Greenock Wanderers score six tries in win over Whitecraigs

Wanderers’ determined team effort was helped by the inclusion of several stalwarts who had a marked impact on the performance – though the hosts again suffered a slow start, and the visitors, who were playing into the elements, played most of the first five minutes in the home team’s half.

The hosts slowly worked their way into Whitecraigs territory and were rewarded with a try through the backs for McGroarty in the corner, with the conversion giving Wanderers a 7-0 lead.

Wanderers ran in six tries for their first win of the season. (Image: alex craig)

It was turning into a very entertaining match despite the elements, and both defences were on top; it took until the 21st minute for a further score and it was for the home side after some good passing through the backs allowing Tyley to run in.

The visitors were bright and breezy and had some passing ability in the backs which led to a score in the 24th minute to bring the score back to 12-5, but some crashing runs from Robb, McDonald and Hoodless in the forwards set up Robb for the hosts’ third score.

Though Wanderers were on top for much of the first half, Whitecraigs defended gallantly and and forced their way up the pitch to score on half time, reducing the hosts’ interval lead to 17-10.

Greenock made light of some tricky playing conditions in Saturday's clash. (Image: alex craig)

Despite facing a strong wind and persistent rain, Wanderers started the second half in positive fashion and added to their tally when McGroarty crossed for a fine finish to earn the hosts a try bonus.

Wanderers put themselves in a good deal of grief when Hopkins and Robertson were yellow-carded for a high tackle and a ruck infringement, and with only 13 men, and despite some desperate defending, Whitecraigs added a third try to make it 22-15.

And two minutes later the visitors capitalised further on their two-man advantage by earning themselves a bonus point try under the posts, with the conversion tying the scores with 10 minutes to play.

The exciting clash featured plenty of end-to-end rugby. (Image: alex craig) But Wanderers made changes, with McDougal being replaced at scrum-half by Knox, and the hosts rallied really well from inside their own half when the backs ran the ball through their hands, allowing Tyley in to jink his way under the posts for the hosts’ fifth score.

The last five minutes were absorbing end-to-end rugby, with both sides looking for further scores, and to the delight of the home support it was Wanderers who had the final say when centre Houston ran over to score the final try right on the full-time whistle.

Credit to both sides for an entertaining match in the conditions and Wanderers took a lot from their team performance, which should set them up nicely for their next match away to Hamilton Bulls on September 21.

The try bonus win moved Wanderers up to eighth place in the National 4 standings. (Image: alex craig)

Elsewhere, Wanderers’ second XV enjoyed a 21-19 win over Hillhead, while the under-18s lost 31-5 to Cartha.

On Sunday the under-16s defeated Bishopton, though the under-15s were beaten by Cambuslang and the under-14s lost narrowly at West of Scotland.

The Ladies’ Aspiring League squad played a friendly on Sunday against Mid Argyll and East Kilbride.

Greenock’s club sponsor is MMSEARCH; the ladies’ sponsors are Straps of Gourock and Brow House Cosmetics.