Cumnock/Kilmarnock Cougars U15 Cougars 5 Whitecraigs 33

Cumnock and Kilmarnock met up for first time this season, after agreeing to join teams at this age group due to low numbers and each team seems to have brought together the players in the positions the other was lacking, giving a good balance to the combined Cougars team.

After their first joint training session 2 hours before the kick-off, the new team got underway against a physical and experienced Whitecraigs side. Right from the start the action was fast and fierce with Whitecraigs using their bigger boys to try and barge through but the Cougars stood up to them and after 10 minutes the play had hardly moved 10 metres from the half way line. The Cougars took heart from their efforts and were giving as good as they got, however Whitecraigs made the breakthrough for the first try and added two more before half time.

The second half started much like the first with the Cougars unable to break the final tackle as Whitecraigs covered any potential break through. By this time it was obvious that Whitecraigs were relying of their bigger more experienced players who are in their second year at this age group and they ran in 3 more tries. The Cougars stuck to their task and when asked for a final push from the coaches, they at last managed to break through Whitecraigs defence to score.

This game was an invaluable test for the new team and although beaten by a better team all the boys walked off with their heads held high and in good spirits knowing they had put in a good hard shift.

It was a good start for the team, all on the back of one whole hours training together so with a bit more time and games this team will improve.