P4 vs Cambuslang (at Hillhead-Jordanhill)

Cumnock’s Primary 4 squad took a smaller than usual group of 10 players up to Hillhead-Jordanhill on a crisp, sunny Sunday morning.
After a beautifully observed 2-minute silence for Remembrance Sunday, Cumnock waited patiently for a game. Opposition eventually materialised in the form of our friends from Cambuslang. Having played each other 7 days earlier, there was no period of sizing-up the opposition as the teams threw themselves into a bruising, physical battle.
Cumnock defended well against big Cambuslang runners with Logan, Reiley, Paul & Matthew putting in some crunching tackles. Cambuslang defended well also & Cumnock initially struggled to break through until some dazzling footwork from Matthew turned the Cambuslang defence inside out allowing him to dance through for the opening try. Kole and Evan pressed well in midfield forcing a turnover which Murray pounced on. Reiley moved the ball quickly to Paul who burst clear to score the first of an excellent hat trick.
Cambuslang continued to pose a threat, their pacy talisman proved difficult to contain and scored a well-deserved hat trick despite some excellent defence from Paul & Reiley in particular. Cumnock moved the ball well going forward, Murray and Matthew probing for gaps. It was Logan though who found space on the right wing and out-paced despairing cover to score a great try. Reiley then danced his way through, showing great footwork and speed for a thoroughly deserved try to close the scoring. The keenly contested game ended 6-3 in favour of Cumnock with both sides playing some top-drawer rugby.
After a long break Cumnock found themselves playing Cambuslang again. The 2 teams immediately picked up where they’d left off at the end of the previous match, re-joining battle with gusto. Big tackles flew in from both sides as no quarter was asked or given.
Fine attacking play from Freya, Matthew & Logan sucked in the Cambuslang line allowing Paul space on the left which he ruthlessly exploited to score the opener. Cambuslang hit back immediately, taking advantage of some weak tackling on the wing to score. Kole carried well to put Cumnock on the front foot again. Freya was unlucky not to score after a lovely break but moments later another flowing Cumnock attack ended with Reiley brilliantly sending Paul clear to race away for his second try. Cambuslang again replied immediately to score despite desperate attempted tackles from Ewan & Matthew.
Play continued to rage from end to end. An amazing tackle from Paul saw him take an opponent in to touch as a try seemed certain. Kole and Matthew both made important tackles in midfield as Cambuslang pressed forward. Logan and Ewan scrapped for loose ball, both winning important turnovers. Paul took full advantage to sprint away and score in the corner. As Cambuslang pushed to equalise again, a crunching tackle from Paul and Reiley resulted in the ball coming loose. Aaron scooped it up and immediately turned defence into attack, Logan continuing the attack before Reiley side-stepped through for an excellent score.
Murray came on to replace Matthew who hurt himself putting in a fantastic tackle on a Cambuslang attacker. Evan came on for Kole who had put in a great defensive shift. They were quickly called into defensive action, combining to stop an opponent bursting through the Cumnock midfield. Determined Cambuslang play did, however, bring them a score moments later. Aaron responded in the best way possible to some rough treatment by breaking clear and using his abundant speed to race in from halfway. He was very unlucky not to add a second when he was taken into touch a metre short of the line.
Cambuslang deservedly pulled back another try as both teams pressed in the closing stages, but no further tries were scored. The game ended 5-4 to Cumnock with the irrepressible Reiley bundling an opponent into touch. This was another fine, competitive game of rugby with both teams giving their all and deserving great credit.
Cumnock unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to face the host club but can be very proud of their play in the games against a very good Cambuslang side. Cumnock’s commitment and determination in defence, and incisiveness in attack were excellent as all 10 of the match-day squad fronted up in 2 tough games, leaving the coaches well satisfied.
Squad: Aaron, Evan, Ewan, Freya, Kole, Logan, Matthew, Murray, Paul, Reiley