Match Reviews from 6th October 2018

With WD hosting Mull for an early kick off, it gave us an opportunity to take in a couple of games on Saturday.

At Coatbridge it looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon for the league leaders as Mull only had 13 players, but it was the visitors who got on the scoreboard first with a great try that came from a flowing move involving a number of offloads, setting the tone for how they would play the rest of the game.

WD quickly settled down though and started to go through the phases that helped them make the most of the space, and a couple of quick tries suggested this could end up being a bit of a cricket score.  However, Mull were at no time ever really out of the game, and regularly got beyond the defence with some good footwork going into contact and plenty of offloading, but they just couldn't quite beat that last line of defence to add to their scoreline.

With another three tries before half-time, WD went into the break with the score at 33-7.

It was looking ominous for the visitors at half-time as they were regularly under the cosh in the first 40 so it was surely only a matter of time before WD made the scoreline look a bit embarrassing.  Surprising though, despite their numerical advantage, WD couldn't add to the score, whilst Mull themselves continued to play the same way; fast, offloading and getting in behind the first line of defence.

WD should really have added significantly to their score in the second 40, but they had to wait for the final seconds of the game to score.  Guessing it was foot off the gas at half-time with some expectations that the score would flow, but it shows what can happen when you don't stick to the game-plan and go through the phases.

Despite playing the whole game a couple of players short, Mull looked decent, and with a full squad, will cause plenty of problems to the other teams in the league.

We're pleased to say that we saw another drop-goal attempt, 2nd week running, but unfortunately, it fell short this time around.

Game 2 was a quick trip under the M8 and down to Uddingston where the West 2 league leaders took on near-neighbours Strathaven, for what was set to be a real cracker - and we weren't disappointed.

It was game of high tempo, end to end stuff, and no shortage of action and tries.

First half, it was two tries to one in favour of the hosts, but not long into the second half it was Strathaven who added to their scoreline, for what is potentially  try of the season - honestly you have to watch the match video (about 3 minutes in) to appreciate the grace of footwork, side-step and offload that led to the score under the posts.

Uddy regained the lead with a couple of tries, Strathaven responded with another couple themselves before Uddy secured the win with a breenging burst off a good line, giving them a 31-26 win.

It was a great game of rugby, and both Clubs deserve loads of credit for having so many young guys on the pitch which shows where the future of our community game lies.