Tennent's West One

ALLAN GLEN'S 57

IRVINE 10

HAVING travelled to Bishopbriggs to face Allan Glen’s the most positive outcome for Irvine was to see centre Neil McMillan, who fractured his skull in last week’s home match against Strathendrick, spectating.

The game started in very damp conditions, similar to last week. Irvine’s forwards looked strong and pressed on the home try line. The ball was turned over and Glens escaped with a well-worked try at the other end through full back Scott Thomson. There followed another try for Glens under the posts, scored by Jack Mooney, to make it 10-0.

Glens’ team are a well-drilled outfit, having lost only one match in their last 12. The skill and strength of their back division was evident as they ran through a weakened defence to go in at half time 31-5 ahead, thanks to a brace by Jono Murrell and a single by Glen Watt, all converted by Thomson.

Irvine did have some unsuccessful forays into the Glens half, but their defensive play was as effective as their attack.

The Irvine forwards put in some hard graft, which resulted in two unconverted tries in the second half, scored by Alan Nugent and captain Ross Campbell, being their only reward for the afternoon.

The Irvine backs produced a few strong runs, however their defence allowed Glens to score almost at will, with Murrell completing his hat trick and Russell McKeown, Alasdair McConnell and Sam Morrison also crossing, and the final score of 57 – 10 reflects that.

There was better news for the 2nd XV, who won 35-14 away to their counterparts at Uddingston. Scott Kerr was the pick of the scorers with a brace, while there were also singles for Martin Sneddon, James Cooney and Craig Lang. Craig Williams converted all five.

Both XVs are at home this week, with the 1sts welcoming East Kilbride to Marress for the latest “New Town derby” and the 2nds entertaining Clydebank.