Relegation scrap for Irvine RFC

Mar 27 2009 by John Woods, Irvine Herald

IRVINE were sucked back into the relegation dogfight after a 24-17 defeat at Ellon on Saturday. Victory would have assured the Maroons of a place in Premier 3 next season but, after allowing their opponents to run up a 24-0 lead with just 50 minutes gone that idea went firmly out of the window.

Ellon kicked off with the wind and slope at their backs but it took them until the 16th minute to open their account when good line-out ball was fed along the backs and they then cut through poor tackling in the centre to score under the posts, leaving the kicker with an easy conversion.

Irvine had the chance to cut the deficit but missed two penalties and, as the half drew to a close with Ellon camped on the visitors' line, a series of rucks followed with a final break off the back of the ruck saw them score another converted try to take a 14-0 interval lead.

This should not have been a problem for an Irvine side with the elements now in their favour but, just four minutes after the break, the Marress outfit lost yet another line-out ball on their own throw and Ellon passed it back and forth before the wing forward ran in from the 22 to score their third try which, this time went unconverted.

Five minutes later Ellon got their bonus point try after the same wing forward ran round the outside of the despairing Irvine defence for a try in the corner to make it 24-0.

At this point however Irvine finally began to hit back and, even with Morne Strydom languishing in the sin bin, they began to take control with the pack turning the ball over at a scrum and for once passing it quickly right along the line for Kevin Lang to score in the corner.

Robbie Stewart slotted over a fine conversion and, as Irvine mounted an all-out assault on the Ellon line, the tiring home defence were caught offside in front of goal in 61 minutes and Stewart once more made no mistake with the kick.

Ten minutes later, Matt Kenny, playing his last game before his return to New Zealand, broke free from deep inside the Irvine half and took the ball almost to the Ellon line before passing inside to what he thought was his support runners only to the Ellon winger intercept the pass.

However he was caught by the marauding Irvine pack and Stewart ripped the ball clear and rolled over the Ellon line for another try which he converted himself to bring his side within seven for a losing bonus point.

Despite a late penalty miss, the home team then played out the game to condemn Irvine to a real relegation scrap, one point behind Ardrossan and two in front of Ellon in the battle to avoid the last relegation place.

However Irvine do have a game in hand over both teams.

On Saturday, Irvine welcome league champions Kirkcaldy to Marress, while the 2nds entertain Lenzie.

Following the matches, there is the annual Player of the Year event and a race night.

Tickets are still available from Gary Auld on 01294 313644.