IRVINE FINISH OFF SEASON ON A HIGH

0 - 0 • Published 29 Apr 2009 07:00 Comments 1 Comment

See also:

LIVINGSTON 12 IRVINE 37

HIGH-flying Irvine finished off the season last Wednesday night, coming away from Livingston with their second away win and five points in the bank.

The victory took them to the top half of Premier Three, the highest position they have ever occupied.

While some may concentrate on the 'might have beens' noting the poor start to the season and the close defeats, particularly at Morgan and Ardrossan, the outcome of the season shows the fight and resilience, and indeed the spirit, of a team who have now become fixtures in the Premiership. The new Board, which was elected on Monday night, turn their minds now to a new season and to improving the position of the Maroons further.

The Livingston triumph was founded on dominance by the pack, a feature in all of Irvine"s best performances this season. This dominance has allowed the backs the freedom to work their particular magic and so it proved again in West Lothian.

Nine minutes into the game, the pack exerted such pressure from a scrum that they pushed the home team over their line for Ruchin Filander to score yet another try, again converted by the evergreen Robbie Stewart. Robbie followed this up with a penalty to extend the lead but a fine try by Livvy full-back Mick Douglas cut the deficit in half. However, this only delayed the Irvine juggernaught and a penalty from Stewart and, on the stroke of half-time, a try by James Adams, finishing off a switch move by the backs, gave Irvine a comfortable 18-5 lead.

Irvine, however, could not be satisfied with that, having come to Livingston to secure a four-try bonus point. Kevin Lang set them on the way in the 52nd minute with a trade mark burst through the centres to score under the posts and leave Stewart with an easy conversion. Three minutes later Livingston hit back again with another Douglas try, this time converted by Bollan, but Irvine were not to be denied. The pack once again racked up their dominance and it was no surprise when, after a number of Livingston offences on their goal line, the referee awarded Irvine a penalty try, thus securing the bonus. Robbie Stewart converted. Close to the end, Lance Elrick made sure by scoring a fifth try to give Irvine an emphatic victory.

Irvine"s Board want to thank all the coaches, players at all levels, and supporters who have worked so hard throughout the season to make this the most successful in the Marress club"s history, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Marress next season.

This article appeared in Irvine Times 29 Apr 09

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

hsmstyle
25 posts
Dec 15, 06:45
Report comment

If desired dress sweet yet stable, calm texture may wish to use the longchamp bags to play mature, as the first impression. Which, longchamp le pliage tote, longchamp le pliage handbags, longchamp le pliage Hobo best selling series. Even if you do not have doubts longchamp Le pliage series of quality and capacity. Because you believe it is really worth. See longchamp sale, you will understand everything!

Recommend? Yes 0 No 0

Follow @irvinetimes

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.