S1/P7 Combination Proves Deadly

Cumnock's S1 team welcomed their visitors, from Hamilton RFC, with some trepidation as they were down a number of players and had been forced to recruit heavily from the P7 ranks. The uncertainty was accentuated when the visitors took to the field with a team that included some huge players who towered over the P7's as well as the S1's. However, these Cumnock players are made of stern stuff and their resolve to hold fast, especially at home in front of a large crowd, was evident from the off.

Cumnock had been well warned by their coaches that these big players needed to be brought down early so not allowing them to gain any momentum and this was clearly taken on board by the players who scythed down charge after charge from the outsize Hamilton players to record a memorable victory. These Cumnock players used a touch of guile, a dash of cunning and a huge dollop of superior skill to run the Hamilton team ragged from the off. Wave after wave of Cumnock possession produced high quality handling when in attack followed by equally superior tackling when in defence to ensure an afternoon of one way traffic. Scores still had to be worked for and at the "coalface" the Cumnock forwards turned over opposition ball at will with rucking that perhaps was not out of the text book but still equally effective.

Scores rained down on Hamilton and although this was a team game one player in particular contributed a glut of tries on the day. Taylor Howie from Netherthird ran amok with a five try haul, each of which involved some work to cross the visitors line. A deadly combination hard direct running and the ability to brush off tackles allowed Howie to get in behind the Hamilton defence at will and the clutch of scores well suitable reward for his endeavour. Other scores on the day came from Aden Kerr, Andrew Harkiss and, one of the P7 players, Calum Park. A special mention also to Callan Gordon for his ferocious ball winning in the loose as well as his contribution of 4 assists to the days try count. Jack Reilly had an excellent day with the boot converting 6 of the eight scores.

This was a super performance by the team and whilst the S1 players in the team made a significant contribution the effort, skill and overall contribution made by the younger players who were drafted in for the day was outstanding. The S1 coaches were over the moon with the input from the P7 players with coach Harry Reilly adding, "The younger players who helped us out today deserve a huge pat on the back, their work rate, skill level and sheer determination on the pitch today was a sight to behold and we would be proud to have them in our team every day of the week and twice on Sundays".

Team members: Andrew Harkiss, Alex Smith, James Smith, Terry Ballantyne, Daryl McCulloch, Connor Hill, Callan Gordon, Aiden Kerr, Jack Reilly, Taylor Howie, Calum Park, Gavin Wight, Gavin Gilliland, Alastair Birrell and Louis Andrews.

The S1 team takes a break from matches this weekend however training still takes place on Thursdays, 1830 at the club.

This week also sees the new Easter Rugby Camp at Cumnock RFC kicking off with good numbers booked to take part in the week long coaching event involving both home based and visiting coaches,. In addition a visit from Mark Bennett recently returned from the duties with the Scotland U18 team where he produced some outstanding performances which included a first ha;f try hat-trick against Italy, will be and excellent opportunity for the players to pick up some tips on their own play.