Men's 1st XV - East Kilbride

East Kilbride 40 – 30 Oban Lorne

Tennent’s West Division 1
Player of the Match (sponsored by Macrae Quarry): Lorne Sinclair

Oban Lorne travelled to East Kilbride at the weekend, coming away with a 40–30 defeat in what was a much-improved performance from the Green and Red.

Following an honest team meeting during the week, the squad had reflected on commitment, culture, and what they want to achieve this season. The response was exactly what the coaches had hoped for — two strong training sessions and a full travelling squad of 22 men, a marked improvement on last season’s trip to EK when only 15 players made the journey.

The game began evenly, with Oban controlling much of the possession and implementing the structured phases they’ve been working hard on in recent weeks. The forwards operated well in their pods, creating front-foot ball for the backs. It was captain Lorne Sinclair who opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort following sustained phase play — a fitting return for the skipper after his pre-season injury.

Mistakes and some disorganised defence cost Oban soon after, as EK took advantage of a lapse in trust across the defensive line to level the scores. Oban responded well, working patiently through the phases before earning a lineout deep in the EK 22. From the resulting maul, Sinclair crashed over for his second try of the match.

Momentum swung cruelly moments later. A dropped ball just five metres from the EK line saw the home side kick 60 metres downfield, regather, and score against the run of play. EK followed up with another well-worked try, their winger chipping ahead twice to touch down and shift momentum in their favour.

Despite the setbacks, Oban remained composed. After further pressure, James Divers powered over in the corner to close the gap, before the hosts struck again through their influential number 13 to lead at half-time.

The half-time message from the coaches was clear — cut out the errors and trust the system. The possession and structure were there; it was just about finishing the opportunities.

Oban came out firing in the second half, pinning EK back and eventually scoring through Noah Ellithorne in the corner. More sustained pressure followed, and Ellithorne doubled his tally soon after with another well-finished team try.

With confidence growing, fly-half Finlay Carmichael slotted a superb drop goal to put Oban six points ahead, and the visitors looked to be in control heading into the final quarter.

However, fatigue and a yellow card to Lorne MacLachlan proved costly. EK’s powerful number 13 again capitalised on space to score two late tries and swing the match back in the home side’s favour. Oban continued to press in the closing stages but couldn’t convert territory into points.

Despite the 40–30 defeat, there were plenty of positives to take. The shape, structure, and attitude throughout the week were a major step forward, and the team showed glimpses of the rugby they’re capable of producing. The focus now turns to improving defensive cohesion, maintaining fitness, and linking up better in attack to convert pressure into points.

A disappointing result — but definite progress on and off the field for the men in Green.