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 Mull had a pretty make-shift side going to Oban for the tournament; you could say that it was not a selection of Seven’s specialists. We all arrived at the ferry with a tired Alex Craig – tired because he got a call from Dave The Vice at 5am trying to explain (in drunken English) that he was not able to come to tournament due to car problems! Like the true Captain he is Craigy convinced Dave and Rudi that there attendance was compulsory and, low and behold they turned up in Oban on time. The draw saw four leagues of three teams and Mull were drawn with “The London Boys” (not quite as gay as they sounded) and “Oban Exiles”. The first game was against the London Boys and a miraculous hand off on Derwyn and missed tackle (also by Derwyn) let the team down who lost 3-1 on tries, with Rudi scoring. The next game was against the Oban Exiles and Mull raised there game but were not good enough to beat the Oban team, Richard Douglas scored a consolation try; Derwyn made a couple of try saving tackles to redeem himself slightly for the previous game; and Rudi and Dave got involved in possibly the most embarrassing moment in rugby when the both tried to kick the ball clear under the posts but only succeeded in kicking each other and giving the ball straight to the Exiles player who was almost too embarrassed to cross the line and score between the posts. Rudi then retired from the tournament with and injured ankle. This was not the end of Mull problems: Alex Craig picked up a “bruised heel”; James Gibbons injured his knee; James Grieg injured his pinkie finger; Richard Douglas got a sore toe (which could have been avoided had he thought to cut his toe-nail) and Derwyn’s rugby boot starting disintegrating. This all meant that Mull went into a knock out stage with “Oban A”, “Oban B” and “Mid-Argyll” for the glamorous prize of “A Bottle”. Oban A beat Mid-Argyll in their semi and Mull were drawn against Oban B…next came the second most embarrassing moment in rugby when a 22 stone Oban B forward broke through the Mull defensive line and left Alex Craig eating his dust by out-pacing him to the line. Richard Douglas got his second try of the day before half-time to keep Mull in the contest, the effort near killed him and he needed to go off for last-minute addition Douglas Swinbanks. The Mull bench were left subjected to Richard’s sore toe for the second half while the rest of the team soldiered on. The change proved to work for the Mull side as Douglas was given a pass from Derwyn to leave him a clear run for his first try of the game, he then got his second from a caught re-start and completed his hat-trick when he picked a good running line to collect another pass from Derwyn and burst through the Oban B line. Alex Craig made up for his humiliation using his deadly side-step to break through for Mull’s fifth try of the game. The final for the bottle saw the Mull team looking tired. Derwyn’s boot gave in during the first half despite being held together (somewhat appropriately) by “Fragile” tape; and Richard Douglas managed another consolation try, but Oban A proved to be the stronger (or maybe just fitter) team. The Mull squad (coached by Reay Whyte) consisted of: Alex Craig James Greig Stuart O’Donnell James Gibbons Derwyn Hewitt Dave Downham Robbie Strachan Rudi Drake Richard Douglas Douglas Swinbanks 21st April 07 - Cowal v Mull Lost 36 - 12 It started off a perfect day, the sun was shining and the birds were singing. Our coach had clearly had a good night's sleep and was a bright and breezy, ready to motivate the team to victory. However, when we got to the ferry we discovered that there were only 13 people who were able to turn up for the game Not to let spirits be dampened everyone tried there best on the ferry to find somebody who could play, if this meant talking Spanish Gibberish down the phone then that is what was done. There were, unfortunately, no players available. The bus journey down to Dunoon was about a periless as being a British news reporter in Iraq with as the breaking distance was, at best, about one mile. Not to be put off by this our driver still thrashed the bus to a top speed of 20mph to get us to Dunoon slightly later than we intended but at least we were alive We then met former team member, Budgie, who arranged for the local constabulary to provide us with a welcoming committee – and even let him try on one of their outfits. With only 13 players to work with team selection was quite tricky. But, as Mull have a reputation for fat hookers, Fraser MacKinnon was given the No.2 jersey to secure his position in the front row for the future. Gibby moved into stand-off, David MacLennan returned to play full-back. Ben “The Hero of Jura” Wilson made a come-back, to show what a great guy he is, and play in the back row with John Patterson and Captain Alex Craig. James Grieg played, despite doctors orders, as prop along with Javier – James’ comment of “I can’t tackle, but can only try to get in the way” was met with no surprise what-so-ever, but the baffled team were still appreciative of his commitment to the club, not quite the equivalent of Ben Wilson saving the Isle of Jura but a good effort. Cowal started the game enthusiastically and a missed tackle allowed the first try to be scored. Their second came from the fact that Mull were players down and the overlap allowed their backs to get a try in the corner. With the score at 12-0 Mull upped the pressure that resulted in the Cowal stand-off knocking the ball on two yards from his own try line and, like whippet on speed, Stuart O’Donnell collected the ball to power over the line and score a try between the posts. Disappointingly, however, Cowal scored another try from the kick-off