Clydebank Rugby Football Club put on an attacking masterclass at the weekend with a stunning 68-5 home win over local rivals Helensburgh RFC.
Looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing 16-0 loss away to Wigtownshire, the Bankies first XV welcomed Burgh to the Community Hub, with Clydebank Titans youngster Adam Poole team mascot for the day.
With Helensburgh running out 14-10 winners when the sides last met back in October, Clydebank were gunning for revenge.
Bankies last home match saw them win 39-0 over Waysiders/Drumpellier RFC and they set out to emulate that result, attacking Helensburgh from the off.
Head coach Robin Coates’ side have been playing with a flair and sharpness at home, and that was clearly evident in a dominant first period with their scrum and support play unmatched by the visitors.
Bankies captain David Kirkwood, supporter by Coates and Euan Cuthbert, had his side flying as they raced into a 28-5 lead at half-time.
With the bonus point secured early on and tries mounting, confidence was building among the Bankies forward line with James Kelly and Ross Short adding to the score.
Playing some of their best and most expansive rugby of the season, Clydebank went on to record the resounding win with Finn Valentine and Short bagging a brace each while Jack Johnston, Joe Moore, Ian Helpburn, Kirkwood and Cuthbert also getting in on the act. Coates, who converted nine times, also bagged a try as his side eased to the impressive win.
Clydebank will be hoping to take that form on the road this weekend as they make the trip down to face Cumnock RFC.
Earlier on Saturday, Clydebank’s second XV played host to Paisley.
With both sides cancelling each other out, the opening 20 minutes was a fairly even affair.
Clydebank’s more mobile forward pack were beginning to dominate possession which, in turn, provided a good platform for the back line to exploit the wide pitch.
Up the other end, the Bankies defence were outstanding as they repelled a 20 phase attack to deny the visitors.
With possession and pressure mounting, Sam Bissett, Lewis McLeod and Michael Muldoon had a field day in stretching the Paisley defence.
Tries started to flow for Clydebank’s relentless second string as they coasted to a fine 42-21 victory.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here