Rugby: Late score deprives Bannockburn of win

Aug 25 2010 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

Bannockburn 24 Jordanhill Phoenix 29

A LATE score deprived Bannockburn of a victory in a close-fought friendly.

A penalty kick by scrum-half Robert Kimmitt, seven minutes from time, looked to have given Burn victory but the visitors came back well and took advantage of some tired tackling with a winning converted try.

The game, which was split into four quarters rather than two halves, was Burn's last friendly before the start of the league campaign.

Some good surging play by the home pack forced Phoenix to give up a sequence of penalties in their 22. Stand-off Euan Wilson scored the game's opening try with a tap-and-go penalty from close range. Kimmitt added the extras.

The visitors fashioned two scores with some direct running in midfield to end the first quarter 12-7 ahead.

Burn came back into the game with some direct running and powerful tackling. Replacement loose forward Stephen MacDuff made an impact with some big hits and his back row colleague Chris Collins claimed the game's next score.

Number eight Nick Cram started an attack 30 yards from the Phoenix line. Collins held off three tacklers to charge under the posts for an outstanding score. Kimmitt again converted to put Burn 14-12 ahead at half-time.

Phoenix fought back with strong, direct running and good offloading in the tackle, which Burn found it difficult to cope with.

Two scores in the third quarter put them 22-14 ahead and seemingly well placed to secure victory.

It was Bannockburn, however, who made the better start to the fourth quarter and their positive play was rewarded when winger Tony Vines ran on to a pass from Kimmitt at pace and wriggled over, despite the attentions of several tacklers. The conversion brought Burn to within one point and they were to go ahead minutes later, when Kimmitt converted a penalty.

The late score proved that Burn still have work to do if they are to challenge for league honours in Caledonia Division 3 this season.

Vines earned man of the match for his try-scoring performance.

Bannockburn now take a week off before welcoming Panmure to Bluebellwood for the opening league fixture on September 4.

Club training is at 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Visit www.bannockburnrfc.co.uk for more information.