Monday 29 January 2018

West Region Round-up - w/e of 27 January 2018

First up, congratulations to Hillhead Jordanhill for winning the BT Womens Premier League at the weekend.  Their 79-5 victory against Stirling County puts them 11 points ahead of Murrayfield Wanderers, with only two game remaining.

In the male leagues, there's competition in the promotion and relegation battles in each of the West Region leagues.

In West 1, Carrick won the top of the table clash against Garnock 32-0, whilst Glens won 16-14 away at Greenock.  The gap at the top is now only two points between first & third, with Glens having the slight advantage as they have a game in hand.

The battle between the bottom two was off, as Helensburgh didn't have a team, which probably means they're down as they're 9 points behind third bottom Oban, and will have another points deduction coming their way.

The second relegation spot though is still up for grabs as Cambuslang lost 22-5 against Kilmarnock and Oban Lorne were well beaten 62-5 on the road against East Kilbride which means there's only four points between 9th & 11th - Irvine in 11th have a game in hand on the other two contenders.

In the leagues other game, Annan won the derby game against Stewartry 15-11 so lifting the Chisholm Cup.

In West 2 it's still pretty tight at the top, but the field is slowly being whittled down, as we now only have four teams within 5 points of the top.

Paisley moved into top slot following a comfortable 40 nil victory over WD.  Cumnock are three points behind in 2nd after their 33-12 win at Strathaven, whilst Lenzie fall another point behind as their 16-7 victory over Uddingston yielded no bonus point.  For Uddy, this result probably spells the end of their championship challenge, though they will still be keeping an eye on promotion.  Strathendrick drop to fourth as their game against Birkmyre was off.

Cumbernaulds nil nil draw against Loch Lomond probably also rules them out of the championship battle, though it's a crucial two points for Lomond in their battle at the foot of the table which now sees them four points ahead of Millbrae whose game against Clydebank was lost to the weather.

WD and Clydebank are seven points ahead of Lomond, but WD will need to be careful as they've played three games more than both Millbrae and Lomond, so could get drawn into the battle for that second relegation spot.

The top of the table West 3 clash between Bishopton and Glasgow Uni Medics was off, and Wigtownshire took full advantage with a 53-7 win at Hyndland.  Shire are 10 points behind Bishopton, but they have two games in hand, with the Medics 8 ahead of Shire, but have played a game more.  It can all change this Saturday as the Medics are due to welcome Wigtownshire in a rescheduled game.

The only other game in West 3 that survived saw Shawlands win at home against Lochaber, 31-6, which puts Shawlands up to fourth, ahead of Cowal.

Across the three leagues, there's a number of re-arranged games scheduled this Saturday which could have a big impact on the title race.  In West 1 we have Glens visiting Kilmarnock, Carrick hosting East Kilbride and Garnock hosting Oban, whilst in West 2 we have 1st v 3rd, Paisley v Lenzie, and in West 3 it's 2nd v 3rd, Glasgow Uni Medics v Wigtownshire - some real crackers there - will need to check kick-off times as the Wales v Scotland game starts at 2:15.

There was also plenty of West Club action in the Womens leagues as well.

The Hillhead game was the only one taking place at the weekend in Premier A, but in Premier B, Stewartry overcame Ayr 31-12, whilst Cartha Queens Park lost out to Watsonians who are dominating this half of the split.

In National 1, Glasgow University are maintaining their push for the league following a 22-7 victory away at Kirkcaldy.  Greenock lost out 51-5 to Howe of Fife.  Annans trip to Melrose was off which leaves them 12 points behind leaders Broughton, but they do have three games in hand.  There's a full card scheduled for Sunday, which crucially sees 2nd place Glasgow Uni host 3rd place Annan.

In National 2, Oban Lorne continue their dominance with an impressive 25 nil win away at Lismore.  They're unbeaten at the top of the league, 17 points ahead, having scored 571 points in nine games, but conceded only 7.