Weak-as-water Strathmore are shrugged aside by W/D

Nov 5 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

W’siders/D’pellier ........31Strathmore ....................3

WAYSIDERS/DRUMPELLIER RFC warmed up for this Saturday’s test with the league leaders by thrashing sorry Strathmore.

Jon Shaw’s men were always in control at Langloan as they racked up a bonus point victory.

Captain Neil Logue scored two tries with Shane Armitage and David Milne both chipping in with one apiece.

The steady boot of Phil MacKenzie kept the scoreboard ticking over as W/D recorded their fifth win in eight National League Three outings.

Now a trip to table-topping Lasswade – who boast a 100 per cent record from nine games played – lie in wait for Shaw’s troops.

The head coach said: “I was delighted with the result and the performance from the boys was probably one of the best produced since I took over.

“We knew they would be stuffy but everyone fronted up and the gameplan was executed well.

“I thought Strathmore played quite well but we could have added another 10 or 12 points to our total.

“We had some good individual displays and Phil was outstanding and it was the best he has played in a long time.”

On the game at Lasswade, which will kick-off at 1.30pm, Shaw said: “They have recruited some big-time players but we know they can play.

“It will be a tough game but we will change our structure in terms of dealing with their attacking threat.”

Playing conditions were excellent for the visit of Strathmore but W/D were dealt an early blow.

MacKenzie slotted over a penalty but the referee wiped out the points after appearing to spot an infringement.

W/D kept their cool and pushed forward with a series of scrums until they were on the visitors five-metre line where Armitage burst through and scored.

A conversion from MacKenzie made it 7-0 but the gap was reduced to four points when the Forfar outfit nailed a penalty.

W/D would enjoy their half-time break, however, as they scored again. A Brian McMillan crossfield kick led to Logue touching down with MacKenzie adding the extras.

The home side’s forwards were getting through a power of work up-front and another penalty award saw MacKenzie make it 17-3.

Strathmore were wilting under pressure from W/D who extended their advantage when Logue intercepted the ball and bagged an easy try.

There was still plenty for W/D to play for in the closing stages as they hunted for a fourth try in order to secure a valuable bonus point.

And centre Milne, following an impressive passing move, came up with the goods when he drove over with MacKenzie converting.

W/D’s efforts saw them climb into fourth place in the table on 26 points, 15 adrift of their opponents this weekend.