Weary Moray worn down by police raids
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NORTH Police Scotland proved too strong for Moray in their final game of the season on Tuesday.
With Moray still feeling the effects of the dash to Aberdeen after work and the lack of warm-up time, the home team took early advantage by landing a penalty and scoring three tries in the first 15 minutes to go 20-0 ahead.
Moray then forced their way to an attacking scrum, 15 metres out. The home side managed to turn the ball over but the attempt to clear was charged down by Connor McWilliam who managed to collect the ball and score a try, converted by Rory Millar.
On 26 minutes a converted try extended the police lead before Moray scored a second when Gareth Dunscombe was quickest to react and scored an unconverted try following a second charge down near the home line, leaving the half-time score at 27-12.
The early part of the second half was dominated by the police who used their height in the line to good effect and they went 37-12 ahead with two unconverted tries. But a strong passage of play gave the Elgin side good territory and following a quick tap at a penalty in the 22, Harvey Freeman barged his way through the defence to score. Jonny Haslam added the extras for 37-19.
Around the midpoint of the half, the Aberdeen side added two unconverted tries in a six-minute period through strong scrummaging and hard running.
Moray were down but not out and dominated the game in the last quarter. In this period, they had a number of opportunities and did get over the whitewash when Harvey Freeman breached the defence with another strong run to score a fourth, converted try for 47-26 and secure a bonus point.
The police side had thoroughly deserved their victory as they had played some good strong and open rugby. The Moray side stuck in, played well in the latter part of the game and that determination earned them a bonus point.
This concludes the 15s season for Moray but there are 7s tournaments to compete in with the first of these at Morriston this weekend.
Moray’s player of the year award was presented to Jonny Haslam at last Friday’s awards dinner. Ian Austin landed the most improved player prize which was presented at Tuesday’s match.
