Lanark Rugby Club, having previously beaten Mull convincingly away from home, may have expected an easy afternoon at the racecourse on Saturday, especially when the visitors turned up with only fourteen players. Lanark did win 21 – 18 scoring three tries to two but it was Mull who took the credits being the side in charge in the latter stages.
With Mull unable to field a front row scums were uncontested from the start and with the sides agreeing to pack down eight players each for the set piece this gave Lanark the advantage of numbers in the backs. Unfortunately it was never used to advantage and the day developed to one of unforced errors not helped by some refereeing decisions which at times were difficult to follow.
Mull took an early lead with two penalties before Lanark replied with a try scored by their captain John O’Neil following pressure on the Mull line. Andrew Angus made the running for the next score immediately after and with Iain Hughes converting both the score was 14 – 6 at the interval. On the restart Lanark added to their tally with Nic Humphries crossing and the Hughes conversion put them well ahead. However Mull weren’t finished and showed their mettle by putting Lanark under constant pressure. A quickly taken penalty from a short way out gave them their first try which was followed by their second at the corner after some good handling. A clean break by Humphries looked like securing Lanark the final bonus try but his pass wasn’t held with the field clear ahead. It hadn’t been a good day at the office. There was relief when the final whistle came.
The result places Lanark at top of their league although others have games in hand. This makes it important to sort out the problems before Saturday’s game at Stonehouse against Clydesdale who have recently been showing improved form. Kick off at 2pm.
Ken Scott
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