball well and Murray Picken was unlucky on a few occasions.
‘Renfrew were a much improved side since October but we attacked very well and worked well defensively.’
Niall McMaster strolled across the try line in the first five minutes in his typically casual style. A quick step from Sam Wheeler minutes later allowed him to charge down the field and cross the line making the score 10-0.
Iain MacDonald’s kicking was on target to give the home team another two points.
The thick mud meant that both teams found it difficult to run with the ball for long spells.
But Arran persevered with another converted try from Niall McMaster bringing the half-time score to 19-0.
Seven minutes into the second half Ben Tattersfield was knocked to the ground when Iain MacDonald accidentally kicked the ball into his face.
With Ben on the ground the play kept going though and a powerful run from captain Murray Picken took the score to 26-0.
Renfrew began to fight back by keeping Arran deep in their own half for at least 10 minutes.
Fast runs down the wing from Jamie Picken kept Arran motivated and there were a few missed opportunities close to the line because of the slippery conditions.
A powerful run from Martin Ross helped him to the try line making the score 31-0.
This Saturday Arran are at home against Hyndland RFC who are two places above them in the Scottish Hydro Electric West League division three.
On Saturday, February 2 J W Boal are sponsoring the away game against Birkmyre in round one of the Scottish Hydro Electric West Plate competition.
On Sunday, February 10 the girls and juniors travel to Kilmarnock to play Cumnock.
