Westray was delighted to play host to the East team on Saturday who showed themselves to be a formidable team. For a welcome change the weather was favourable with sunshine and a light breeze blowing diagonally across Alan Drever’s well kept pitch. Some of the players commented that it was top notch!
Westray kicked the game off at 12.00, the wind in East’s favour which they took advantage of, pinning Westray back in their own half.
Within 5 minutes from the whistle, Davie Campbell placed a kick to gain the East a 5m lineout. From a short throw in, Steven Spence scored in the corner which was
unconverted.
Injured Kenneth Kent was replaced by Christopher Rendall in Westray’s front row and Liam Drever playing on the wing was replaced by Craig Wilson.
For the next 15 minutes Westray harassed and frustrated the East leading to mistakes which led to scrums where the East pack were much stronger which eventually led to a second score from Rambo which was successfully converted. The remainder of the first half consisted of the same strong play from the East and although there was heroic defending from Westray, East added points from Rambo with his second try. Score 17-0 for the visitors.
Second half, Westray now had the advantage of the light breeze and an enthusiastic support on the touchline and knew they had a mountain to climb. After 10 minutes of steady play, Westray scored through a break from Colin Risbridger to go unconverted.
From a 5 yard scrum in front of the East posts Westray took the ball against the head, and stalwart Keith Rendall picked up at 8 and scored between the posts (5 yds being his optimum distance) this was converted by George Thomson.
Westray then found themselves pinned back in their own half by strong East Team rucking and mauling, winning their own scrums and the majority of Westray’s determination showing on their faces. It was difficult to see how Westray could get back into the East half much to the frustration of the home crowd. The break came when George Thomson kicked the ball into the East half which Rizy again picked up and scored in the corner. 17-17. Up stepped George ‘magic boots’ Thomson to place the ball between the posts and give the hosts a 2 point lead.
With 10 minutes left Westray found themselves having to defend against an even more determined East Team (if that was possible) East’s over enthusiastic scrum half, Rambo, left the pitch for a well earned 10 minutes rest (courtesy of Ian Rushbrook). The final whistle was blown much to the Auks relief resulting in much celebration and smiles on the touchline.
The forwards for Westray all battled for the full 80 minutes earning second row player David Hutchison man of the match.
For the backs (Huberts young bucks) George Thomson, Luke Rendall and Calvin Rendall deserve a mention.
For the East, again a second row player, Steven Spence was man of the match.
East’s pack should be mentioned for their scrumming and line outs.
Both teams fell exhaustedly into the arms of the Pierowall Hotel for a fish and chips and an excellent crack.
Quote of the game ‘Get the ball out here’ (Westray stand off.)
Reply ‘Better ask the East, they have it’ (Westray scrum half.)
