The Banff outfit began the near 400 mile round trip on Friday evening, as they set out to secure victory in a double headed fixture that would gain the victors both a second round Caledonian Regional Bowl place and their first league points of the season. Having seen reigning league Champions Garioch RFC slip up a week earlier, the Banff squad averaging 23 years of age aimed to capitalize and gain a foothold in Caledonia Division 2 North.

Club captain John Swaffield, now in his second term of office, led a motivated Banff side out just two hours after completing the Ullapool to Lewis crossing on Saturday afternoon. Both sides looked to build on their respective preseason preparations and the intensity quickly built up to realize the usual overall high standards of Caley 2 rugby.After conceding an early penalty, which foreshadowed the afternoon’s events, Banff offered Stornoway the chance of an easy 3-0 lead, which they took 15 minutes in. With the importance of the clash very much real in the Banffers’ minds, the lads plugged away displaying raw power at the carry brought by front row players Kewley, Christie & Ferrier. Glimpses of talent were also shown in the backs – unfortunately to no avail - with the Swan brother trio delivering runs either side of a missed Stornoway penalty.

Midway through the first half, however, Banff forwards braced over for the teams first try of the afternoon. Kewley was the man to calmly set up, before Nico CLARK carried over the Stornoway line to budge the scoreboard toward 3-5. Stand in 10 Angus Swan dropped short the difficult conversion. Both defenses kept tight in the remainder of the half until a kicked Stornoway penalty saw the scoreboard grind to 6-5 into Half Time.

Immediately from kick off Banff stormed up the pitch in powerful forwards carries. Debutant O’Reily and Portsoy man Murray chipped in well. An error in judgment from the backs in the proceeding moments, though, moved the match very much into the home sides favour when a stray pass was intercepted and run in by the Stornoway outside centre for their first try. A huge half therefore began with bleak heartbreak as the kicker added the extras the make it 13-5.Banff pressed for a try to cut the deficit but time and time again momentous pressure failed to turn to points and Stornoway cleared. With the clock ticking youngster Robbie Barclay and Macduff big man Duncan Boag were introduced to the pack.

Tired legs were punished by a move on the left wing, which clinically delivered a nail into Banff’s coffin in the shape of a try and conversion that took play to 20-5 with 25 minutes to go. True perseverance, spirit and fight pushed Banff on now and doggedly Euan SWAN touched down to conjure some hope. A missed conversion meant Banff had 10 minutes to summon at least 11 points for victory. Stornoway’s defense remained too resistant as Banff tried everything; the Islanders held on for a 20-10 win.This Saturday Banff travel to Shetland in a second consecutive away fixture, this time needing the points to fuel a league resurgence.

Banff squad; Kewley, Christie, Ferrier, Murray, O’Reily, White, Clark, Swaffield, Barclay, Boag, Hamill, Morgan, A.Swan, E.Swan, L.Swan, Davidson, Allan

Match report written by Lewis Swan

Banff Rugby Club

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