CRAIGS ARE THE CHAMPS

0 - 0 • Last updated 3 Apr 2008 14:39

WHITECRAIGS were crowned champions on Saturday after another gutsy performance handed them the title.

Despite facing the daunting task of travelling to a rain and windswept Helensburgh to secure the league the Whitecraigs players pulled off a fantastic win.

Battling against the elements both teams struggled to find any real continuity early on.

But as "Craigs settled - roared on by a massive travelling support - they started to dominate possession and territory.

To the dismay of the expectant crowd, however, it took nearly half an hour before the deadlock was broken with Moffat slotting a simple penalty to open the scores.

Helensburgh hit straight back though and from the kick off won a penalty in Whitecraigs territory and levelled the scores immediately.

After the break Whitecraigs came out with renewed vigour in their bid to secure the title.

Immediately "Craigs started to play at a faster pace and after good driving forward play Hunter was on hand to grab the first try.

The travelling supporters erupted with joy and started to cheer on the players with gusto.

Just minutes later more good work from the forwards pulled the Burgh defence out of position and Smylie nipped through a gap to score.

As Whitecraigs grew in confidence - sensing that the title was theirs - the boys started to throw the ball about.

And it was some excellent handling in the backs that eventually saw Mahindru break the home defence for another try.

The scoreboard kept moving when Moffat added another penalty before the party was started in style with a final try on 65 minutes.

Slick handling in the backs opened up the Burgh defence and Moffat seared through to crash over and secure the bonus point and a 3-32 victory.

As soon as the match was over the champagne started to flow and the team now look forward to starting their assault on National League Division 2 next season.

Head coach Jim Henderson said: 'I"m absolutely delighted to clinch the title and to be going up to the next division as champions sends out a strong message to other teams.

'Some of the rugby we played today in appalling conditions was excellent and I can"t praise the players enough.'

Team - Laidlaw, B. Blamire, McCormick, Grant, Pollock, Adams, Smylie, Hunter, Henderson, Little, Mahindru, Moffat, Hutton, Fisher, Stevenson. Subs - Johnstone, N. Blamire, McKelvie.

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This article appeared in Barrhead News 03 Apr 08

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