when players were too slow to support Matt-Attack after he caught the re-start. With a disappointing first half over, a few encouraging words from Dave the Vice and Gibby helped focus the team to play better in the second half, spending a lot of time in the Cowal half of the pitch. There were a few good runs from the centres Dave Downham and Rudi Drake - and a couple of hospital passes Richard Douglas showed some of his pace but a bit more confidence might have stretched the Cowal backs. However, it proved to be one of those days when Mull gifted Cowal a pass that was intercepted for an easy score. Matthew Drake had another good game in the lineouts but one took a bad bounce to land in the oppositions’ hands for another easy try - despite Alex Craig's best efforts to stop it. On a good not the game ended with a triumph on strength and physical conditioning when Derwyn Hewitt forced his way over the try line following a well worked Mull maul. There can not be too many complaints about the way Mull played as the biggest let down, once again, was the lack of players who are able to commit to away games. Although most were able to say well in advance, which is fair, there were a couple who pulled out at the last minute when the club needed them most and this is a real shame for all those who do their best for the club. 24th March 07 - Mull v Cowal Win 14 - 6 To give everyone an idea of how the game went i'll give you the words of encouragement we received from the referee before the game.... "i have not done this in quite a few months"
I think, in reality, a few years (or ever) would have been more accurate The result was that the game was never allowed to flow and both sides were left perplexed when the whistle blew and a call was given. 3rd March 07 - Calder v Mull Lost 0 - 8 The team left Mull on the 7am ferry, full of confidence, with a couple of young players ( Ben Bolton and Richard Douglas) making well deserved starts on the wing and at fullback. Mull were to face Calder RFC, whose ground was nearly 3 hours from Oban.On arrival at Calder, Mull, who were already on a tight time schedule, found out that the referee was running late and realised that they would have to play a shortened game. This would prove to handicap the mull team, who pride themselves on their stamina and who always come into their own in the second half. As Mull made their way to the Calder pitch for a, longer than scheduled, warm-up, it was clear that the pitch was a DISGRACE. The pitch would also prove a handicap for the Mull team, who undoubtedley have the fastest backs and the most mobile forwards in the leauge. The match, which would last only 40 minutes, got underway. After 30 seconds, what started out as a game of rugby, turned into a muddy Royal Rumble, with Calder winning 8-0, even though Mull dominated in every area from start to finish. Even though the Mull players were rightfully feeling slightly dishartened, in true Mull spirit, did not complain ( unlike other teams they have recently faced!!) Mull now look forward to facing Calder again on the 17th of March. On their home ground and on a decent pitch, Mull will show why they are the most under-rated team in scottish rugby. 17th Feb 07 - Mull v Clydesdale Win 28 - 27 Mull entertained league leaders Clydesdale at Garmony in their fist game of the new year, and it was clear from the kick off that the lack of match practice was going to be a real issue, and after a scrappy first ten minutes which saw both teams rack up the error count a high ball that eluded full back Malcolm MacDonald was pounced on by a Clydesdale back and over for the first unconverted score of the day. Mull were contributing to their own downfall, with a defensive line as crooked as a dogs hind leg and the two Clydesdale centres were lost with all the space on offer, Mull were trying to return the ball with good runs from wing Derwyn Hewitt and centre James Gibbons but another high ball and a lucky bounce that evaded Robbie Strachen on the wing led to another score for the visitors and non existent defence from a ruck led to another, and with 5 minutes remaining of the first half Clydesdale had run in five try’s and one conversion, with Mull’s only score a penalty from stand off Ali Whyte, 27-3 Clydesdale, Mull were looking dead and buried, but the best was yet to come. *** What followed next was something never seen before in Mulls history *** Mull kicked off the second half, and straight away were piling pressure on to a clearly tiring Clydesdale pack, Robbie Strachen was replaced by youngster Richard Douglas and good forward play from Donald Morrison, Sean Olsen, and James Greig kept mull creeping forward with excellent ball retention. And it wasn’t long before man of the match Phil Tiernen broke through from a ruck and fed Captain Alex Craig for Mulls first try, converted. Mull were controlling the play well and a non existent defence in the first half was now solid with James Gibbons and David Downhan restricting the Clydesdale backs attacking options. More good forward play and support from scrum halve Stuie O’Donnell led to prop Xavier crashing though from a ruck for Mull’s second try. It was clear that the visitors pack was out on its feet as they started to kill the ball and concede penalty’s, Ali white kicked the closest of these to bring the score to 27-18. Mull were dominating the line out through excellent stealing from Matthew Drake and spoiling from Angus MacColl it wasn’t long before Phil Tiernen dived over from five meters out for a well deserved score which was converted. Mull were now three points from victory and they were going to get it as Clydesdale conceded a penalty with five minutes to go right in front of the posts, which was slotted coolly through by the Mull stand off, the visitors had no reply for this and Mull finished the game running out 28-27 winners. If there was any question about the character of the Mull players it was answered in emphatic style today, and be warned those who play Mull they just won’t lie down and go away! story by James Greig 4th Nov 06 - Mull v Millbrae Lost 25 - 17 28th Oct 06 - Oban v Mull Lost 28 - 8
