Strong attacking play leads to victory for Banff Rugby Club
Banff RFC 47 Mackie Former Pupils RFC 32
Supporters were treated to a great show of attacking rugby in the sunshine as Banff defeated Mackie 47-32 on Saturday.
Banff made changes to the line-up from the previous game welcoming back Ben Collins, Morgan Page and Euan Swan.
The home side had more than 25 players available for this game, making picking a team challenging.
Mackie took advantage of some early possession to kick a penalty and take the lead. This was short lived though, as Banff used big carriers before shipping it wide where Mark Fullbrook hit Collins who went through in the corner.
Banff's forwards entered a period of dominance with Kieran Riddell and man-of-the-match Dylan De Greave carrying well.
The next try came after a break from Angus Swan and Nico Clark, allowing the supporting Robbie Stuart to fire through for his first Banff try.
This was followed by one from line-out, popped down by John Swaffield to Page who wrestled his way through to the line.
Mackie responded with two quick-fire tries though, taking advantage of a high Banff penalty count, making it 21-15 to the hosts on the half-time whistle.
Banff turned on the attacking style in the second half and got their bonus point try when Gordon Robertson chipped over a rushing defence, Euan Swan collected and was through under the posts.
Banff were a constant threat and it was Clark who scored next, unstoppable with ball in hand.
The next try was an excellent piece of play with almost all players touching the ball. At the end of the move, Connor Riddell put Euan Swan through in the corner for his second.
Banff could have had more, with Andrew Morrison and Jimmy Swaffield both going on good runs but were stopped by desperate defending and the referee's whistle respectively. Mackie were under the cosh but responded with a close range try.
The home side's subs all played well, including a big hit from Les Milne, good link play from Adam Kyle and some strong carries from Fraser Stevenson. Page was next on the scoresheet with a barrelling try, taking out three defenders on his travels.
Mackie played well in the latter stages and were putting pressure on the Banff line when Angus Swan was sin-binned for a high tackle. The Stonehaven side got their rewards with two late tries and a try bonus point.
Banff coach Seb Acklaw said: "We went out there and played the way we train and the tries came flooding in."
Banff's next fixture is at home against Moray on Saturday, March 5.