The showdown between Asahi Valley and DHL Club for the First Division crown loomed closer after Football Club brushed aside Synovate Aberdeen 32-10 to win their second game in a row and remain unbeaten in the Grand Championship along with their arch-rivals.
But Valley, who had a bye yesterday, will not be unduly worried about the expected title-showdown on March 15 after watching a patchy performance from Football Club who failed to turn on the power after leading 20-3 at the break.
Football Club scored four tries, two in each half, to gain the maximum five points. But for most of the second half, it was an uninspired display and they only came to life after Aberdeen briefly threatened and then crossed their goalline for a solitary try late in the second half.
'One of our problems this season has always been that we start slowly. Today we began well but then sat back and relaxed. This is something we will have to work on if we are to challenge Valley,' said Football Club coach Andrew Tranent. 'But I'm still pleased with the guys. It was another good scoreline. A few seasons ago we had to depend on the penalty kicking of Owain Morrison but now we are scoring tries freely.'
Three of the four tries were regular touchdowns - by flanker Andy Randall and the impressive mid-field duo of Warren Warner and Nigel D'Acre. The other was a penalty try awarded midway through the first half after Aberdeen were penalised for collapsing the scrum for the second time in quick succession as Football Club pushed for an early score.
Left-footed kicker Morrison was in form once again as he collected a dozen points, three conversions and two penalties, the first of which nullfied a penalty from Aberdeen flyhalf Justin Temara in the second minute of play. Morrison then took advantage of a blatant play from an offside position by Aberdeen lock Jonathan Hatch to give his side a 6-3 lead by knocking over his second penalty. Football Club never looked back from here on.
Aberdeen had their fair share of possession with young second-rower Ryan McBride simply outstanding in the lineouts and even stealing a couple of Club throws early in the game. But although the forwards, led by No 8 Jarrad Gallagher, rumbled the backs lacked ideas. Aberdeen scrumhalf Dave Hamilton had an off day and his poor service put Temara under needless pressure. And missing the presence of injured centre Colin Bisley in midfield, Aberdeen struggled to string together any cohesive moves.
