Annan 10's Tournament

The weather conditions at Annan on Sunday more closely resembled October than the last weekend in April with a very strong cold wind cutting across the park. However at least it was dry and that suited the Cougars more open style of play.

Cougars 5 - Langholm 17

First up in the Cup were Langholm from the borders. The physicality and pace of their opponents was plain to see and soon the Cougars were a score behind and it remained that way until the interval. After the break the Cougars changed things about and Gregor Aitken was quickly onto the score sheet to pull it back to 5-5. However after that Langholm scored two further tries to put the match beyond doubt.

Cougars 29 - Annan 12

Now playing in the bowl competition the Cougars were keen to show what they were capable of. Keeping the ball in hand and linking up some great passages of play, scores from Gavin Wight and Bradley Smith ensured that the half-time score was drawn at 12-12. In the second half though Annan couldn't live with the pace and handling skills of the Cougars and unanswered scores from Gregor Paxton (2) and Gregor Aitken sealed a final place.

Cougars 47 - Waysiders / Drumpellier 10

The bowl final was a one sided affair with the Cougars turning on the style. The first half came alive with scores from Jack Reilly, Andrew Harkiss and Gregor Paxton (2), all of which were converted giving a 28-5 lead at the break. There was no let up for their opponents in the second half and scores from Paxton, Bradley Smith and Gavin Wight ensured that victory went to the Ayrshire team.

This was a fitting end to a long season for the combined team and it is encouraging to see the boys playing to their potential. A special mention goes to Gavin Miller who played his first game for the team and marked his debut with a crunching tackle on his opposite winger. Training will continue up to the summer holidays giving the coaches time to focus on developing individual player's skills.

Squad: Thomas Bowditch, Ross Phillips, Gregor Paxton, Gregor Aitken, Gregor Young, Gavin Wight, Gavin Miller, Robbie McLaren, Alasdair McLaren, Jack Reilly, Bradley Smith, David Smith, Neil Kerr, Scott Faulds, Andrew Harkiss and Aidan Kerr.

Photograph of Bowl winners can be found here for members of this website.