High-flying Eagles down spirited Colts
Published 26 Jan 2012 13:00
Dundee Eagles 27, Wanderers Colts 0
GREENOCK Wanderers Colts were one of the few teams in Scottish club rugby to beat the weather on Saturday.
They made their way to Mayfield Playing Fields where they faced Dundee Eagles in another warm up match ahead of their Scottish Under-18's cup tie against Highland at Inverness on Saturday 18 February.
Unfortunately for Wanderers, it was a losing performance but in defeat the Colts had several stand-outs who gave a good account of themselves which augurs well for the forthcoming cup clash.
Up front skipper Martin Rainey, Anton Ward, Joe Samuel and Hamish Allen all posted solid individual performances but the locals were predominantly starved of ball throughout by a dominant Dundee pack.
The Wanderers forwards worked hard to contain a strong home scrummage but inevitably, as the game progressed, the Eagles pressed home their advantage and enjoyed the lion's share of possession and territory and with it came the points that separated the sides.
A converted score, a try and a penalty was just reward for the Eagles superiority in the first half and the 15 point lead at the interval was well deserved.
In the second half, Wanderers were forced to live off scraps of possession and it was no surprise when the hosts added to their tally with another two tries, one of which was converted to complete the scoring 27-0.
The Colts stuck doggedly to their task and took some credit from their committed display but ultimately couldn't cope with a more powerful Dundee side.
The locals enjoyed a late rally which should have brought points but stout defence by the hosts'ensured that Wanderers went home empty-handed.
Colts coach Graham Knox, pictured, said: "We give credit to the boys for their effort and commitment but we were second best on the day.
"With meagre rations of possession, our backs had little opportunity to show what they are capable of. Irrespective of the defeat it was another worthwhile exercise and another learning curve ahead of the cup tie at Canal Park in February."
- Wanderers are sponsored by Texas Instruments.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 26 Jan 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
