P4 vs Marr (Home)

Cumnock’s P4 squad welcomed their good friends from Marr to Broomfield on a cold Sunday morning for their first game of the year. The fixture almost fell victim to a frozen pitch but thankfully it thawed & the matches, which Cumnock always look forward to went ahead & didn’t disappoint. Both clubs were able to field 2 teams, treating spectators to 4 hotly contested games, played in a great spirit with the talented sides giving it everything.
Cumnock’s Red team played Marr 2 first and started very sluggishly, missing tackles and gifting Marr possession, allowing Marr’s speedy attackers to run in 6 first half tries, while Logan & Aaron crossed for Cumnock.
Finlay gave the first sign that the Reds were warming up with a crunching tackle to end the half. In the second half the Reds were a different team, playing with great intensity & physicality with Cuinn leading the way. The tighter defence forced turnovers which the Reds efficiently converted into tries, Cuinn and Finlay both scoring twice, as did Alexander on a fantastic debut. Aaron also scored after a making trademark blistering break. The highly competitive game ultimately ended 10-9 to Marr.
The Reds then faced another well drilled Marr team. This time the Reds were on their game from the start, Logan, Cuinn and Finlay leading the defence with some big tackles. Leo, also having a fine debut showed his speed in attack and will certainly be one to watch as he gains experience. Ewan’s mazy running posed problems for the Marr defence, a quick offload then releasing Alexander who charged over for the first of his 4 tries. Ciara charged forward with determination, scoring 2 fine tries and being stopped just short of a 3rd but an excellent offload to the on-rushing Ryan saw him cross for the try that his tireless efforts merited.
The game ultimately got away from the Reds in the second half although the inexperienced Cumnock team (which included 3 players with a combined experience of 4 matches between them) remained committed & competitive to the end, acquitting themselves very well. Score: Cumnock 7 - Marr 11.
In their first game for the Cumnock Black team faced off against Marr 1 who opted to start after winning the toss. Marr got off to a flying start with some great runs and well-timed passing to get them straight on the score sheet from the first play. This seemed to wake up the Blacks and spurred them into action which seen them attack space with real determination. Lewis and Mason were linking up in attack on the wing and with great footwork got Cumnock their first try of the day.
From there Cumnock's defence became a wall of red and black with Ryan G, Paul and Matthew defending the middle strongly which pushed the Marr side wide and resulted in numerous turnovers into touch. On the attack Cumnock were just as determined with Reiley jinking his way through more than once and Kole setting off on his trademark thundering charges.
Marr were still pushing Cumnock in defence however with Evan and Matthew defending the wings with real grit, Marr only managing to capitalise on what little gaps they were given 3 times. A strong performance in the first game after a long festive break resulting in a 9-3 win for the Blacks.

Game 2 saw the Blacks up against Marr 2. The first game seemed to have Cumnock in a false view that the second would go the same way. Marr however had other plans and again were straight out the blocks with an uncontested run through the middle to open scoring. Cumnock returned with ferocity, Lewis leading the charge and Reiley there in support to dance through for Cumnock’s first. From here it went try for try with Cumnock's defence half asleep but flying in attack. After a half time team talk with the coaches Cumnock seemed to sharpen up and every time a Marr player got the ball a black and red shirt was instantly on them. Evan, Kole, Matthew and Paul were putting in a strong shift in Defence to stop the skilful attacks Marr were displaying. If ever Marr managed a break up the wing Ryan and Mason were waiting to marshal them into touch.
In attack the young Cumnock side were quick and decisive with lightning runs from Paul and Reiley keeping the scores coming. Kole again was storming through tackle after tackle and Lewis was using his nifty footwork to gain yards. Evan as well was displaying his strength with a charge through three tackles to get his name on the scoresheet. The determination and skill in attack coupled with the speed and strength of the Cumnock defence saw every player get on the scorecard and allowed Marr through on only 3 occasions ending in a 16-3 win for the Black team.
This was a super start to the year for Cumnock’s P4 squad with great commitment, skill and flair in abundance. The coaches look forward to seeing the squad build & progress from this for what promises to be an exciting year.
Red team: Aaron, Alexander, Ciara, Cuinn, Ewan, Finlay, Leo, Logan, Ryan M
Black team: Evan, Ryan G, Lewis, Mason, Paul, Matthew, Kole, Reiley
Report by S Benzie & S Fulton