Report by Callum Robertson
Dyce RFC travelled to the Woodend pitches in Banchory to play local rivals Deeside RFC in GW 4 of the Tennent’s Caledonia League 4 North. The scene was set for a cracking game with the well looked after pitch and perfect autumnal weather. With both teams going out looking for their second win of the season in a tight league it was sure to be a good competitive contest.
Dyce were under pressure straight from the kick off with Deeside playing narrow by picking and going up the pitch. Sturdy defence saw Dyce hold the hosts off but struggled to win back and hold possession. Dyce back rower Rowan Myers put in some big hits around the park stopping Deeside players in their tracks. Dyce played well off Stand Off David Hay but couldn’t break the Deeside defence. Dyce were put under pressure at the breakdown by the hosts, leading to slow ball recycling and ultimately turnovers.
After an entertaining first half an hour, Deeside managed to break the line with #8 scoring a try close to the posts. The seemingly easy conversion was charged down by a quick thinking (and for once not injured) CJ Thompson. Dyce, whilst playing within themselves, showed resilience in defence within their own half to keep it narrow on the scoreboard before heading to the sheds at half time.
HT: Deeside RFC 5-0 Dyce RFC
Dyce started the better of the two teams after the interval and drew level on the 45th minute. An excellent chip over the top of the on-rushing defence from Fly Half David Hay saw Full Back CJ Thomson get to the bouncing ball first, fly kick through and fall on it to score a five pointer for Dyce. David Hay converted the try with a challenging kick to put the visitors ahead.
Not to be outdone, the host responded in the best fashion possible with #11 going over to score a converted try after 51 mins. Almost from the restart, Dyce was awarded a penalty and a great kick from the Captain put another 3 points of the board for Dyce.
Despite a penalty opportunity to retake the lead, David Hay saw a long distance effort not quite carry over the posts despite being accurate.
Deeside were still holding majority possession controlled the game for long periods in the second half.
The lads pushed on and tried to get some more scores in but failed to capitalise. Deeside went on to score another unconverted try in the closing moments to take the match away from Dyce, denying them the losing bonus point.
FT: Deeside RFC 19-10 Dyce RFC
MoTM: Rowan Myers
DoTD: Callum Robertson (SNAP Sponsorship)
A difficult day at the office for Dyce but the boys know what needs to be done at training to prepare for Moray 2nds coming to Central Park on the 3rd November where they will be looking to get back to winning ways.