Emphatic win for Rams

May 8 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

URGED on by yet another impressive crowd, the Rams took a few minutes to settle before the inspired boot of Michael Lockhart bisected the posts to give an early lead.

As is customary, the visitors struck back immediately but their riposte was rewarded by Moffat stripping them of possession. Alex Jefferson launched and chased down a monster ‘up and under’' and the ball was shipped to Clint Smith who bludgeoned his way over the line.

Eight points were increased to ten by the Lockhart size ten. At this point it seemed that the visitors would be overwhelmed as Moffat dominated all phases of the game.

However, the men from Braidholm put up stern resistance throughout and had in their ranks some very talented and determined players.

Each attack mounted by the visitors was repelled with interest by Moffat.

Constant home pressure saw the lead stretched by a penalty from half way and at 13-0 up the Rams captain, Jamie MacDowall went off injured and was replaced by the rapacious Kyle Thorburn.

Almost immediately a concerted team effort saw a bewildered Scott Galloway driven over the line for another home try and the full seven points were assured as Lockhart converted.

For good measure a further penalty from the 22 saw half time arrive at 23-0.

Moffat pressure continued as before and stubborn resistance from the visitors thwarted their efforts for the first 15 minutes. However the inevitable result of such arttrition was a superb score on the right wing from Kyle Thorburn who had taken up this position as a reshuffle of personnel took place without damage to the overall strength of the side.

Graham Gemmill then came on as a replacement and replicated the Thorburn try on the other wing after a superb feed from Scott Galloway put him clear. The conversion followed and a final score of 35-0 put the Rams in great heart for the final game of the season.

That match is against the Isle of Arran at the Holm pitch next Saturday.

Arran have requested an early kick-off to suit ferry times and this is not yet finalised. The kick-off. time will be on the club website.