Uddingston push West League Division One opponents Clydebank close but ulimately lose out.

Feb 11 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

UDDINGSTON were knocked out of the Scottish Hydro Bowl first round, but ran opponents Clydebank close losing 8-5.

With the Bankies sitting fifth in West League Division One, this was a test of how the Villagers will fare if, as expected, they gain promotion.

This was never going to be a classic of running rugby, but both sides threw everything they had into the match, with Clydebank eventually securing a second-round trip to the Isle of Mull on Saturday.

Clydebank were given an opportunity to break the deadlock in 14 minutes but Ross Moffat pulled his penalty wide.

The visitors continued to dominate the first 20 minutes, but Uddingston’s defence held firm.

Uddingston then grabbed the opening try in 23 minutes.

A penalty for offside was kicked deep into the Clydebank 22 by John Kinnoch to secure a five-metre lineout.

An excellent catch by Donald Haldane gave the Villagers a platform to drive towards the try line and ruck was formed two metres out.

As the cover defence scrambled to plug the gaps Uddingston scrum-half Andy Lowe spotted a gap to wriggle through for the touchdown. Stewart MacKay’s conversion fell short but the Villagers led 5-0.

Clydebank stepped up the pace in the second half and drew level in four minutes when their pack drove over the line, with Scott McIntosh claiming the try. Moffat’s conversion rebounded off the uprights, leaving the score at 5-5.

With the game finely poised both sides knew the next score would win it, and when Uddingston were penalised for infringing at the ruck, Moffat made sure of his kick for victory.