WHITECRAIGS 66 - 7 MARR

WHITECRAIGS clinched promotion on Saturday in a performance hailed as “a master class in running rugby”.

A 10-try blitz from the home side ripped apart an under strength Marr team as the West Lodge men continue their march towards the league crown.

From the off ‘Craigs looked hungry and determined to kill off any lingering doubt from the home support about their championship credentials.

After just five minutes Moffat carved through the hapless Ayrshire defence and touched down under the posts to start the rout.

As ‘Craigs started to throw the ball around they perhaps became complacent and let Marr hit straight back with a score of their own.

But this was to be the last glimpse of the visitors as an attacking force as ‘Craigs stepped up another gear.

Mofat was at the heart of everything positive from ‘Craigs and he again split the defence before offloading to Fisher for another score.

Two quick-fire tries from Stevenson and Mahindru followed, ensuring that the crucial bonus point was secured after just 30 minutes.

The rampant home side still had time to touch down again before the break when excellent handling in midfield by Hutton released the outside backs and Smylie trundled over.

With the score at 33-7 at the interval the game was finished but a relentless home side set about increasing their advantage.

Just five minutes in Fisher danced down the wing, beating three men, before a deft inside pass to Nicky Blamire allowed the sub to dive over.

The game slowed up for the next 20 minutes but ‘Craigs found a late surge and scored four tries in quick succession.

First an exquisite cross-field kick by Little handed Moffat another try before Hunter, Pollock and Stevenson concluded the scoring.

As well as two tries Moffat was on target with the boot, slotting eight out of his 10 conversions to leave the final score at 66-7.  

Head coach Jim Henderson said: “We set out to get promoted and that’s what we’ve done.

“Today’s performance was a master class in running rugby but we still want to clinch the title next week.”

Team: Laidlaw, B. Blamire, McCormick, Grant, Pollock, Adams, Smylie, Hunter, Henderson, Little, Mahindru, Moffat, Hutton, Fisher, Stevenson. Subs – Johnstone, N. Blamire, McKelvie.