Clydebank Post | Sport | BANKIES SECURE CHAMPIONSHIP

Sunday, 20th July, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 16th April, 2008 10:00

BANKIES SECURE CHAMPIONSHIP

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BREAKTHROUGH: A Clydebank player breaks an Uddingston tackle

Uddingston 3 Clydebank 25

CLYDEBANK 1st XV turned in a well oiled performance to clinch the West Division Two Championship.

Despite a nervous build up, the Bankies win was never in doubt and the trophy was added to the 2nd XV championship secured last week.

They will now look to build on the strong base of young players at the club with a return to Division One.

The match itself was a fine performance to watch with a frantic start, a controlled middle and an ecstatic finale.

Ross Moffatt kicked the Bankies ahead but there was to be no avalanche of points despite the high tempo. Instead, Uddingston drew level with a penalty of their own on 20 minutes.

But Clydebank soon scored the first try of the day. Great rampaging play by the forwards led to a break by Ross Moffat from the back of the maul who, despite a stumble, slid over the line.

Forward Scott McIntosh was at the heart of a number of charges and it was he who crossed for the second try on the 30 minute mark, after David Bell had kicked good lineout position.

Clydebank were in total control and on half-time, scored try number three. Ross was twice involved, breaking down the wing then making himself available as the ball was spun wide. He looked to have been tackled but showed great slight of hand, releasing an inside pass for Euan Cuthbert to carry over the line.

While the second half was less eventful, Clydebank maintained control.

The four try bonus point was in sight and after Vinnie Nellis’ effort was ruled out, it was soon forthcoming, courtesy of Michael Starkey.

His score was the signal for supporters to unwrap the bottles of champagne while SRU official Eddie Crozier tied the ribbons to the cup.

After the on pitch celebrations, the club held a ceilidh to mark the two title wins.

Clydebank 1st XV: Baxter, Shearer, Hill, Cuthbert, Ross, Starkey I, Andrew, McIntosh, Moffatt, Bell, Flanagan, Watson, Dry, Miller, Starkey M, Baillie, Kyle, Moore, Dow, McKee, Smart, Nellis.

• Clydebank 1st XV are back in action this Saturday away to Portobello in the semi-final of the National Plate competition.

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