Women's 1st XV - Inverness Craig Dunain
Oban Lorne Ladies were back in action this Saturday against Inverness Craig Dunain. Travelling with a strong squad of 22, the girls were in high spirits as they took to the pitch. Inverness contested well from the kick off keeping Oban at bay. However strong running from Aimee Clarke, Lindsay MacMillan and Alanna MacKenzie soon had the Inverness defence under pressure. One mistake too many saw Evie Kellet dash through the slimmest of gaps and score the first points of the game. Ably converted by Ellie MacInnes. Play resumed and Oban found themselves with a penalty on Inverness’s 5-meter line. Oban took full advantage with Julie Campbell scoring from the tap and claiming the next 5 points. Oban now firmly confident began to play with some flair as Eilidh Graham scored the next try, converted by Ellie MacInnes. Freshly promoted to the forward pack, Arden Binnie showed her power and determination making massive tackles alongside Chloe Malcolm, keeping Inverness at bay. As Oban forwards took their physicality to another level freeing up the Oban backs to perform at their best with Kirsty Sinclair and Gemma Cameron running in a try each with Poppy McKillop and Evie Kellet making it two apiece before the half time whistle blew.
The second half kicked off with Oban making a couple of changes to the team to give tired legs a rest and give fresh faces a chance to make their mark. Without dropping any power or skill Oban’s Turned over the ball and ploughed back into the Inverness half with strong carried from Kirsty Sinclair and Lindsay MacMillan setting up Julie Campbell to take her second of the day. Veronica Speirs then took to the pitch back from a long-term injury and never missed a beat. Oban turned over the ball and held possession for what seemed like the rest of the second half. With many more tries run in by Kirsty Sinclair, Poppy McKillop and Eilidh Graham showing speed, grit and determination. Not to be left out Ellie Mcinnes and Caitlin Fowler added their own tries to the biggest score Oban has seen in a number of years. With Oban’s confidence high and minutes fleeting Inverness collected themselves and made one last push gaining ground and camping out meters away from Oban’s try line. Phase after phase of brutal physicality Inverness eventually added their own try to the score line leaving the score at 5-116 in Oban’s favour.
Oban women now take a small break before squaring up against neighbours Lochaber RFC on the 22nd Feb at Glencruitten. Player of the match was awarded to Alanna MacKenzie for her tireless running and monstrous tackles, keeping Oban moving forward for 80 mins. A massive thank you to all of our travelling support and patient bus driver Walter Speirs for keeping the women going.
