Boroughmuir 24 Selkirk 32: O'Donnell is unable to finish with a flourish

Published on Saturday 28 November 2009 10:03

PROLIFIC points gatherer Elgan O'Donnell endured a disappointing end to life in the Capital as he checked out after four seasons with Boroughmuir with a 32-24 defeat against Selkirk on Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership duty at Meggetland last night.

The 30-year-old Kiwi, who arrived at 'Muir in season 2005/06 after a short stint with Preston Lodge, heads for home tomorrow. He will stop off to play for the Wooden Spoon charity at the Dubai Sevens before taking up a new position as sales manager with a sportswear company.

Explaining the reason behind his move, he said: "We've just had our first child and the grandparents on both sides are back home and I've got a job opportunity back in NZ."

He will take with him fond memories of his time at the club, the highlight being the part he played in landing the Premiership title two seasons ago. And, as one of the more experienced men at the club this year, he is well placed to pass judgement on the current fortunes of the side which, despite the disappointing result, managed to salvage a four-try bonus point from last night's performance.

"It was a very below par performance. We set standards and we just haven't been able to play to them for 80 minutes. We have produced 20 minutes here and 20 minutes there but not a full 80," he explained. "There are still a lot of positives. It's a young side and we are building. When you take a few experienced players out of the side, it's tough. But the young players have got to step up.

"We have lost a lot of players and no matter what anyone says it does affect the side. When you take them out you do go through a rebuilding phase and it's fair to say we are going through that now."

Last night's line-up featured several of the youngsters O'Donnell sees as the new wave of rising stars, among them centre Mark Hare – an incisive runner and solid tackler – dynamic prop Nick Fraser, who has been a consistent performer throughout the league campaign, and Graeme Blackhall, who started on the bench but brought stability and a powerful boot after entering the fray.

'Muir began well but failed to capitalise on their pressure. And they fell behind when Selkirk full back Fraser Harkness darted in from a close range scrum after 14 minutes. Things became even gloomier for the hosts when Rob Taylor touched after a driven lineout and Michael Rutherford converted.

Taylor was then red carded for stamping although his departure failed to quell the spirit of the Borderers who extended their lead when Rutherford slotted a penalty.

'Muir ended the half as they had started it and this time made the most of their spell in ascendancy when Lynton Brynck finished off a flowing move and O'Donnell converted. However, Selkirk restored the gap deep into injury time when Rutherford was short with a penalty but Hare was engulfed and driven over the line as he gathered the ball and Andrew Renwick applied the final touch. Rutherford's conversion left the visitors 22-7 ahead at the break.

'Muir sought to profit from the extra man and Ed Mills came close to unlocking a solid Selkirk defence with a searing 60-metre run that was halted illegally. That earned Ross Nixon ten minutes in the sin bin and created the platform from which Bronson Ross plunged over for a try which O'Donnell converted.

However, just as the game appeared to be turning 'Muir's way, a high ball from Rutherford caused hesitancy in the home defence, allowing Darren Clapperton to gather and dart in for a score, converted by Scott Hendrie.

Back came 'Muir with a try by Fraser although the benefit of that score was partially erased by a Hendrie penalty. A yellow card for Michael McVie five minutes from full time was followed swiftly by a score for Mills, but O'Donnell was off target with the conversion and 'Muir failed to secure a narrow defeat bonus point.

"It's a terrible way to leave Scottish rugby but you can't take anything away from Selkirk. They played really well, stuck in and showed their character. It's tough to beat a side like that," admitted O'Donnell who has not yet decided whether he will continue playing. "I've had a couple of old coaches in contact. I'll probably get back and watch a game then get itchy feet again."

Scorers: Boroughmuir: Tries: Brinck, Ross, Fraser, Mills. Conversions: O'Donnell (2) Selkirk: Tries: Harkness, Taylor, Renwick, Clapperton. Cons: Rutherford (2), Hendrie. Penalty: Rutherford, Hendrie.

Boroughmuir: E O'Donnell, E Mills, M Clapperton, M Hare, R Cairns, G Cottrell, N Fraser, S McMurchy, B Ross, G Scott, L Brinck, M Stalley, J Hare, C Orr. Subs used: F Lait, S Wilson, J Scott, G Blackhall.

Selkirk: F Harkness, D Clapperton, S Hendrie, R Nixon, L Jones, M Rutherford, M McVie, G Paterson, D Grieve, R Taylor, J Smyth, S Willet, N Darling, C Johnston, A Renwick. Subs Used: G Craig, S Forrest, R Crockett, D Moussa, M Murray.