On arrival at the Oban ground the adult Mull team were just in time to see both Mull junior teams win their respective tournaments.Both under 13's and under 15's teams won their round-robin competitions against teams from Oban,Caol and Lochaber. After a good warm-up Mull were all set for the kick-off,but Oban were nowhere to be seen.Oban finally took to the pitch 15 minutes late,and the game got under way (was it bad time keeping or FEAR that kept Oban in their changing room!!) Mull won the toss and decided to kick.After several days of heavy rain the Oban pitch was seriously muddy which would suit the much heavier and less athletic forwards. Mull came out with all cylinders fireing but their momentum was very quickly stalled when less than 2 minutes into the game young David MacLennan,playing at inside centre,went down with an injured knee. David was taken to Oban Hospital for an X-Ray.Derwyn (Deathmachine) Hewitt came off the bench and onto the wing while James Campbell moved to inside centre. 5 minutes in and Oban gave away a penalty. Ally (Mod-Hero) Whyte proved he not only has the voice of an Angel but a great right boot as he easily converted,giving Mull a well deservedlead.Mull held onto this lead for more than 30 minutes until the Oban Stand-off skinned Gibby to cross the line.Mull conceded another soft try before Halftime giving Oban a 14-3 lead. In the second half the Mull forwards continued to dominate their larger opponents,which led to a great interception try from Colin MacPhail. Two tries for Oban late in the second half made the final score 28-8 to the Home side.This greatly flattered Oban Lorne,as the Mighty Mull more than held their own against a team that is two leagues higher than themselves. story by Captain Craigy 21st Oct 06 - Hyndland v Mull Win 11 - 8 30th Sept 06 - Mull v Strathclyde Uni. Postponed 23rd Sept 06 - Mull v Glasgow Uni. Lost 17 - 12 
16th Sept 06 - Millbrae v Mull Lost 29 - 18 Isle of Mull RFC,arrived at Millbrae in the glorious sunshine and it was evident right from the start that they eat very well in Millbrae! The Ayr team boasted one of the biggest packs Mull had come across.Straight from the kick-off it was clear that the Mull forwards were going to be in for a long day,with the experienced old Millbrae forwards using rolling mauls to gain lots of ground.Mull had arrived with 16 players and it was'nt long before our only sub,Phil Horey,was called on.Stuie O' recieved what looked to be a nasty eye injury,but on closer inspection by team doctor,Andrew MacLennan,turned out to be an inward folded upper eye-lid (technical term).The young doctor quickly operated,and Stuie was back in the game,as good as new. Mull conceded a soft try early on,when the large Millbrae Stand-off broke several tackles to cross the line. Mull had to call on young Phil Horey again,when their Captain Alex the Craig received a SEVERLY fractured sternum.The brave Mull Hooker tried to play on,but the pain was just too much.Mull were reduced to 14 when Donald (Mong) Morrison,took a knock to the head that would have felled a Bull-Elephant.The big man did not seem too bothered by the incident,but did sport one of the biggest lumps ever seen on a forehead. James Gibbons got Mull back into the game with a great solo effort. In the second half Mull conceded several more tries,but Mull Stand-off Ali Whyte,scored Mulls second try,with agreat kick and chase (although almost outpaced by his 18 stone opposite number) With Mull still playing with only 14,the score finished 29 - 18.There was a good performance from Mulls back row,and 3 new boys,Mathew (Matt-Attack) Drake,Rudi (Rude-ster) Drake,and Jamie (Big-Poof) Barlow. It is sure to be a different story when Millbrae come up to Fortress Garmony. Story by Captain Craigy 9th Sept 06 - Mull v Hyndland:- Win 39 - 0 
On Saturday Mull took on Hyndland RFC, who were hotly tipped as table toppers for the season. The visitors had brought a young side to the Island, but it was to be Mull’s experience that would prove decisive on the day. From the kick-off the Mull forwards stamped their authority on the game, winning turnover ball, aggressive rucking and controlled mauling, and were unlucky not to score early on. In defence Mull were breaking down the Hyndland attack well with committed tackling and organisation and it wasn’t long before Mull took the lead through second row Colin McPhail. Soon after his brother, blood replacement James, crossed the line from the wing to make the half time score 12-0 to Mull. Mull were determined not to concede in the second half and raised their game from the re-start. Mull were enjoying plenty of ball from turnovers and lineout while Hyndland were forcing the play resulting in missed passes and knock on’s. Mull rang the changes and replaced Derwyn Hewitt, who had put in a solid shift, with James McPhail, and after several breaks of tackle put in Colin McPhail for his second of the game. The Mull forwards and backs were linking well with good support and passing, and finished off the game with tries from James McPhail and birthday boys Angus MacColl (46!) and David MacLennen (18) to make the final score 39-0 to Mull, with a bonus point that puts Mull top of their league. Hyndland had come to Mull expecting to take all the points, but found that Mull are going to be hard to beat this season. Story by James Greig Click here for 2005/06 Match Reports |
