P4 vs Whitecraigs (away)

Cumnock's primary 4 squad took 12 players up to the south side of Glasgow on a sunny Sunday morning to play our friends at Whitecraigs. The team played 2 games against a combined primary 4/5 Whitecraigs side.
In game 1 Cumnock lined up against a noticeably larger Whitecraigs side. Cumnock started with the ball and seemed to be out to set the tone with Lewis slicing his way through to open the scoring. Whitecraigs responded with some strong carries, managing to break through a sleepy Cumnock defence. Cumnock were determined to keep up the pace in attack with thunderous charges from Lewis and Mason adding to Cumnock's tally. Whitecraigs were responding well and Ciara, Evan and Murray were working tirelessly in the midfield but Whitecraigs were able to exploit some gaps to keep adding scores of their own.
Cumnock kept at it and refused to give up, Reiley dancing his way through and Aaron using his searing pace to outrun the defenders. Paul and Mason were causing all kinds of trouble up the wings. Ewan, Finlay and Logan were staying solid in defence causing countless turnovers and marshalling the attackers into touch. Matthew managed to wind his way through to keep adding to the score board. Evan was unlucky not to score on his debut, being hauled down short of the line after a great break. Murray also narrowly missed out on a fine try, losing control of the ball as he dived for the line after supporting Logan’s charge. A dropped ball from a crunching double tackle by Logan and Matthew, was pounced on by Finlay who set off on a blazing touchline charge to finish the game a 12-7 win to Cumnock.
In game 2 Cumnock looked to tighten up their defence and prevent Whitecraigs' strong ball carriers hitting top speed.
From the start the Cumnock defended with passion & commitment, making tackle after tackle & forcing Whitecraigs back. Mason, Logan and Reiley led the line with ferocity. Even when Whitecraigs found a bit of space they struggled to break through, Ciara making numerous strong tackles. Finlay and Mason combined brilliantly to drive an opponent into touch when a try looked certain.
Whitecraigs laid siege to the Cumnock line but determined defence from all, often doubling up in tackles with Murray helping teammates to repulse attacker after attacker. Eventually Cumnock forced the turnover and Finlay seized the opportunity, scooping up the ball and going the length of the pitch to score. Mason blazed through for a fine solo try. Cumnock profited from further turnovers won by Ciara & Murray. Reiley & Logan both used excellent footwork to turn the home defence inside-out, each grabbing a well-deserved brace of tries.
In the second half Cumnock's other 6 players took over and maintained the defensive intensity, Lewis, Matthew and Paul flying into tackle after tackle while Aaron and Ewan constantly pressured Whitecraigs' runners. Evan, making an excellent debut for the team, was a rock in midfield, refusing to allow opponents through. Cumnock continued to defend their line with determination, Ewan grabbing a crucial turnover and sending Lewis clear to score. Aaron used his blistering speed to score a fine try while Paul's speed and sidesteps earned him an excellent hat trick. Matthew danced his way through the Whitecraigs defence to complete the scoring with the try that his performance certainly merited.
The game ended 12-3 with the Cumnock team turning in one of their best & most complete performances of the season, leaving the coaches very happy indeed.
Squad: Aaron, Ciara, Evan, Ewan, Finlay, Lewis, Logan, Mason, Matthew, Murray, Paul Reiley
Report by S Fulton & S Benzie