Strathmore secure their league survival in some style

Strathmore…..45West of Scotland….31
Strathmore show the grit and strength in numbers needed to beat the West threat. All pics by John CameronStrathmore show the grit and strength in numbers needed to beat the West threat. All pics by John Cameron
Strathmore show the grit and strength in numbers needed to beat the West threat. All pics by John Cameron

Going into this game, the test facing Strathmore was laid out in front of them.

Beat second placed West and any lingering threat of relegation would be banished and National 2 rugby would be secured for another season.

Saturday’s visitors are a side in form, and were favourites to win, but the Angus side stepped up to the plate and did exactly what was needed.

There was a lot at stake for Strathmore at the weekendThere was a lot at stake for Strathmore at the weekend
There was a lot at stake for Strathmore at the weekend

Conditions for the match were perfect and, roared on by a large home crowd, things got off to the best possible start when James Lockhart exploited a gap in the West backline to score under the posts.

Blair Butchard added the extras.

West didn’t take long to reply but Strath got their noses back in front when Lee Alexander scampered clear.

After a hectic start things settled down before the game was flipped in its head just before half-time when West scored two tried in the space of a few minutes.

West touch down, but it was Strathmore who came out on topWest touch down, but it was Strathmore who came out on top
West touch down, but it was Strathmore who came out on top

Nicky Sutcliffe went over for the first and Donald Morrison the second.

Both tries were converted.

Strath managed to ensure the half-time team talk was a little easier when Butchart scored and then converted himself to level the game at 19-19 at the interval.

Eight minutes into the second-half the home crowd erupted when Strathmore scored the bonus try they craved when Finlay Williamson touched down for a try converted by Butchart.

Two minutes later Andrew Coupar added his name to the scoresheet.

With so much on the line, the Angus players were really digging deep and sensed the game was there for the taking.

Fergus Mitchell added more damage to the scoreline with a try again converted.

All of a sudden the game looked to be beyond doubt with Strathmore holding a 19 point advantage thanks to a stunning 10 minute spell.

Pete Rhodes’ try and Nicholson’s conversion on the hour mark gave West a try bonus point.

But Strath’s Dale Bell quickly added a converted try to again give the home side cheer.

West skipper Scott Cochrane scored another for West.

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