A GREENOCK Wanderers select side made up mainly of reserve and under-18 players enjoyed a sizeable victory over touring English side Weston at Fort Matilda on Saturday.

The fixture was arranged as a lunchtime kick-off to accommodate the touring itinerary of the Hertfordshire club and as a warm-up match ahead of the main event of the afternoon, which was the screening of the Six Nations rugby international between Scotland and Italy in the Octavia Terrace clubhouse.

The match was a clash of two styles as the bigger and stronger English side tried to dominate up front, whereas the smaller and lighter locals planned a fast flowing and open approach to the contest.

As it transpired Wanderers’ tactics paid dividends as they ran in a number of tries and impressed with an entertaining brand of rugby that was appreciated by the crowd in attendance.

Some top-rate individual performances were posted by those in the black, gold and red shirt and in particular under-18 players Chandler Donnelly, Luthais Arthur and Grant Bell all showed that they will be major assets to the senior squad next season.

Donnelly had a fine game at scrum-half and displayed admirable distribution off both hands.

Arthur’s penetration through the central midfield channel was a major feature of the game and Bell played like a seasoned campaigner in the second row as opposed to an inexperienced youngster.

Elsewhere, Scott Bellew, pictured, recorded a man-of-the-match performance and he was supported by Fraser Docherty, Jack Dale, Cammy Docherty and Hamish Allen whose contribution laid the foundation for success. For the record, tries were scored at regular intervals throughout the match and Arthur and Fraser Docherty each recorded a brace and Dale, Bellew, Allan and Cammy Docherty also got on the scoresheet.

Weston recorded two goals and a try to account for their 19 points but were well beaten in the end in a match that was played in excellent spirit and well marshalled by local referee John McIntyre.

Another big weekend of rugby action is planned for Fort Matilda this week starting on Saturday as Wanderers’ top team host Ardrossan and the reserve side also play at home against table topers Marr.

On Sunday the ladies’ team are under the spotlight as they host Annan and Caithness in a Tri-team tournament which promises to be both entertaining and competitive.

Wanderers are sponsored by Texas Instruments.