Cumnock Under 18 Match Report

Cumnock Under 18 Report

A determined backs to the wall, blood and guts performance saw Cumnock under 18s secure a narrow well deserved win on Saturday. Cumnock travelled to Cartha with a depleted squad due to injuries, illness and work commitments.

Cumnock started strongly with Wallace Findlay and Andy Houston crossing the line and Kevin Van Der Leest adding the extras to open up a 14 point lead before Cartha had a chance to draw breath. Not to be outdone Cartha fought back and reduced the visitors lead to 9 points with a try of their own. Cumnock were still well in control at this point and Kevin Van Der Leest increased the visitors lead with another 3 point penalty. A determined attack from Cartha saw Cumnock's defense thinly spread on their own try line and the resulting confusion saw Cartha score. A serious clash of heads between 2 would be tacklers saw Captain Wallace Findlay and Luke Cooper having to leave the field, Findlay had to attend hospital and receive 8 stitches whilst Cooper was left with a badly bruised head.

After a lengthy stoppage the game resumed with Cumnock having emptied the bench but still only able to field 14 players. With Cumnock in disarray Cartha took advantage of their numerical advantage to score again this time adding the extras and half time saw the game tied 17-17.

The second half started with an early score for Cartha to take the lead for the first time. At this point it was looking bleak for Cumnock as the home team tried to press home their advantage of an extra man and full bench but Cumnock stepped up to the plate and dug deep to provide a backs to the wall determined defensive performance to be proud of. Cartha camped in the visitors 22 for long periods but Cumnock repelled everything that was thrown at them and the half back pairing of Andy Houston and Adam Watt showed composure and maturity beyond their years to releave the pressure at key moments to give Cumnock valuable field position. Against the odds Van Der Leest’s trusty boot secured another 6 points to give Cumnock a hard fought narrow 1 point lead. With 10 minutes left on the clock and Cumnock looking out on their feet (if this had been a boxing match the referee would have stopped the bout) this young team found yet another level and earned a kickable penalty just outside Cartha’s 22. For the first time Van Der Leest’s kicking let him down but Cumnock were in the right area of the field to run the game down and secure victory, never has the final whistle been more welcome.

Coach Andrew Watt said after the game, “This was superb performance from a young team with a never say die attitude. After such a performance man of the match goes to the entire team. The big thing for us to take away from this game is that although we are never likely to be able to field our full first choice team if everyone on the park gives 100% anything can be achieved. Once again a huge well done from the coaches and supporters.”

There is no game next week and the next match is GHA away on the 22nd of September.

Report by Andrew Watt