Moray Rugby Club run in nine tries to defeat Stewartry in first Arnold Clark National League Division 4 match on Morriston home pitch in 14 weeks
In their first home game at Morriston in 14 weeks, Moray comprehensively defeated Stewartry by 59 points to 12 in their latest Arnold Clark National League Division 2 fixture.
The Elgin side started strongly and after 5 minutes, following a penalty, progressed to an attacking line, 18 metres out. Clean ball was taken and driven before the ball was moved to centre Connor McWilliam and his delayed pass picked out full-back Douglas Ireland to break the line and score. Wing Rory Millar added the conversion for 7-0.
Ten minutes later, a move up the blind saw scrum-half Cameron Ireland pass, loop and regather the ball to create the space to score an unconverted try for 12-0.
A break from inside their own half in the 18th minute saw wing Lewis Hay receive a floated pass and he had the pace to make the line out wide. Millar landed the difficult kick for 19-0.
Three minutes later, Stewartry narrowed the lead to 19-5 when they scored an unconverted try after some continuity driving play in the 22.
In the 24th minute, a break up the left wing by Hay was halted but a ruck set. The ball was quickly moved wide to Millar who returned the ball back inside to supporting wing-forward Kris Morrison and he made the line for the bonus point try. Millar added the extras for 26-5.
The Castle Douglas side came more into the game in the final ten minutes of the half and scored a converted try to leave the half-time score at 26-12.
In the 46th minute, Moray turned over ball in the opposition half and a quick pass reached hooker Marc Higgins playing his last game after 23 seasons at the club. He broke tackles and ran in the try from the 22. Millar added the conversion for 33-12.
The home side were dominating and in a 3 minute spell around the 60 minute mark added two further tries, both converted by Millar, for 47-12. The first came from a drive in the 22 with prop Mark Taylor taking the final pass and barging his way through the defence and over the line. The second also came from good driving play in the 22 with No 8 Joe McLean having the strength to get over the line.
A miscued clearance by the visitors in the 64th minute was fielded and second row Jake Devlin drove the ball back, through defenders only to be stopped five metres from the line. He set ruck and the ball was quickly moved wide for Douglas Ireland to score his second of the afternoon, an unconverted try for 52-12.
In the final minutes of the game, the home scrum took ball against the head in the opposition 22 with a strong drive. McLean pick up at the base, drove round the side and offloaded in the tackle to Cameron Hughes. The centre went for the line brushing off a number of tackles to score under the posts - 326-game Higgins landed the conversion for a final score of 59-12.
It had been a good all round display by the Moray side scoring nine tries and although Stewartry had remained in touch at half-time, they were starved of ball in the second half with the home side dominating the play and running out comfortable and worthy winners.
This Saturday, Moray have the long trip to play second place Ardrossan in their final away game of the season. Moray 2nds are at home and play Stornoway. Kick-off is 13.30pm.