Oban Lorne Women’s 1st XV had their first home game of 23/24 Season against Greenock Wanderers on Sunday at Glencruitten.
Greenock opened the scoring not long after kickoff with a breakaway try down the wing.
Oban responded well with a period of sustained pressure from the forward pack, making ground against the strong Greenock defence, a great tip ball to Julie Campbell followed and she bulldozed her way over the Greenock try line opening the scoring for Oban.
Oban retained possession from the restart but after some good defence and counter rucking from the visitors, possession turned over to Greenock and despite some fast feet and defence from Oban, they scored again from a breakaway try on the wing.
A mistake from Greenock gave Oban possession from a strong scrum and after some lovely linking play from Selina Keppie and Eilidh Graham, getting Oban up into their opponents 22, it was time for the big hitters. After a great line from Ailsa McCuish and big carry from Ellie Picken, the ball was shipped to Julie Campbell, who rarely misses an opportunity to cross the try line, taking her opponent’s with her. Ellie MacInnes converted the try.
The visitors then enjoyed a period of good possession which lead to two further tries which were converted.
Conditions made it a day for the scrums and the Oban pack showed dominance throughout – despite being significantly lighter – and from this dominance and some lovely running and quick hands from the backs the ball was shipped out to Arden Binnie – playing only her second game for Oban – on the wing, who made a valiant effort to score but was tackled into touch at the last minute.
The home side got themselves into a great position in their opponents 22, and a line out steal from Veronica Speirs, and quick hands from Rachel MacDonald to Ellie MacInnes who popped the ball to Eilidh Graham, who ran a powerful line through the Greenock defence and beating three defenders to score under the posts. Ellie MacInnes converted.
The second half brought much better defence from Oban, working on their communication and teamwork with big tackles from Elaine Mitchell, Jordan McIntyre and Lindsay MacMillan, numerous tackles from Selina Keppie, who was absolutely everywhere in defence and an incredible cover tackle from Katie Hamilton, kept Greenock from crossing the line again.
A couple of great breaks from Poppy McKillop late in the second half unfortunately didn’t get converted to points and despite the scrum dominance and some big carriers from Veronica Speirs and Jordan MacIntyre, Oban couldn’t quite make it over the try line. Full time Oban Lorne Women 19 – 28 Greenock Wanderers Women.
The team should be extremely proud of how they played, and will continue to build week on week in training. They’re looking forward to what the rest of the season will bring and moving from strength to strength.
Oban Lorne Women’s team’s next home game is the 10th of September at Glencruitten, 2pm kick off. Come and show your support!!
Oban Distillery Player of the Match – Eilidh Graham
Oban Lorne Players Forward of the Match – Elaine Mitchell
