Women's 1st XV - Hillhead Jordanhill
Oban Lorne Ladies took to the pitch against Hillhead Jordanhill in the National Shield Semi-Final. Travelling away with a strong team off 22 girls and lots of support on the sidelines Oban took to the pitch full of nerves and the anticipation of what’s to come. Hills came up strong using the strength of their forward pack to test Oban’s defence, looking for gaps, they didn’t find any with ease. Oban strong in their set play kept Hills at bay as both teams scrambled to maintain possession. Jordan MacIntyre’s strength in the lineouts kept the ball coming in Oban’s direction as Hills continually kicked to gain meters. Some sloppy play from Oban saw a series of scrums draining the energy from the forward pack and leaving Oban’s backs to defend the gain line. One overlap to many saw Hills claim the first points of the match unsuccessfully converted. This was enough to wake Oban up as they regained possession from the restart and took it right back into the Hills 22. With some skilled ball management and a bit of luck, this saw Oban’s Julie Campbell through a gap and over the Hills try line. Converted by Ellie MacInnes putting Oban ahead for the first time.
Hills recovered and regrouped and began to reveal the strength and speed contained within their backs. Not long after an interception saw Hill run in another try from their own 22 catching Oban off guard and without answers. This became the theme of the first half as Oban heads went down finishing the first half Hills 17 Oban 7. Rousing words from coaches Corrie Louw and Ellie Picken as Oban took back to the pitch with some changes in the lineup. A conceded penalty from Oban saw Hills kick to gain a further 3 points and eventually another try. Oban now well down on the score board started to pick up momentum as Kirsty Sinclair and Poppy MacKillop cut through the Hills pack gaining ground pushing further into the opposition’s half. Lindsay MacMillan stepped up next and went crashing through the Hills defence and over the line to re-ignite the fire within the Oban side.
Big forward carried from Ailsa MacCuish and Jodi Millar saw Oban back within touching distance as Caitlin Fowler crashed over the line supported by her team. Oban now finally alive in attack and defence set Kirsty Sinclair powering up the pitch, supported by Amy Gibson who finished the job in style as she crossed the line with only one boot on. Oban were in full control as the clock ticked down, silly mistake placed the ball back in the hands of Hills but not for long as Oban came alive and push with everything that they had. Sadly, too little to late saw Oban having to settle for a 32-24 defeat bringing their season to an end. The team would like to thank everyone who has supported our journey this year through encouragement, sponsorship and attendance of our events. It has all been overwhelmingly positive and led to us returning to Division 1 next season. A massive thanks goes out to everyone involved.
