Two of the normal Presidential Party were away to Gay Paris for the weekend (Forbes & Eric), some say for Rugby, others St Valentines Day so it was left to the other 3 regulars, led by Hon Pres Percy to make the trip to Oban.

With a 1.30 KO it was an early start and after a stop at the Green Welly we got to Oban without McT being sick.

We were on the main pitch which had been under water for most of the week but the ground staff had obviously been working their wellies off as the pitch was in remarkably good condition considering the recent weather.

So off we go and within 4 minutes Mark Taylor went over for the opening score after a quick ball from the scrum, ideal start but no conversion O – 5.

Oban’s forwards then replied in 9 minutes with a try between the posts which was converted, 7 – 5. Oban gained confidence and for some time we were under considerable pressure. After 19 minutes Davie Whyte collected the ball after an outrageous pass from Danny and romped home to score, which he converted, 7 – 12.

It was another 10 minutes before Robbie intercepted on the half way line and, although he assured us later that he was pacing himself, it seemed to take another 10 to cross the line. Davie Whyte converted and the score stayed at 7 – 19 until halftime.

The second half had barely started when Andy Fleming got a really sore one on his right hand and had to come off. This was just one of those things and the match, whilst very hard, was played in a truly competitive and good spirit.

Andy and I then stood behind our posts for the remainder of the match as nurses Cameron & Gossman tended to our wounded soldier.

The players decided to keep Andy and me company for most of the rest of the game by staying at that end of the pitch.

This was unnecessary guys. I can assure you that I would have enjoyed it far more if you had been at the other end. It all happened because Oban really came back into the game in the second half and they did get their reward with a score in the last minute.

Final Score Oban 12 GHK 19



El Presidente (rtd) Napoleon

GHK Team

A Fleming, M Taylor, D Whyte, D Hoffman, K Gossman, R Stewart, M Aird, A Forbes, G Reid, S Cameron, E Thow, H Parker, G Woolard, A McTavish, M Borthwick Replacements C Harvey, S Louden, C McLay

This article was posted on 18-Feb-2009, 11:47 by Hugh Barrow.