Close call for Banff RFC
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Banff RFC 33 - 39 Moray RFC
Banff RFC Men's side finished the year with a closely contested defeat against Moray on Saturday, claiming two bonus points for their troubles.
Moray started the game the brighter side, and took advantage of possession with two tries in the corners.
Banff responded though, Ewan Shearer passing to Connor Riddell who slid past two defenders for his ninth try of the season.
Ben Collins was close to scoring too, but was pulled back for a knock on. Moray then got their third try before half time.
Banff came out for the second half with intent and were next to score in this end to end contest.
After Robbie Stuart, Kieran Riddell and Dylan de Greave went close, it was powerful centre Pete Legge who smashed over, Gordon Robertson converting.
Moray then scored from a superb break to stretch their lead again.
This was followed by a period of niggles as Banff were agrieved by off the ball incidents as the contest became fiery.
Banff's scrum with Les Milne and Liam Ross held well, allowing the next try, a short pop from Angus Swan finding brother Euan Swan speeding on a short line underneath the posts.
Banff brought on pace in Chris Hay and Sean Chalmers who along with Mark Fullbrook covered kicks well. But it was Moray again who took advantage of penalties to score I the corner.
Shearer then was sin binned for ten minutes for an off the ball incident.
Banff continued to battle on though with good momentum provided by Jack Smith, Jimmy Swaffield and Josh West before Ben Collins took the ball from a quick tap penalty and reached out to touch down on the line.
Xav Kelly then hit Euan Swan on a sweet line to score another great try.
Kelly converted his third to make the game 33-39 but time was called by the referee on a thrilling contest.
Coach Seb Acklaw said "It’s been a pleasure to have seen out another season with the lads.
"I’m looking forward to next season already and I know that if we all put the commitment in consistently from the beginning then I’m confident we will smash it."
This result means Banff's 15 a side season is over with Banff sitting fifth in a competitive Caledonia 2 league.
There will be a memorial Ten a side tournament on the 23rd of April and the club will be open with the big screen for the last two weeks of the 6 Nations.
