Uddingston Rugby Club fall from top of league

Nov 12 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

UDDINGSTON slipped from the top of the Scottish Hydro West League Division Two after Strathaven ran out narrow winners in Saturday’s derby at Whiteshawgate.

Having shared eight tries and 56 points in their previous league encounter, supporters of both clubs arrived expecting another afternoon of open, running rugby – but it wasn’t to be.

Heavy rain left the pitch soft and muddy, while the slick ball made handling difficult. It was no real surprise, therefore, when the half-time whistle sounded with the score deadlocked.

Much to the frustration of both sets of supporters, the second half started in much the same way with neither side able to get sufficient momentum to make the breakthrough.

Uddingston thought they had broken the deadlock on 55 minutes when Neil Convery crossed, but the referee decided the ball hadn’t been grounded, awarding a five-metre scrum instead.

The Villagers’ frustration increased when photographic evidence was produced that appeared to show that the ball had, indeed, been touched down.

Five minutes later Uddingston were awarded a penalty, but Stewart Mackay’s kick fell short.

With time running out, it was increasingly obvious that the first score would win the match, and Strathaven took the honours.

Having been awarded a penalty, Uddingston kicked for the lineout but failed to find touch and the ball was run straight back at them.

Colin Macrobert made good ground before popping back inside. Davy Pate took a pop on angle from Joe McCallum, beat his man and darted round the posts to score, with Lewis Ferguson converting.

Uddingston threw everything they had at the Strathaven try-line in the closing stages, but were unable to find a way through.

The defeat sees Uddingston slip to second in the table, three points behind Moffat, but crucially with a game in hand. Strathaven, meanwhile, sit comfortably in fifth.