Cumnock 2XV finally got the reward that their recent good performances deserved with a victory at home to Cartha 3XV on Saturday. For the first time in several weeks the coaches had a full squad to choose from instead of travelling short handed. Having a full complement of replacements brought it's own set of problems with trying to give every player a decent amount of game time. The game was played on a cold but pleasant afternoon which surprised the visitors, as the most of the games scheduled for the central belt had fallen victim to the weather.

Cumnock started at a fierce pace looking to stamp their authority on the game, with forwards and backs exchanging passes. The visitors defensive line was pounded continually by the home forwards led by Colin Malcolm, Jamie Hodge, Rab Donald, Andy McCrorie and Sean Fulton. After a sustained period of pressure, the ball went out to Ross McPheator who went over for the opening try which was converted by Rab Donald. This was Ross's first try for several years and was a well deserved one for the way that the team were playing.
Now that their tails were up, the whole team began to throw the ball about. Lee Howie and Martin Hastings were prepared to attack from all over the pitch, but it was the forwards who got the next score as Rab Donald crashed over from 10 metres from a tap penalty. The try scorer duly notched the conversion to extend the lead to 14-0.
Cumnock continued to press, while snuffing out any attacks from the visitors. Jason Robb was secure under the high ball and was always looking for support in order to take the game to the opposition. The host's third try arrived following a period where the home side's defence was tested to the limit. Cartha had a scrum just outside Cumnock's 22, but the ball was taken against the head which let the home backs on the attack. Martin Hastings got the ball on the half way line and sold an outrageous dummy to the defence and sprinted away for the try. Rab Donald had his conversion attempt charged down. Half time arrived with the home side leading 19-0.

The team were asked for more of the same in the second half, but they seemed to go to sleep thinking that the game was won. This allowed the vistors to work their way back into the game. The game swung from end to end as both teams looked to dominate, but defences were on top. Cartha took advantage of an overlap out wide on the right to score an unconverted try. The hosts continued to hammer at the visitors defence as they looked for the 4th try which would give them the bonus point. Tempers began to fray as players became frustrated with each other, but the referee played his part in defusing any flash points. Eventually the visitors got their 2nd try, this time wide out on the left. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 19-10.

Both sides were still looking to spread the ball around whenever they had the chance. David Steel came on for his debut and almost had the dream start as he was bundled into touch inches from the line with his first touch of the ball. The game ended soon after with Cumnock victorious by 19-10. All in all this was a good performance which netted a hard fought win.

Cumnock squad: Mark Linden, Lee Mair, Andy McCrorie, Colin Malcolm, Sean Fulton, Jamie Hodge, Rab Donald, Gavin Hannah, Stephen Taylor, Ross McPheator, Kenny Barr, Lee Howie, Andrew Watt, Martin Wallace, Jason Robb, Alan Smith, Martin Hastings, Callum Smith, Johhny Seng, Jayson McMillan, Campbell Reid, David Steel.

Next week sees the 2nds travel to Clydebank for a rearranged league fixture. This game has a 12 Noon kick off, so that the players are able to watch the internationals in the afteroon.