BIRKMYRE Rugby Club rounded off their 2024 league fixtures in style with a commanding 50-14 victory over Clydebank, wrapping up the game with a dominant first-half display that saw them score six tries from five different players.

Although the second half was a more evenly contested affair, Birkmyre’s early control ensured the result was never in doubt.

It took just two minutes for the visitors to open the scoring. After winning a penalty 10 metres out, Birkmyre elected to tap and go, working the ball wide to captain Ross Moglia, who dived over in the corner.

(Image: Fiona Wallace) David Cruickshank’s conversion narrowly missed.

The second try followed in the eigth minute through scrum-half Lewis Higgins;  Clydebank attempted to clear their lines from a scrum on their five-metre line, but Birkmyre recovered possession 35 metres out.

Paul Carruth made a strong run to within three metres of the line, allowing Higgins to pick up and go for a clinical finish. This time, Cruickshank added the extras.

(Image: Fiona Wallace) Birkmyre’s relentless pressure continued, and Ross McDonnell was next to score after sustained forward dominance.

The bonus point was secured by the 23rd minute when Paul Carruth powered through the Clydebank defence to cross the line.

From the restart, player of the match Owen Nicholas charged 40 metres before the ball was worked wide.

Louis Hoodless carried play to within five metres of the line, and Ross Adam finished off the move with a simple try under little pressure.

(Image: Fiona Wallace) A second converted try from McDonnell rounded off a near-flawless first half for Birkmyre, who led 38-0 at the break.

The second period was a tighter contest, with Birkmyre making several errors early on. Clydebank broke through in the 57th minute, their centre racing 60 metres to score under the posts.

Birkmyre regained momentum late in the game, extending their lead in the 72nd minute when Findlay Reynor capitalised on a defensive slip to gather a loose ball and score unchallenged.

Two minutes later, Callum Moglia put the result beyond doubt. Big John Wilson gathered a Clydebank kick-off and popped a smart pass to Reynor, who worked the ball wide.

(Image: Fiona Wallace) Moglia finished brilliantly, breaking tackles from 25 metres out to score near the posts.

Clydebank had the final say, scoring with the last play of the game, but the result was long settled.

Birkmyre end their year in fifth place in West Division 2 on 25 points, with their next match, on January 11, at home to sixth-placed Irvine, who are just two points behind.