P4 vs Biggar & Annan (Away)

Cumnock primary 4’s took a squad of 12 to Biggar on a damp, muddy morning for a fixture that we always look forward to. Cumnock & Biggar both fielded 2 teams while Annan brought a combined P4/5 team.
Cumnock Blacks played 2 games, both against the host club whose teams were very well organised & packed with talent. Both games were hugely competitive and played at a breathless speed.
Team captain Ryan G set the tone for his team with a beautiful mazy run to open the scoring, crossing for a second soon after with a great turn of speed. The Blacks attacked with power & speed throughout, undeterred by a formidable Biggar defence who tackled hard all day. Reiley’s fine footwork, spins and tireless support play brought him 2 tries in each game. Ryan proved hard to contain and bagged an incredible 9 tries over the 2 games, an amazing tackle denying him double figures. Alexander ran hard in attack, crossing for a well-deserved score. Murray was pulled down inches short after a mazy run while Finlay & Aaron both posed the home defence problems with a number of strong carries but couldn’t quite find a way through.
The Black’s defence could only be described as ferocious as they continually pressed Biggar’s ball carriers, denying them space although Biggar moved the ball well and certainly tested the Cumnock defence. Reiley & Murray flew up to apply pressure winning a number of turnovers, Finlay & Alexander made numerous important tackles in midfield along with them while Aaron and Ryan defended the wings, Ryan leading by example with countless crunching tackles and great cover defence. Cumnock ensured that Biggar had to work hard for every try they scored.
The Blacks gave their all from start to finish, putting in excellent team performances in both games, taking the first 8-4 and the second 6-3. Two super games in which the teams really brought out the best in each other as they rose to the challenge.
The Red team’s first game was up against a strong looking Annan P4/5 combined side. They started off with a handshake, Cumnock won the coin toss and opted to start with the ball. They began in fine fashion, Logan with a tap and quick pass to Paul who looked untouchable through the centre of the field to get Cumnock on the score sheet. Annan came back straight away with their big players charging. Evan did a good job of keeping them at bay along with Logan and Matthew, but pressure told, and Annan managed to get the ball through. Cumnock came back again with Isaak receiving the ball this time and muscling his way through anything in front of him for a fine try. Once again Annan fought back but Cumnock battled hard too. Evan charged forward with the ball, a nice little offload to Matthew who used some fancy footwork to evade the defence and cross the line for a very exciting try. Next on the score sheet for Cumnock was Ciara with an excellent double, the first a gritty effort in which she dragged Annan defenders over the line with her to score & the second a blistering burst in which Ciara didn’t allow anyone to get in her way she charged through a tough defensive wall and slid almost all the way to Carluke. Paul finished the way he started with a great run and try, finishing the game with a super tough side, 6-5 to Cumnock. This was a great effort team and brilliant game to watch .
The Reds played their second match against a strong Biggar side. This was another hotly contested game between two committed, talented sides. Paul opened the scoring with a blistering break up the wing. Biggar answered immediately, breaking through the Red’s defence to equalise. Izaak, who carried the ball well throughout, charged through to restore Cumnock’s lead.
Both teams were defending strongly. Ciara and Evan put in a number of important tackles in midfield, Logan and Izaak also tackling hard, unfazed by some big opponents.
Biggar edged in front with a couple of hard-won tries but Cumnock replied through Paul who used his footwork and speed to unlock the home defence following breaks by Ciara and Matthew.
Matthew was then pulled down inches short after a fantastic break. Izaak was held on the try line and Logan driven back by abrasive Biggar defending but the Reds didn’t panic & kept recycling the ball until Matthew found a gap to finish what he’d started.
Biggar equalised again despite great defending by Paul, Matthew, Reiley and Logan. Cumnock, however, had the last word, Evan bursting forward then finding the irrepressible Paul who sidestepped his way through to complete his hat trick & take the game 5-4.
This was a super day of rugby, highly competitive but played in a great spirit. The Cumnock sides both acquitted themselves very well, producing great team performances against excellent opposition, leaving the coaches well satisfied.
Black team: Aaron, Alexander, Finlay, Murray, Reiley, Ryan
Red team: Ciara, Evan, Izaak, Logan, Matthew, Paul
Report by S Benzie & S McAnespie