Helensburgh Rugby Club bag first win of season

Sep 26 2008 by Laura McLachlan, Lennox Herald (main ed)

HELENSBURGH rugby club bagged their first win of the season last week– with the four points taking them to sixth in the table.

A packed Ardencaple spurred the boys on and despite a Troon fight back in the second half, Burgh held on to take the points.

The Greens showed complete dominance in the opening half with James Musset and Stuart MacCrimmond putting up a harsh fight for possession on the floor and Andy Inglis holding the home line-out strong.

Early penalty success from Chris Black settled the home side into a nice rhythm with Sean McNee leading the pack.

Helensburgh controlled well up front and Black continually put David Riding and Stuart Holmes through holes in the midfield.

However, it wasn’t until midway through the half that Burgh broke through with a splendid effort which saw a planned mis-move in the backs opening up the right wing. Rettie hared over despite the attentions of two visiting tacklers, and though Black failed to convert, Burgh had their noses well in front at 8-0.

Five minutes on, the Greens scorched further ahead, when, from a scrum on the Marr 10 metre line Black fed a short one to captain David Riding who powered into the Marr 22, and with the line in sight, stomped through the Marr back-line for a fine try.

Black goaled for 15-0 but a Burgh off-side gave the away side a penalty to bring the half time score to 15-3.

The second half was all Marr as they changed tactics, keeping the ball in the tight more often, stopping the home side in their tracks.

However, despite their possession, Marr lacked creativity and failed to manage a single score in the second half.

As time dwindled away, it was just two Black penalties rousing applause from the crowd.

Coach Liam McIntyre was upbeat in his appraisal. He said: “We are still a young side and I thought we controlled the match well. Our ball retention is improving and the free-flowing philosophy we’re trying to instil is beginning to sink in as we keep the ball alive. If we continue to develop our offensive abilities we will be in good shape.”

It was less positive news for Helensburgh fans this week however, as the side fell 12-5 to Lismore away.