S1 Level Dumfries 20 Cumnock 38

Things didn't look very promising as the team travelled down the A76 through torrential rain, however Dumfries basked in glorious sunshine and the pitch was in great condition for a game of rugby. The Primary 7 game had been cancelled and some of the more experienced players swelled the numbers available giving Cumnock the luxury of a full team. However as Dumfries were short of numbers some of the S1 players agreed to play for the hosts to even things up and give everyone a game.

The match was played over three periods, each lasting fifteen minutes, giving the coaches a couple of breaks to pass on some tips to the players. Cumnock dominated the first period, running in four tries from McLaren, Gordon, Faulds and Kerr, with one conversion from Aitken, taking over kicking duties from Reilly who was playing for Dumfries. During the same period Gordon moved to the Dumfries team to replace an injured player and then somewhat uniquely scored for the hosts, which was also converted. Cumnock led 13-4 at the first break.

Changes were made amongst the players on loan to Dumfries. The second period was a more even affair with two tries for each team, the Cumnock scores coming from Dewhurst and Howie. Both scores came from good breaks from platforms set up by the forwards giving the boys an easy run in. Dumfries also scored two tries, both of which were converted. Cumnock were still in front at the second break, leading 19 - 12.

More changes followed at the start of the final period, with Cumnock again re-shuffling the players on loan to Dumfries. This forced Cumnock to make positional changes and allowed the P7 players to come more into the game and they took the chance to get stuck in. Cumnock scored five tries in this spell, from Howie. Kerr (2), Reilly, and Smith, with four fine conversions from Reilly. Most of the tries again came from the backs breaking the line and great support play and passing ensured the scores. Dumfries answered with two tries, both of which were converted by their excellent kicker. Final score Dumfries 20, Cumnock 38.

This was a fair result against a weaker opposition. By mixing the Cumnock players with the host team it gave some players the chance to play in other positions, which will assist in their development. The Primary 7 players enjoyed the wide open spaces of playing on a full size pitch and made a great contribution to the game, in fact they were collectively given the Man of the Match award for their efforts. Donkey of the day was Scott Faulds for his clearance kick from inside his own in-goal area which went higher than the five metres distance that it travelled!

Cumnock team was Harkiss, McLaren, Faulds, Phillips, Gordon, Kerr, Reilly, Aitken, Howie, Birrell, Smith, Hill and Dewhurst.