Vital victory

Oct 29 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

STRATHAVEN grabbed a vital win in their Scottish Hydro West League Division Two clash against Cowal in windswept Dunoon.

With several players injured or unavailable, coach Colin MacRobert reshuffled his side, with captain Willie Steele starting and Gavin Donald coming into the back row.

Strathaven won the toss and elected to play into the wind, hoping to wear down Cowal and use fitness and the elements in the second half.

This ploy worked in the end but a first half full of mistakes made grim viewing for the travelling support as two Donald McIver penalties gave the hosts a 6-0 interval lead.

Strathaven started the second half in much more determined mood, with James Cow using the boot to keep Cowal back deep in their 22.

The first try wasn’t long in coming, with winger Stuart Alder going over from close range, with Lewis Ferguson converting for 7-6.

Duncan Simpson suffered an eyebrow cut but after being patched up he seemed more fired up, attacking with pace and power, knocking his opposite man over to go over for the second score. Simpson’s kick this time hit a post.

The third try was a gift when a misplaced pass from Cowal slid over the try line and scrum-half Gordan Howatson dived on the loose ball.