The New Year started with a tough game for NB, sitting 4th in National League 4 as they took on table toppers and undefeated Garnock RFC at Recreation Park. Before the match got underway both teams and officials lined up at the half way time to pay their respects with a minutes applause for Aiden Hoenigmann, the captain of Ross High RFC who sadly passed away last Monday. The rugby community is shocked and saddened by his passing and our thoughts are with the family and the Ross High community.

NB were defeated by the table toppers but the 0-45 scoreline didn't fully reflect the game. NB showed spirit and some decent passages of play merited something on the scoreboard but infringements and a powerful forward display set the platform for Garnock to score 7 unanswered tries. NB kicked off and had 10 minutes of sustained pressure in the Garnock half but despite some varied play couldn't cross the Garnock line. The 1st try for Garnock game on 12 minutes. when the winger gather a goal line drop out to round the NB defence out wide and touch down, The next 20 minutes saw a fairly even game between the sides until on 35 minutes a Garnock line out and drive saw them power over the NB line for their 2nd try. When NB gave away a penalty on the 10 meter line Garnnock kicked to touch and the line out resulted in the same outcome with a forward drive and touch down on 38 minutes. From the KO the Garncck pack made yards and despite some stout NB defence a knock on game Garnock the put in on the NB 22.The scrum was solid all day and a pick up and tip pass put the away team in for a try and a 0-26 lead at Half time. The second half followed a similar pattern with a well organised Garnock team using their heavy ball carries well to unlock space. They ran in a further 3 tries to take a well deserved win. NB will be looking to tighten their first time tackles for next week, secure greater possession and return to winning ways as Stewarty visit the Rec. NB retain fourth place in the league with next week opponents in 5th. KO is 2pm.