Nine-hour round trip ends in defeat for Mull

BT West Division Three

MULL’S first away match would prove to be their furthest, with a trip to Stranraer to face one of the league favourites Wigtownshire.

The team sheet had a family flavour – with Craig O’ Donnell playing alongside his uncles Stuart O’Donnell and James Gibbons, as well as brothers Angus and Murdo MacLennan.

Well-drilled

A nine-hour journey wasn’t ideal preparation for the team and this showed in the early stages of the match, with Mull conceding 19 points in as many minutes against a strong and well-drilled Wigtownshire.

The situation wasn’t helped with the islanders going down to 14 men. Stuart O’Donnell came off early doors with a knee injury in what was turning out to be an extremely bruising encounter in Burns country. Mull managed to regroup and keep ‘the Shire’ at bay - the first half finishing 19-0.

The second half saw the boys in black and white facing both the wind and a low winter sun. The home side continued their pressure and soon saw them score several more tries.

Mull managed a piece of magic, however, from deep in their half – instigated by full back and captain Sean Black. Some great inter-passing by Mull’s backs was finished off by top try scorer Murdo MacLennan, literally dancing through the Shire defence to score.

Last moments

Some valiant defending on the try line prevented Wigtownshire scoring again until the very last moments when the home side scored – final score 44-7.

Man of the match was Kilchoan’s on-form Ross Rankin.

Mull are on the road again this Saturday, facing Bishopton who currently lie second in BT West Division 3.