Banff RFC 17 v 10 RAF Lossiemouth RFC

In a league game dedicated as a memorial to Gary Banford, William Ferrier and Andrew Murphy, Banff RFC Men's took the win dramatically against a strong and committed Lossiemouth side.

The first twenty minutes of the game was a real battle, with Banff seeing much of the ball and making half breaks through Gordon Robertson, Chris Hay and Jack Green. Dogged defense from both sides kept the scores level until Lossie opted to kick a penalty, which gave them the lead.

Banff's scrum and lineout were a massive strength, with props McCallum, Ferrier, Smith and Clark strong and Liam Ross hitting Robbie Stuart and Kieran Riddell at the lineout. Mark Fullbrook also had plenty of work at fullback and he kicked well to fend off Lossie attacks.

After one of Banff's quality lineouts, they attacked the line, going close. Risdon's pass went to ground, but man of the match Ben Collins kicked and regathered and no-one could stop the Welshman as he scored his third try of the season.

As Banff were in the ascendancy, they were shocked as a Lossie forward slipped a tackle and ran through from twenty yards, letting the RAF take the lead.

Banff's forwards continued to work well, with Rees and Ferrier constantly carrying. Banff were living dangerously at times though and needed turnovers from Collins and Swan to survive Lossie attacks.

Jordan Risdon equalised confidently for Banff with a tricky penalty before Banff took the lead again with a try. Great runs from Connor Riddell and Collins took Banff to metres out before Pete Legge popped to David McRitchie close to the line to put Banff seven points up.

The game was not short of drama and the bumper crowds at Duff House watched as Lossiemouth fought back hard. Repeated penalties brought them close and on the last play of the game Lossie made one final burst for the line but were held up by Banff's desperate defence.

Overall, this was a great tribute to those remembered in this memorial game. Banff coach Seb Acklaw said "It was a fantastic performance from start to finish and the guys should be proud of themselves."

Next week Banff take on Mackie RFC at home with a 12.00pm kick off.

Banff Team - McCallum, Ross, Ferrier, Rees, J.Swaffield, Stuart, K.Riddell, Collins, Swan, Risdon, Green, Robertson, C.Riddell, Hay, Fullbrook. Subs - Smith, Clark, McRitchie, Morrison, Golebiewski, Legge.