Whitecraigs 28 Greenock Wanderers 7

THE momentum built up by Wanderers from a series of recent wins combined with good play came to an abrupt halt at the weekend as they were well beaten away at Whitecraigs.

The final score line of 28-7 in favour of the home side was in stark contrast to the first game of the season at Fort Matilda when Wanderers narrow lost 32-34 in a pulsating encounter.

Both sets of supporters arrived at West Lodge expecting more of the same, and some entertaining rugby too, but Wanderers struggled to get going.

The Fort Matilda men did, however, have the better of the opening exchanges and missed an opportunity to take an early lead when McDaid narrowly missed a difficult penalty chance.

Whitecraigs came more into the game and from a lineout in Wanderers 22 their scrum half scampered through a weak Greenock defence to score a converted try under the posts, 7-0.

The home side continued on the ascendency thereafter and it was only stout defence by Wanderers that kept them from adding to their lead.

On one occasion Whitecraigs had a three man overlap but failed to use it.

Meanwhile, Wanderers were not creating much of a threat as any progress was halted by poor passing and kicking by the backs.

The forwards were functioning much better with a good lineout and scrum, however, McDaid was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on.

Wanderers lost possession in their own 22, allowing the Whitecraigs centre to crash over for another converted try, 14-0.

Almost all of Wanderers' kicks from hand found a Whitecraigs player and seven minutes into the second half one such kick led to a further converted try score, 21-0.

Wanderers' backs in attack had a pass intercepted allowing the home side to run in a fourth converted score under the posts, 28-0.

In a rare attack on the home line Wanderers were held up, allowing Whitecraigs to have a goal line drop out. A further move through Wanderers' backs almost resulted in a try but the ball was knocked on.

They finally got on the score board through the forwards with a score by McDaid, 28-7.

Wanderers have a lot to work on before they play Strathmore on Saturday at home, otherwise they will find themselves back in relegation trouble again .

The 2nd XV lost 27-5 at Fort Matilda to table toppers Hillhead, but a few home players put themselves forward for 1st XV selection this week by turning in fine performances.

The Ladies had a fine win over Cartha away to get their season back on track.

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