From the outset, it was clear this would be an attritional battle, with Danny MacGregor carrying hard but meeting equal resistance from the Stornoway defence. Stornoway themselves looked sharp, and had a couple of excellent breaks, one of which needed a last man tackle from the excellent Tain Cooper to stop it. The Islanders then took advantage of their momentum and scored a try to open the scores.

Following a successful Jordan Risdon penalty, the first Banff break of the was from Angus Swan down the middle of the park, stopped only by the last gasp defence. As Banff's big carriers Gregor Smith and outstanding man of the match, captain Ben Collins ploughed towards the line, Collins was stopped just short, but the quick thinking Kieran Riddell dived over the line to score the opener which was converted.

Stornoway then scored a penalty before taking the lead, with a short ball to a forward crashing over. After half time, Stornoway scored again to go 24-10 up, leaving Banff truly on the ropes.

Momentum for Banff came with a powerful run for Peter Legge, the big centre taking out his opposite man and making great yards. This seemed to bolster great carries from Jack Smith and Sean Clark who both had excellent games. Banff secured a line out, with Banff's John Swaffield and Cooper flawless at the set piece, and after a Scott Duncan carry it was scrum half Kenny Mathieson who outfoxed his opposite man to go over.

After another neat penalty kick from Risdon, Banff were within 4 points and momentum was with the home team. Chris Hay, Connor Riddell and Pete Legge were making great yards. Sean Clark also turned back the clock with a galloping break down the middle. It was Connor Riddell who delighted the hundreds of Banff supporters with a try, taking a pop from Keith Sutherland and stepping over for the lead, Risdon converting.

As the game edged towards the final whistle, Stornoway perhaps let the pressure tell, Banff stealing two line outs and winning 2 important penalties to move up the park. Before the end of the match, Jordan Risdon slotted two penalties, putting Banff nine points clear. Even a last minute yellow for Hay was not enough to let Stornoway back in to the game and Connor Riddell turned the ball over and kicked it out to seal the Bowl for Banff.

All in all, this was an excellent day at the club, with players, friends and family, sponsors and volunteers making the atmosphere at the club electric.

Banff have won the Cale North Bowl, but are now also through to a natinal semi, where they will face either Hillfoots, Lochaber or Earlston in a semi final on March 29th, with the winners going to Murrayfield!

Coach Robbie Stuart said "It was an excellent performance, I couldn't be happier."

Captain Ben Collins said, "It took two teams to make a great final so credit to Stornoway. Our boys played out of their skin today."

Club President Alexandra Harris said "I am immensely proud of the team today, and a huge thanks to all club members for their hard work behind the scenes.

Banff Team - Clark, K.Riddell, J.Smith, Cooper, G.Smith, John Swaffield, Sutherland, Collins(c), Mathieson, Risdon, McCafferty, MacGregor, Hay, Swan, C.Riddell. Subs - Christie, Duncan, James Swaffield, Sivewright, Maclean, Legge, Forrest.

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