Match report: Birkmyre 10 – 40 Strathendrick

Birkmyre 10 – 40 Strathendrick
Arnold Clark West Division 2
Saturday, 21st September 2024
Birkmyre suffered their 4th league defeat on Saturday at home to top of the table Strathendrick, by 40 points to 10. The match was far closer than the result would indicate with the visitors only leading 13-3 at the half.

Three tries in the final 10 minutes however, took the game away.

The opening period was very tight with possession shared evenly for the first quarter. However, Strathendrick did look the more likely to score and on the 15th minute, they ran in the first of their 6 scores. Having pressured in the Birkmyre 22, they pounced to score direct from a scrum 5m out. Birkmyre, however, closed the gap only a couple of minutes later when skipper, Ross Moglia, slotted over a penalty from in front of the posts.

The game remained fairly even for the next period with play moving to both ends of the pitch. However, the side from Fintry extended their lead on the 29th minute after a period of sustained pressure saw them work the ball wide to score near the corner. Shortly before the half, Birkmyre gave away a soft penalty and Strathendrick opted for the 3 points. The favour was then returned just before the whistle however, Birkmyre’s kick slipped wide.

Birkmyre were optimistic they could turn the deficit around however shipped a further 3 points only 3 minutes into the half. However, shortly thereafter, the visitors were reduced to 14 players due to a yellow card. Birkmyre grasped that opportunity and using their forwards, rumbled down the pitch and eventually, Liam Nicholas powered over the line from close range. Moglia converted to make it 10-16.

Unfortunately for the home side, the momentum was short lived as Strathendrick replied with a further try of their own 4 minutes later. In spite of this, Birkmyre remained in contention, however were struggling to breakdown a tough defence. By the 70th minute the scoreboard had still not moved, then Strathendrick scored their 4th try to effectively kill off the game and with the result slipping away, Birkmyre lost two more tries before the final whistle.

Birkmyre now sit in 8th place in the league and are away to Cumbernauld on Saturday, who are one place below them in the table.

Photo Credit – Fiona Wallace