Report by Morton Houston
The game took place on the state of the art 4g astro pitch. The weather was perfect for rugby with not a breath of wind and the sun splitting the skies.
Cumnock started off very slowly being second best to everything as Allan Glens threw the kitchen sink at them. After going close Glens managed to break through for a well deserved first score. The game continued like this for the next 15 minutes as Glens applied pressure and only resolute Cumnock defence kept them out. The game gradually swung in Cumnock’s favour and they started to gain some possession and territory. Jamie Drummond was in typical bullish mood as he rampaged over the park putting in big tackles and strong runs. Players such as John McIlwhan, Kieran Owens and Samuel Gillon all stood out for their commitment as did Mitchell Smith and Rob Drummond.
Cumnock’s first score came through concerted pressure finished off by standoff Andrew Houston. Scores were added by Dylan Chidwick and Jamie Drummond to give Cumnock a 17-5 lead at half time.
In the second half Cumnock continued to apply pressure to a gutsy Glens team and scored another through Jock Welsh. Glens roared back and scored a converted try. However it was Cumnock who finished the stronger with 3 more scores from Welsh, livewire scrum half Adam “Killa” Watt and fullback Rob Drummond. Welsh added two conversions and Captain Wallace Findlay a third.
Coach Mark Van Der Leest commented, “ This was an improvement on last week. Our handling was a bit better and we certainly moved the ball better. We took the opportunity to try players in different positions which for the most worked. We probably left 3 or 4 tries on the park by ignoring glaring overlaps. We will need to take these chance in the future if we are going to compete with every team.”
Next week Cumnock 15s play Livingston at home in a re-arranged conference fixture.