Unfortunately for the Banavie men, they travelled without a complete front row, meaning the game would have to be played with uncontested scrums.
This resulted in Lochaber not being able to use any subs as a trade-off. Pleas to the opposition coach to allow all the travelling players to play were rebuffed, as is his prerogative, and the Lochaber players thank Rory MacKay and Calum Sandison who selflessly volunteered to sit the game out.
Irvine had dominated the scrum during the West Bowl Final, so nullifying that threat presented Lochaber with opportunities to spread the ball wide. The visitors took full advantage to open the scoring when Davy Duncan, slotting in at hooker in a reshuffled pack, streaked free to dot down. Ryan Davies added the conversion.
Irvine came roaring back with two scores in their traditional manner, barrelling over from short range. Their kicker again left his shooting boots at home, missing both conversions.
Lochaber restored their lead when Stuart Hinchcliffe finished a flowing passing move to dive through the legs of the last defender. Unfortunately, the kick slid wide.
Irvine stuck to their guns and once more rumbled over from short range, following a yellow card to the returning Findlay Ireland, who was harshly binned after a series of penalties conceded by his teammates saw him take the fall. Lochaber trailed 15-12 at half time and felt like the game was there to win.