Lanark Rugby Club having swamped Hyndland at the racecourse in September by a massive 83 – 0 score line could be forgiven if they felt their return match on the all-weather pitch at Scotstoun would be a mere formality. How wrong they were. Hyndland had different ideas.
Lanark got off to a good start when a fumbled Hyndland clearance in mid field gave Calum Grant an opening for a long run in for their first try. With the ball in hand Lanark’s backs were looking dangerous with Declan Moore finishing off their best move with several handling before crossing for their next. John Pringle found the gap for the third and with Iain Hughes adding two conversions Lanark were well ahead. When Hyndland forwards forced their way over in the final minutes of the half to make the score 19 – 7 matters still seemed well in hand.
A brilliant angled burst by centre Ruaraidh McLatchie who had to beat several tackles to score and a Hughes conversion got Lanark off well on the restart but from then on Hyndland through their forwards were in charge. By the end of the third quarter they had levelled the score with three tries and two conversions. Lanark were being denied possession but got ahead with a Hughes penalty with only six minutes left on the clock. Hyndland looked as if they had sealed victory with a further converted try with three minutes to go to put them 4 ahead. However with the final move of the game and Lanark back in possession Matt Campbell, who had played a stormer throughout, got the break. The conversion gave Lanark the result with the score 36 – 33.
Lanark’s next league game is on the first Saturday of the New Year against Mull at the racecourse. With the teams sharing top spot in the league with Glasgow University Medics this promises to be another tough one to call.
Meantime Lanark look forward to their social event of the year when the Captain’s team play the President’s on the 2nd of January. Everyone is welcome to attend and play/support and toast in the New Year.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all!

Ken Scott
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