GREENOCK Wanderers’ Under-16s finished their season in fine style by winning the SRU West of Scotland Under-16 Bowl in front of an enthusiastic and vocal home support.

Uddingston provided some strong opposition, showing why they were rightful West of Scotland Division Two winners.

However, a fast and skilful Greenock side were always favourite to come out on top despite the windy conditions at Fort Matilda.

Greenock started with the wind at their back and ran in three tries within 20 minutes of the first half with no response.

Some strong attacking play and determined rucking and scrummaging allowed the Greenock side to take control of the ball, enabling fluid play to be built up from the backs.

In a typical move, the back-line shipped the ball from a Greenock scrum along the line where Scott Boyle ran in the first try of the day in the corner following some great handling.

A further two tries of a similar nature including a second for Boyle kept the pressure on the visiting team.

Uddingston then re-grouped with 15 minutes to go and defended well in their own territory and Greenock were only able to stretch their lead by one further try towards the end of the half.

Flanker Sam Muirhead burst through the Uddingston defence, diving over the line to score.

Going into the second half and 20-0 ahead, Greenock faced strong wind and a determined Uddingston side who used their physicality to good effect, putting in a typical forward’s try within minutes of the restart. Greenock, however, rallied and a break through the centre allowed the ball to be passed wide to the right wing where Andrew Guthrie dived over the line to secure a further try.

With the strong wind against them there followed a tense last 20 minutes for the Greenock youngsters, who defended their 22 resiliently.

The youngsters’ defensive alignment was on-form, with defenders quickly getting into position. Although Uddingston couldn’t find a way through the home defence, they were gifted a series of penalties as Greenock strived to win the loose ball.

Uddingston worked the penalties through their forwards, however Greenock’s line speed and defensive pressure resulted in some squandered chances for the visitors. A strong kick for clearance from Greenock was blown back deep into the home side’s half and the relentless attack eventually paid off for the visitors with another forward’s try coming through a penalty to Uddingston 10 metres from the try line.

The visitors worked short ball leading to a maul which was bundled over the try line by Uddingston to reduce Greenock’s lead to 15 points. The last five minutes saw Greenock camped out in their 22 with some excellent scramble defence work from all the players.

With the game deep into stoppage time, Greenock showed their mettle under intense pressure, eventually forcing a dropped ball from Uddingston which led to the final whistle being blown and cheers from a jubilant home support.

Under-16s team coach Kenny Lang said: “It was a great final played by two very determined teams.

“I was very pleased at the resolve we showed and our organisation, particularly in defence. The result, as good as it is, is as always secondary to the performance and I couldn’t fault that today.

“A huge thank-you has to also go out to our supporters who are second to none.” This is the final game in Greenock Under-16s calendar and the team now join the seniors section as part of the Greenock Wanderers Colts/Under-18s set-up.

Greenock Wanderers are sponsored by Texas Instruments.