It's has been another long season for Birkmyre senior team and they had a long trip to Fort William to play Lochaber in the reschedule game to finish the season.

In the opening 10 minutes, both teams played fast and wide summer style rugby and it was only a matter of time till the first try came through the Lochaber pack. With a 5 metre scrum, Lochaber drove the Birkmyre pack back until their no.8 went blind to simply ground the ball over the line. (5-0)

A few minutes later Birkmyre were on the attack straight from a scrum. With the backline attempted move backfiring, player/coach Craig Williams at covering full back managed to use his quick step & pace to slot a grubber kick through to pile pressure on Lochaber 5m line. Lochaber calmly secured possession but a charged down kick from Finlay Davidson resulted in a 5m scrum for Birkmyre. Moments later after a number of phases, Martin McLeman crashed over. The conversation was missed as it struck the post. (5-5)

As the game progressed, play was stopped few times for bad injuries to both teams, which also it lead the scrum being uncontested. Things got bit scrappy as the game got back on track. With only a few minutes to go until half time, the Birkmyre pack piled on the pressure to allow space for fly half & captain,Ross Moglia, to crash over from short distance. Williams slotted the conversion (5-12). Straight from the restart Moglia made a break until was caught on the Lochaber 22, then the whistle was blown for half time.

Early in the second half Birkmyre opted for penalty points but Williams missed the kick. Lochaber throughout the game used many big powerful carriers, crashing over the gain line a number of times. Then a nicely placed kick gave Birkmyre heaps of problems trying to reclaim the ball, allowing Lochaber to score (10 - 12).

Both teams were trying really hard to play fast flowing rugby and keep ball alive, however small mistakes comes at a price. As Lochaber tried moving the ball around, Captain Ross Moglia snatched the interception in his own half and had a clear run scoring under the posts. Extras were added by Williams (12-19)

In the final few minutes Birkmyre was on the attack again in the Lochaber 22. Scott Ritchie, Finlay Davidson, Gordon Stein and Robbie Espie battling through. Clever support play then saw scrum half Mark Armstrong scoring under the posts. Kick slotted over (12-26).

In the end Lochaber fought until the final whistle, especially after a few penalties were giving away. Lochaber's quick taps caused problems for Birkmyre and they managed to crash over to get the final score with only seconds left on the clock.

FT LOCHABER 19 - 26 BIRKMYRE

MOTM Vice captain Scott Ritchie. It was very difficult to select this week. Many powerful runs from the pack, centre Gordon Stein and strong defence moments such as Ross Adam and Ross McDonnell all contributed very well.

Now we look forward to a well earn rest and see what structure will be set for the new season. Meanwhile we have the President's match, AGM and Club dinner Saturday 13th May. It you need any details any details, speak to members of the committee.