Highlands Seconds 29 Moray 10: Caledonia North Region rugby returns
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MORAY Rugby Club returned to action on Saturday – going down to a 29-10 defeat against Highland Seconds.
The Raptors looked a much-changed outfit for their opening match of the Tennent's Caledonia North Region campaign, with a handful of regulars missing.
The first points were scored on eight minutes as Rory Millar's penalty gave Moray a 3-0 advantage.
Moray came close to going further ahead on 14 minutes. After snuffing out a dangerous Raptors attack, with a strong tackle on his much larger opposite number, debutant winger Lewis Hay charged up the pitch and was only denied by the full-back and covering defender prevented him from popping the ball inside to support for what would have been a wonderful try.
Highland got on the board after 23 minutes when heavy pressure from a line-out, five metres from the try-line, led to an attempted clearance kick being charged down in the in-goal area. A further clearance attempt failed and the home side were first to react and secure an unconverted try for 5-3.
With half-time approaching, a long, speculative kick through from the Raptors half-back crossed the try line – but, controversially, the referee said the ball was not touched down by Moray and was still live. The home side reacted quickest, regaining possession and adding seven points for a half-time score of 12-3.
Moray would have been looking to bounce back immediately but within four minutes of the restart they had fallen further behind. A miscued clearance was gathered and the defence was opened up for 17-3.
On 53 minutes, Moray got themselves back into it the game. A secured line-out, 10 metres into the opposition half, gave quick ball to the backs. Centre Connor McWilliam came in on a great line to commit the defence before popping the ball to Jake Devlin for a converted score and 17-10.
Highland replied quickly and restored the fourteen-point advantage from a free kick at the ensuing restart. A quick tap in midfield and the ball was moved through hands. Although held up just short, the ball was popped back inside for the score and 24-10.
The hosts were in control now and on 67 minutes, a quick tap sent the strong running left wing to score in the corner for 29-10.
Highland looked for more but to their credit Moray kept them at bay thereafter, even launching a final attack from their own line in the dying minutes which unfortunately came to an end just short of the line, leaving the final score at 29-10.
Moray host Shetland at Morriston tomorrow with kick-off at 2pm.
