A good crowd turned up at Bayhead last Saturday to see Stornoway complete an impressive bonus point win in perfect conditions for running rugby. The Bayhead pitch is now benefiting greatly from the recent investment by the Local Authority, and provides a fine surface for Stornoway’s pacey backs to run on – another 4 tries for the backs this week.

Stornoway were again missing a few players but Andy Ribbens made a welcome return at prop, powerful youngster Paul Macdonald, home from college, played at open side flanker and Drew Reddie made his Stornoway debut on the wing. Lochaber, keen to maintain their impressive start to the season, fielded a competitive side but were also missing a few regulars, most notably their captain Blair Macraild who suffered a serious injury last weekend. SYRFC wish Blair a speedy recovery.

Stornoway quickly settled into the match keeping the ball close to their heavier pack, trying to create space by drawing in the Lochaber defence. A couple of line breaks by CT Moody and Oggie Macarthur came to nothing as good scrambling defence snuffed out any danger. CT pinched two of Lochaber’s throw-ins and the Stornoway pack had the upper hand in the scrums, with Bubble Mackay adding bulk to the second row.

For all their early pressure Stornoway were unable to threaten the Lochaber line, and in frustration gave away a series of cheap penalties. Lochaber took full advantage as they created their first attacking opportunity. From a midfield break the Lochaber forwards produced quick ball and attacked down the blindside where two missed tackles put them in the clear to score a converted try to open the scoring.

Stung by this setback Stornoway were soon back on the attack, pressing for an equaliser. Peter Hobson at stand-off pushed Lochaber back with some well directed kicks, from one of these a rushed kick gave Stornoway an attacking lineout 30 meters out. A move in the backs put Quintin Nel through a gap and when he was brought down good support by Paul kept the move going. Paul was held up just short but the ball was quickly recycled and only a slight knock on in front of posts stopped a certain score.

Stornoway kept up the pressure and were soon on the score sheet. Skipper Oggie chose to run a series of penalties awarded in the Lochaber 22, Paul was stopped short again, and then recycled ball was moved to Peter who drew in two defenders before releasing Matt to score under the posts. Euan converted to level the scores.

This was soon followed by two quick tries for Stornoway. Another fine line kick from Peter pushed Lochaber back close to their own line. The ball broke loose at the resultant lineout, Bubble picked up and plunged over to score a converted try. Directly from the kick-off Bubble fed a long pass to Oggie who charged up field. Good support ensured quick ruck ball from which Peter chipped over the retreating defence for Quintin to run on to, who gathered perfectly to run in for a try in the corner. Euan narrowly missed the conversion but Stornoway were now in control.

Stornoway continued to dominate, regularly gaining ground with backs and forwards combining well. Davie Bubble fooled the Lochaber defence with a mazy run, which included a couple of dummies and a side step. Unfortunately the rest of his teammates stood admiring his run, failing to support, and the attack came to nothing. During this spell Andy Ribbens had to leave the pitch with a pulled muscle.

It was Lochaber who completed the first half scoring as they at last managed to launch a concerted attack. Quick handling from a scrum on half way set the Lochaber left winger running down the touchline but he was stopped in his tracks on the 22m line by a trademark Quintin Nel tackle into touch. Lochaber managed to regain possession following a Stornoway knock on and went through a number of phases before being awarded a penalty in front of the posts for offside. The resultant kick at goal was successful and the half ended with Stornoway leading 19-10.

The first 15 minutes of the second half were fought out in the middle area of the pitch and became a scrappy affair, with mistakes from both sides. Each team missed 40m penalty attempts before the match sparked back into life. Another clever chip behind the Lochaber defence by Pete, following a couple of quick rucks, bounced awkwardly allowing Euan ‘Moley’ to re-gather and offload to Albi who went over in the corner for the important bonus point try. Euan was just wide with the conversion.

Stornoway began to dominate territory again, mainly through the intelligent kicking of Peter Hobson, keeping Lochaber penned in their own half. Both Bubble and Aidey were stopped just short – despite the loud encouragement from the crowd. Unfortunately during this spell Stornoway lost the services of Tractor Dave with a serious ankle injury.

When Lochaber did win ball they were forced to kick the ball away, faced with a solid looking defence. The one time they did threaten to score followed a penalty kicked close to the Stornoway line. A well worked peel at the resultant lineout created space for a big second row to run at the line, but a last ditch tackle forced a knock on and the danger was cleared.

Stornoway’s final try was scored and converted by Euan ‘Moley’ Macleod. The Lochaber scrum half found himself isolated from his support following another sniping break from a lineout on the half way line. He was turned over and Peter and Matt quickly mounted a counter attack. Matt bounced off a couple of would be tacklers before offloading to Euan who out-sprinted the remaining cover to score in the right corner.

Stornoway remained well on top and had further chances to score as they continued to dominate up to the final whistle. A superb break down the middle of the pitch involving eight or nine different pairs of hands as offload after offload took the ball 50m down the pitch. A quickly tapped penalty created space on the left but Aidey was held up just short. Pete drilled a 50m penalty into the corner, but again the Lochaber defence held firm.

A good all round performance from the home side who stuck to their game plan well, keeping the ball close to their bigger forwards, drawing in defenders before unleashing their backs. Good performances throughout the side, with scrums and lineouts providing a consistent platform from which the excellent Peter Hobson was able to control the game. Another home game this week with arch rivals Strathspey the visitors.

Thanks as always are due to our sponsors: - Macleod IFA, Woody’s Express Parcels and Star Inn.

Stornoway squad: - Aidey Macdonald, Murray Macleod, Andy Ribbens, Angus ‘Bubble’ Mackay, Tomasz Soszka, CT Moody, Paul Macdonald, Angus ‘Og’ Macarthur (Capt), David ‘Bubble’ Mackay, Peter Hobson, Matt Hunter, Quintin Nel, Albi Macdonald, Drew Reddie, Euan ‘Moley’ Macleod (Vice Capt). Subs: Dave ‘Tractor’ MacLaughlin.