Match Report Here

Both teams turned up with big squads to play on a nice firm pitch on a sunny afternoon.  Paisley was strong in the forwards, but it was all a bit of a mish mash in the backs, with Duncan Carswell playing at stand-off for the first time.  Two players made their debut for the club – Euan Smith and Jack Naysmith.          

Irvine started the strongest, dominating possession and after a mix up in the Paisley backs line scored a try on the wing.  About five minutes later Irvine broke out of their 22 and their wing was sure to score until Jack tap tackled him five metres out from the Paisley line.          

The home team started the second period poorly and conceded a soft try through weak defending, but bounced back by keeping possession and after mounting pressure in Irvine’s 22, Colin MacKay picked the ball up from a ruck and drove over the line for a score.  Gary MacDonald continued to get the back line moving and 5 five minutes later Grant Bennett scored from a number 8 pick up at the scrum to level the score line.          

Half way through the final third and against the run of play Irvine scored a try after some shocking decision making from the Paisley backs inside their own 22.   Our boys rallied with determination and piled the pressure on Irvine for the last ten minutes.  The visitors conceded a penalty inside their own 22 and with a minute on the clock Duncan got the ball to David, who got it to Jack out on the wing, he managed to stay in touch and the recycled ball ended up with Thomas Craig who’s strong drive took him over the try line for a score. 

DOTD went to the referee on the day, but has since been given to Cammy McAuley, who in his excitement on witnessing Thomas score, turned and hugged an Irvine player!

MOTM went to Grant Bennett for his outstanding defending. 

Final Score   Paisley 15 – 15 Irvine (Points awarded to Paisley)