PICTURES: So close to glory but Moray Rugby Club lose out on National Shield Triumph at Murrayfield as Cumnock snatch victory with last-gasp try
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An 82nd minute try saw Cumnock edge out Moray by 34 points to 32 in the final of the National Shield at the Hive, Murrayfield last Saturday.
A fantastic travelling Moray support of around 300 descended on the Hive, Murrayfield and in the 10th minute were treated to their teams first try.
A break up the left side by full-back Rory Millar was taken to a ruck by wing Lewis Hay. The ball was moved quickly and after a number of drives for the line, the ball reached centre Cameron Hughes and he broke three tackles to score. Millar added the conversion for 0-7.
In the 24th minute, the west region club replied. A break up the left side saw the wing offload inwards to the open side wing-forward on a good line. He nearly knocked-on but gathered at pace to score an unconverted try for 5-7.
The Elgin side were having the better of this half but just couldn’t find the final pass. In the 35th minute, an injury to wing Lewis Scott saw him leave the field and a penalty for offside awarded. Millar stepped up and landed the kick for 5-10, the half-time score.
In the 42nd minute, Moray extended their lead. A break from inside their own half saw wing-forward Finnley Cameron take the ball into the 22, to a ruck. Ball was moved wide to the other side of the field to prop Mark Taylor who scored an unconverted try for 5-15. Unfortunately in the process second-row Hugh MacRae picked up a leg injury and had to leave the field.
Ten minutes later, they added another. A penalty was conceded after a good break into the 22. A quick tap penalty was taken and centre Connor McWilliam took a good angle and set ruck just short. The ball was moved quickly to Hughes who, in contact, pirouetted and made the line for an unconverted try and 5-20.
In the 56th minute, a drive through the middle was set, then opened and McWilliam put No 8 Neil Alexander into the gap to score another unconverted try for 5-27.
It had been a purple patch for the Elgin side but three minutes later, Cumnock reduced the lead to 12-27 when they got over the line after a number of forward drives.
Five minutes later, they narrowed the lead further when after getting field position following a penalty, 30 metres out, they drove then opened the ball wide to score. When the conversion was landed, the lead was reduced to 19-27.
Moray returned to the offensive. In the 70th minute, a scrum 5 was picked and driven then opened to McWilliam coming at pace. He was stopped just short but quick ruck saw the ball moved to Hughes who threw a long pass for prop John Westmacott to score out wide. Millar narrowly missed the wide conversion kick leaving the score at 19-32.
It looked a healthy lead but as Moray had done to opponents in the quarter-final and semi-final, Cumnock produced a really strong final 10 minutes and scored 3 unconverted tries.
The first was scored after a number of drives in the 22 and then the ball released wide. With the conversion missed, it was 24-32.
In the 76th minute and following some strong running, they mode their way back into the 22. Although Moray repelled attacks for the line initially, Cumnock found a way to cross the line and score an unconverted try for 29-32.
In the last play of the game, the Elgin side conceded a penalty in the 22. The west side decided to run and drove at the defence. Defenders were dragged in and when the ball was moved wide, the wing had just enough space to get in at the corner to score the deciding unconverted try for 34-32.
It had been a gut wrenching finish after having been in pole position for most of this match. Much credit goes to Cumnock who had shown great spirit to get over the line. It was a great final and both teams put in maximum effort and left everything on the field. The Moray team received a standing ovation from their supporters and the team really appreciated their backing and support throughout this National Shield adventure which will live long in memories.
Moray are back to play-off business this Saturday when they have the opportunity of promotion to National Division 4. To do so, they need a win against Panmure at Morriston. Kick-off for the last game of the season is 3pm.
