P4 vs Cambuslang & Whitecraigs (Home)

Cumnock’s Primary 4 squad turned out in good numbers to welcome our good friends from Cambuslang & Whitecraigs to Broomfield on a damp Sunday morning. Cumnock fielded their usual 2 teams for the fixture.
Cumnock Reds first faced a strong combined P4/5 Whitecraigs team. Cumnock raced into an early lead with Paul using his abundant power and speed to slice through the Whitecraigs defence for the first of his 4 tries. Cumnock then set about defending, flying into tackles and refusing to give their opponents space. Whitecraigs however, remained patient, retaining possession well and eventually found a way through to equalise. Cumnock scored again quickly through Paul and then forced a turnover with Kole pouncing on a loose ball and passing to the dynamic Reiley who took Cumnock forward supported by Alexander and ultimately Ciara whose determination took her through the last attempted tackle to score a fine try.
In the second half Cumnock lost a bit of their defensive intensity and Whitecraigs’ dangerous runners exploited the extra space & time to find gaps well as the game became an end to end try-fest. Both teams added 5 tries to their first half tally, Cumnock’s coming through a brace for Paul and a deserved hat-trick for Reiley. The entertaining game ended 8-6 to Cumnock.
In their second game the Reds faced familiar and strong opposition in the form of a strong Cambuslang team, packed with exciting attacking runners.
Cumnock again scored on the first possession with Cuinn making a typically strong run to breach the visiting defence and touch down. Cambuslang came roaring straight back with The Reds struggling to contain their strong, pacey attackers despite Leo’s valiant effort to stop a larger opponent from crossing the line.
Cambuslang were finding it equally hard to repulse Cumnock’s attacks as tries flowed for both teams. Logan mesmerised defenders with some excellent footwork, even spinning out of a tackle on his way to a well-deserved double. Alexander forced his way through for a fine try & Reiley used his eye for a gap and sidesteps to score 2 as well.
In the second half the Reds tightened up third defence with Kole perpetually driving the team forward as they tried to stop Cambuslang’s powerful runners getting momentum. Strong shackles were made by all as Cumnock slowly gained the ascendancy in this highly competitive & physical tussle. Ewan won 2 crucial turnovers, releasing Paul to score after the first & taking it on himself for the second to weave through Cambuslang’s defence to score a superb solo try. Cuinn added another try with a barnstorming charge while Reiley and Paul combined beautifully for 3 more tries between them.
Cambuslang crossed for a well-earned final try of this cracking game, but it ended 12-10 in favour of the hosts as Cumnock Reds turned in a very fine team performance in which every player contributed significantly to a hard-fought but ultimately, deserved win.
Cumnock blacks faced off in their first match against a strong looking Cambuslang side. Cambuslang won the coin flip and started off quickly with a dash through the Cumnock’s defence before being shut down quickly by Ryan and Findlay, resulting in Cumnock managing to dive on a loose ball , a quick pass over to Mason and Cumnock were first on the score sheet. Cambuslang wasted no time and quickly battled through strong defensive from Aaron and Izaak to bring it back even. This seemed to give Cumnock a shake with Ryan looking unstoppable putting three beautiful runs for three scores in succession. Cambuslang made a strong come back before half time securing another two tries, just sneaking past a fired-up Cumnock Black team.
Second half started off similarly to the first with Cambuslang’s attack shut down this time by Evan and Murray, producing turn over ball in Cumnock’s favour. A quick touch and off they went, Matthew side-stepping his way through scoring try after try. Cambuslang came back hard providing a tough test for Cumnock but Mason with his power shut them down quickly allowing Isaak to power on through for a nice try. Cambuslang came back to score two deserved tries, but Cumnock Blacks carries the day with a solid performance from all, the match ended 12-5 to Cumnock.
Game 2 saw Cumnock Blacks face off against Whitecraigs. Cumnock this time starting with the ball in hand and in true Cumnock fashion started off with a speedy break from Matthew getting Cumnock on the score sheet within seconds. Whitecraigs fought back to equalise but Cumnock didn’t make it easy with gruelling tackles. Exciting footwork from Mason and Ryan restoring Cumnock’s lead early on. Findlay was next on the scoresheet with a fast-paced try. Whitecraigs came back again putting Cumnock under a bit of pressure but Izaak, Aaron and Murray defended strongly just before half time .
In the second half Whitecraigs seemed to come back with renewed determination getting them back on the scoresheet but Cumnock responded, Ryan flying through with try after try (looking like New Zealand All Blacks rather than Cumnock P4 Blacks). Mason followed with another. Evan received a nice off-load from Aaron and barge through a tough defensive line to get on the scoreboard. Whitecraigs responded and scored another nice try but Cumnock had it under control with Izaak and Matthew rounding off the scoring after some excellent play. The game ending in 13-5 to Cumnock.
All in all, this was a super day packed with highly entertaining rugby from 4 excellent teams in which the Cumnock Black & Red teams certainly played their part. The coaches once again going home very happy with this ever improving, exciting squad.
Red team: Alexander, Ciara, Cuinn, Ewan, Kole, Leo, Logan, Paul, Reiley
Black team: Mason, Ryan, Matthew, Izaak, Findlay, Aaron, Murray, Evan
Report by S McAnespie & S Benzie