Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Makeshift W/D side show lots of desire
Home side lose out against high-flying Paisley
W/D ......................... 0 Paisley ................... 36
Graham Miller Waysiders/Drumpellier were on the wrong side of a heavy scoreline for the second consecutive week when they went down 36- 0 to visitors Paisley on Saturday.
The home side was patched together, with an astonishing 23 players unavailable, and a number of the second string were asked to step up.
And while the replacements didn’t let the side down, they were soundly beaten by a strong Paisley side who have been on a great run and sit second in the table.
The opening 10 minutes were fairly even then the visitors ramped up the pressure on W/ D, who conceded numerous penalties. From one of these Paisley crashed over the line for a try under the posts which was easily converted to make it 0-7.
From the restart Paisley returned the kick and worked their way back into W/D territory. Some poor tackling allowed the visitors to run in another try to make it 0-12 after 15 minutes.
W/D finally seemed to be getting a foothold in the game when they were pressing on Paisley’s line, but another silly penalty allowed Paisley to clear.
The game then settled into a pattern of good phases from both teams and loose passes allowing the other to regain possession. On the 20- minute mark, however, some slack tackling allowed Paisley to cross the line again to make it 0-17.
Again W/D tried to get back into the game, but the Paisley defence held firm and in the last play of the first half they sealed the bonus point with a breakaway try which was once again converted to make it 0-24.
A similar pattern continued from the restart, with W/D’s defence on top for most of the second half, but despite this Paisley managed to capitalise on their chances, crossing the line a further twice to make the full-time score 0-36.
W/ D second XV manager Gerry Brankin said: “The visitors showed why they are flying high in the league with their performance, but despite the scoreline there were a lot of positives for us.
“The players who stepped up from the second XV showed they have what it takes to perform at this level.
“The commitment from each player in the squad was exemplary with many of them having to play out of position just to get a team on the park.
“Everyone gave their all and that’s all we can ask for.”
Meanwhile, it was better news for a quintet of the club’s Minis, who were victorious on the road against Garnock.
Gerry Brankin said: “A big thanks to Cameron Foot, Matthew Harrison, Joshua Cummings, Fionn McCloskey and Logan Chisholm for attending.
“The lads were joined by different Garnock players so that we could play 10-a-side, making sure all the P4-5 kids were playing.
“It was a great game to watch as the players communicated, supported and got the tackles in where needed, but most of all they had fun.”
In the end W/D came out the victors 10- 6, with points from Matthew Harrison, Cameron Foot, Fionn McCloskey.
Gerry added: “I would also like to thank the players who did not get a try but without their efforts the game may have taken a different turn. So well done Joshua Cummings and Logan Chisholm for your great work.”