Moray were victors by 38 points to 5 in a very hard-fought Caledonia League Division 1 local derby fixture against RAF Lossiemouth at the camp last Saturday.

Picture gallery by James Officer:

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The visitors got off to a great start when after only 2 minutes, prop Mark Taylor made a barnstorming run from the halfway, only to be halted 5 metres out. The ball was moved quickly to wing Lewis Scott who broke the tackle and scored an unconverted try for 0-5.

The RAF side, who had the wind behind them, used this to force Moray back into their 22 for a 15 minute spell but the defence stood strong and repelled any attack at the line.

In the 20th minute and somewhat against the run of play, No 8 Neil Alexander intercepted on his 22 and made the home 22 before being tackled. The ball was moved wide right through hands before being returned left and when the Lossie full-back deliberately knocked-on the scoring pass, a penalty try was awarded for 0-12.

Ten minutes later, the Elgin side added a third. A high tackle penalty in the 22 was kicked to touch, 5 metres out. Clean ball was taken at the line-out and a drive set. As the forwards progressed slowly towards the line, wing-forward Kris Morrison broke and made the line for an unconverted try and 0-17, the half-time score.

In the 49th minute, Moray progressed to an attacking scrum, deep inside the 22. Clean ball was taken and the ball moved to centre Ben Taylor coming at pace and he set ruck, 5 metres out. The ball was shipped to stand-off Cameron Hughes on the blindside and he broke the tackle and made the line for the bonus point try. Full-back Rory Millar added the extras for 0-24.

The visitors were now in control of the game but the RAF side were determined to get back in the game and in the 64th minute, the big forwards crossed the whitewash for an unconverted try, reducing the lead to 5-24.

The home side continued to press and some uncharacteristic mistakes by Moray gave them some good field position but the defence was up to the task and gave no quarter.

In the 75th minute, Alexander ripped ball on the half-way and a quick pop to Taylor saw him make ground before releasing the ball to wing-forward Finnley Cameron to run outside the last man and score under the posts. Millar converted for 5-31.

Moray added a sixth try in the final play of the game. Play had progressed into the home 22 where they were pinged for a high tackle. Hooker Marc Higgins took a quick tap and ran straight at the defence and in the tackle was able to offload to Scott who broke the last tackle to score, his second. Millar added the conversion for a final score of RAF Lossiemouth 5 Moray 38.

It was a hard-fought contest in blustery conditions which made handling and line-out throwing difficult. The Moray forwards handled the bigger Lossie forwards well, the all-round defensive display was excellent and they made the most of their opportunities in attack.

This Saturday will be another tough fixture for Moray when they welcome close rivals Highland Raptors to Morriston in the league. Kick -off 3pm.

Moray Women and Moray 2nds also begin their league campaigns this Saturday. Both games are also at Morriston with the Women hosting Highland at 12 noon in Caledonia North Division 2 (Women’s) and the 2nds hosting Inverness Craig Dunain at 3pm in Caledonia North Division 2 (Men’s).

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