U18's Win On The Road

After their comprehensive victory over Ardrossan still fresh in the mind, confidence was running high when Cumnock took on Whitecraigs Rugby at West Lodge, Newton Mearns. As the team headed north it was clear that conditions were going to be tricky with the wind turbines on Fenwick Moor almost spinning off their mounts. Cumnock have been able to raise their game to almost every challenge this season and the trip to Glasgow proved to be no different.

As the starting whistle sounded it was clear that the team that adapted to the blustery conditions would have the upper hand and from the start Cumnock took advantage. Taking control of the ball and running some short lines they quickly worked a gap in the Whitecraigs midfield which Cumnock No. 8 Michael Anderson burst through and sprinted almost 50m to score under the posts, Jack Reilly converted to take a 0-7 lead. From the restart Cumnock were in no mood to give their hosts have any foothold in the game and pressed again deep into ‘Craigs territory. After conceding a penalty it was Scrum Half Aidan Kerr who took the quick tap and dived over for another try which was again converted by Reilly. Confidence was now flowing in the team and it was clear that the hosts were struggling to cope with not only the speed of the ‘Nock side but their superior handling skills. Time and again Cumnock drove into the “red zone” with only some last ditch actions preventing Cumnock form running away with the game. A lengthy period of time spent in front of the Whitecraigs posts led to a penalty and Kerr was on hand again with the quick tap which was spread wide to the slick running full back Gregor Aitken who dived over in the corner. The large home support were doing their best to raise the team and it was at this point that Whitecraigs started to apply some pressure through their large forward pack. The ball was rarely worked more than two passes from the breakdown they edged their way up the park and pounded away at the Cumnock line until eventually crashing over between the sticks. This signalled a bit of a turnaround, the possession stats were definitely moving in favour of Whitecraigs as half time approached however Calum Park the hard tackling centre from Cumnock latched onto one of Reilly’s clearing kicks and sprinted 70m to score under the posts, Reilly on hand again with the conversion. Whitecraigs camped out on the Cumnock line as the whistle approached but the @Nock defence repelled everything and went into the break with a comfortable 7 – 26 lead.

The second half saw Whitecraigs starting with some barrelling attacks and a lot of time being spent in the Cumnock 22. This pressure resulted in an unconverted score for the hosts taking the score to 12 - 26. This signalled a period of extended midfield play with neither team taking control until Cumnock managed to roll together a series of phases that resulted in Robbie McLaren crashing over for a converted score. This seemed to steady the ship for Cumnock with confidence flowing again in their play leading to scoring opportunities. Thomas Findlay came close to extending the lead before Bradley Smith was picked out with a pass that sent him over for the concluding try and a winning score 38 – 17.

Defence has become a trade mark for this Cumnock team and today was no different with a number of players putting their body on the line for the team. The pack deserved a special mention for the performance they put in against a bigger team. Blind side, Andrew Harkiss, put in some crunching hits, Stephen “Beav” Robson had probably his best game in at prop, Connor Hunter and Glen Young worked hard in the turnover department, locks Ryan McCrone and Alister Elliott were tireless in their endeavours, Michael Anderson put in his usual cannonball charges and finally hats off to Robbie McLaren at Open-side who had only stepped off a plane form Florida a few hours earlier.

The coaching team were delighted with the performance and commented, “This was the performance of the season so far with every player contributing to a terrific result. This team improves with every game we can look forward to the derby match next weekend with some confidence”

Next U18 game is at home to Kilmarnock on Saturday 1st November at Broomfield KO 1400.

Team: Stephen Robson, Glen Young, Connor Hunter, Ryan McCrone, Alister Elliot, Andrew Harkiss, Robbie McLaren, Michael Anderson, Aidan Kerr, Jack Reilly, Gavin Gilliland, Bradley Smith, Calum Park, Thomas Bowditch, Gregor Aitken, Craig Willison, Thomas Findlay