PICTURES: Moray triumph over Highland seconds in top of the table clash in Tennent’s Caledonia North Region League Division 2
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A strong second half performance by Moray at Morriston last weekend, saw them win the battle of the leading two teams of the Tennent’s Caledonia North Region League Division 2 by a score of 28 points to 20.
In the 3rd minute, the home side took a 3-0 lead when full-back Rory Millar landed a penalty when the Raptors were caught offside only for it to be reciprocated 12 minutes later for 3-3.
For the next 20 minutes both sides tested each other out without any further scoring.
In the 32nd minute, however, the Inverness side nosed in front with a converted try and six minutes later they extended that lead to 3-17 when their full-back carved a good line through the defence to score another converted try.
In the final play of the half, Moray reduced the lead. A penalty was given, six metres out and in front of the posts. A scrum was taken and No 8 Connor Cameron picked and driven to a ruck. Ball was quickly moved from the break-down to centre Cameron Hughes out wide and he made the line for an unconverted try and 8-17 half-time score.
Within three minutes of the restart, the lead was reduced further. A strong forward drive was moved wide to wing Lewis Scott. With the defence approaching, he chipped then regathered the ball and went for the line. A last line of defence did not complete the tackle and he quickly got up and made the line. Millar landed the conversion for 15-17.
In the 48th minute, Moray took the lead. Play advanced to an attacking line, eight metres out. Clean ball was taken off the top and the forwards made a number of drives for the line but were held out. From a ruck, the ball was moved quickly wide to wing Lewis Hay who managed to make the line in the corner for an unconverted try and a 20-17 lead.
The Elgin side continued to press but in the 65th minute, Highland levelled the score at 20-20 when a penalty was landed from 30 metres out.
Both sides went for the win but defences stood strong. In the 77th minute, the home side breached into the 22 and were awarded a penalty for ‘not rolling away’. Millar stepped up and landed the kick for a 23-20 lead.
From the restart, Moray regathered the ball and ran at the defence. The ball was slipped to captain and hooker Marc Higgins and he made huge inroads into the defence before setting ruck.
Ball was swiftly moved through hands to Scott who went for the line only to be stopped just short. Ruck was set and Hughes chose the perfect moment to pick up and drive under the defence to score. Millar’s conversion attempt rebounded off the upright and the final whistle went with Moray securing the 28-20 win.
Having started the day 11 points behind Highland, they could not have asked for a better result. Five points was secured with their win and four-try bonus and their rivals had missed out on any bonus points. Moray are now six points behind with two games in hand.
It had been the usual tough encounter between the two teams but Moray had shown great character and desire in grinding out an important win.
This Saturday, Moray undertake the long journey to Shetland and will come up against a team who have a great home record but they are playing well and will go confident of getting a result.
