Cumnock U15 Humble League Leaders

Cumnock hosted the U15 league leaders at Broomfield with some trepidation. The fixture at EK in mid-September had seen the Cumnock side suffer its biggest defeat of the season so the task ahead was clear.

The squad has been working on several areas but defence has been something that has cost the team dearly in some games not least of which was the game last week against Allan Glens. East Kilbride were a strong physical side so there was little doubt that this area of the ‘Nock game needed be on form if they were to stand a chance.

From the off it was Cumnock on the offensive with wave after wave of attack being repelled by the visitors however it was Cumnock try machine Ruairidh Airlie latching onto a short pass who breached the EK defence and ran under the posts for the opening converted score. Shortly after his centre partner, and constantly improving, Luke Cameron Cooper who smashed his way through to double the lead. The visitors were now under pressure and committed to their task with some solid and direct rugby which saw them spend long periods deep in ‘Nock territory. The opening score for the visitors came from a sustained period of possession however Cumnock were able to keep them to the wide areas so making a conversion difficult. As the half started to peter out it was Airlie who was on hand again to smash through a couple of weaker tackles then run a score under the posts taking a healthy and deserved 21-5 lead into the break.

The second half carried on as the first had finished with no holds barred rugby as both teams committed fully to the task at hand. In an attempt to clear their lines EK kicked long towards the right-hand touchline where winger Arun Cameron-Cooper caught the ball in full flight where he cut back infield linking with his team the ball passed through a couple of pairs of hands before back row player Callum McClounie started a typical “Raging Bull” run fending off a number of tackles before dotting down under the posts for another converted score.

East Kilbride were now under pressure and cracks were starting to appear in their resolve. The team pressed hard and for long periods they were camped on the Cumnock line however the sessions on defence were starting to take effect attacks were held out again and again. Eventually East Kilbride crossed the line for a converted score. It was at this point where Ruairidh was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes as a result of an infringement at a ruck. Although it was Airlie that was sent to the bin it was actually a case of mistaken identity however the it was the ‘Nock try machine that ended up on the touchline for 10 minutes. During this period the Cumnock team set about a defensive phase that was a joy to watch for the coaches as they held the visitors out time and time again. Airlie was champin’ at the bit to get back into the action and setting about making up for lost time. His response was just that with a further two scores with only a single unconverted score being added by the visitors to take the match through to the final whistle for a remarkable 42 - 17 victory.

Coach Bowditch commented “This was a solid performance by the boys today and they deserved their victory. Our work rate ethic carried through into our defence today and to keep the league leaders to three tries in a game is a testament to the work being carried out on the training paddock.” New member of the U15 Coaching Staff is senior 1st XV Fly Half Jack Reilly. He added “I saw a team performing out there today with a will and resolve that form the foundation of any successful side. I am really looking forward to working with the players for the remainder of the season.”

Team: Arun Cameron-Cooper, Luke Cameron-Cooper, Jamie Kennedy, Lewis Douglas, Keiran Owens, Andy Houston, Kerr Robson, Ruairidh Airlie, Keiran Makin, Andrew Rodger, Reece Morrison, Liam Murray, Cameron Smith(C), Caleb Askin, Jay Campbell, Iain Stobbs, Mitchell Smith, Connor Alexander, Kevin Van Der Leest, Callum McClounie.

The U15 side is still keen to recruit players so if you are interested come along to training on Tuesdays (2000-2100) and Thursday (1800-1900) both at Townhead Park. For more information please call 01290 420292.

Next game for the U15 team is Sunday 13th November away to Greenock Wanderers RFC with a 1400 KO