Loch Lomond Rugby Club unable to cash in on good start

Jan 30 2009 by Laura McLachlan, Lennox Herald (main ed)

LOCH Lomond rugby club failed to build on last week’s landmark victory as they tumbled to Strathendrick on Saturday.

With almost a full-strength squad to pick from, hopes were high of continuing the winning start to 2009.

However, Lomond were slow out of the blocks, allowing Endrick to put concerted pressure on the Lomond line.

The usual miserly defence upon which Lomond have prided themselves this season went walkabout as several tackles were missed, allowing Endrick to score an early converted score under the posts.

This was followed shortly after by an audacious drop goal, and before Lomond had even started playing they found themselves ten points adrift.

As the first half drew to a close, Lomond eventually managed to put together some passages of play to put Strathendrick under pressure.

This was highlighted particularly well by young Jamie Thompson on the wing who, after fielding a kick in his own 22, went on a barnstorming run up the centre of the pitch knocking several Endrick players over like skittles.

The second half began as the first ended, with Lomond retaining the ball well and slowly creeping up the pitch.

Unfortunately, as with so many games this season, the final cutting edge seemed to be missing.

This was cruelly exposed when, as Lomond pressed the Endrick line, an attempted pass was intercepted, allowing the opposing captain to score under the posts.

At 17 points adrift the Lomond XV tried manfully to get back into the game, only to see a second interception give the hosts their third converted try.

Unfortunately at this stage a few Lomond players began to lose the head at their team-mates and the referee.

This seemed to spur the home team on, and ludicrously they were awarded another try from a misplaced Lomond pass to score the game’s final try under the posts.

To add insult to injury Lomond were reduced to 14 men for the final few minutes as Manus Flynn was yellow carded for illegal use of the boot.

Strathendrick were a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and encouragement on the training pitch.

With a hard game against the Police next Saturday, all players are urged to make a real effort to get to training at least once in the coming week.