Tennent's West One

IRVINE 5

ALLAN GLEN'S 22

IRVINE's New Year bounce came to a shuddering halt as they faced promotion-chasing Allan Glen’s at Marress.

This match however showed the advance of the local team, especially in the pack.

The first half was essentially even, with three attacks over the 40 minutes leading to close quarter scores. Seven minutes in the visitors, who had controlled the ball from the start, drove over from a ruck close to the line for their first score through flanker Sam Morrison, which went unconverted.

Irvine then hit back and challenged the Glens line for much of the next twenty minutes, which eventually led to Chris Raymond breaking through four tackles to touch down the equalising score. This went unconverted and proved to be Irvine’s only score of the match.

Glens then took over and battered the home line, giving them a second try just before the half through centre Michael Reilly, and a lead of 10-5 at half-time.

In the second half, the powerful visiting pack gradually took control, while Irvine could not find the moves to unlock the tourists’ strong defence.

In 52 minutes, the promotion chasers scored their third try through Reilly’s fellow centre Levi Ekavati, and five minutes from time Irvine’s weakening pack were driven into the ground from a five metre scrum, referee Eddie Ingram awarding a penalty try. This gave Glens their bonus point and a 22-5 win.

This week, subject to the weather, the 1st XV visit league leaders East Kilbride, and the 2nd XV, challenging for promotion, visit Clydebank hoping that the Bankies can put out a team.

Saturday’s opponents Uddingston failed to put up a team for their visit to Marress, a disturbingly regular event this season.