Dalziel 17 Greenock Wanderers 28

GREENOCK Wanderers 2nd XV travelled to Dalziel for a league match under their floodlights.

Wanderers recorded a victory in the earlier fixture between the sides at Fort Matilda, so they were hopeful of a similar result.

They went into the game with a strong side with a number having 1st XV experience this season, and a couple of players returning from injury.

Wanderers had the best of the early action with a missed penalty attempt by McDaid, and a mazy run by Arnott was stopped just short of the line in the first five minutes.

The home side came more into the match and were first on the scoreboard, having won ruck ball they passed through their backs to score in the corner to make it 5-0.

Play then flowed from end-to-end but neither team was able to capitalise on the scoring opportunities created.

It was Wanderers who scored next through the forwards with a try by McDaid to level the game at 5-5.

A penalty by Knox put Wanderers in front 5-8 after 28 minutes.

The visitors were on the ascendancy and were launching attacks through their forwards and backs and were rewarded with a further try through hooker Robbinson, which was converted, to make the scoreline 5-15 at half time.

Wanderers started the second half with intensity but could not register a try, however, they scored again with anther Knox penalty to make it 5-18.

Dalziel had a rare attack into Wanderers' half where their winger unleashed a rare burst of pace to score under the posts, hauling them back into the game at 12-18.

Wanderers' response was immediate, playing their way up the pitch and finishing with a fine run in by winger Galbraith, 12-23.

But Dalziel were not finished and their winger poached the ball from the visitors and unleashed a decent burst of pace with Wanderers' defence out of position to score a try, 17-23.

The match was certainly not over and it could have gone either way but it was Wanderers who finished with a flourish and Knox was sent through for a try to make the final score 17-28.

A very entertaining match watched by a decent crowd from both camps. This win puts Wanderers just ahead of their hosts in the league.

Club sponsor MMMMSEARCH; Ladies sponsor Straps of Gourock and Brow House Cosmetics.