Poor Player Turnout Ruins Conference Chances

Cumnock headed into this fixture with confidence having beaten this team last season both home and away however a number of late call offs left the team short of the required number of players and meant that the result of the game was decided before the kick off. As Cumnock could not field the required minimum of 12 players that would have allowed the result to stand in the National Conference the rules meant that a development game would be played instead so allowing the players who had trapped the chance to play. The visitors on the day were able to lend a couple of players to Cumnock and so the game commenced
The pace of the game was frenetic from the start with Cumnock opening the scoring with some slick handling and continuity to send over Luke Cameron-Cooper for the opening score. From the restart Dalziel ploughed up the park and scored under the post to level. This format continued for most of the first half and by the time the whistle blew for half time the visitors held a slender lead of 31-35. It was clear that defence was the weakness for both teams with over 60 points being scored in the first half. Dalziel were the side that was to adapt their game more efficiently as Cumnock started to lose their attacking edged and truning over ball to the visitors. From the resulting turnover the large Dalziel forwards crashed their way up the park with Cumnock’s weak tackling allowing them to gain territory easily. By the time the dust settled on this hot after noon of rugby it was the visitors who took the plaudits with 43-64 win.
Coach Thomas Bowditch commented “Having turned out a full team last week against Allan Glens this was a disappointing turn out today, especially at home. Myself and the rest of the coaching team were pleased with the effort shown by the players and we have little doubt that if we had been able to field our full side we would have secured the points today”
The U15 side is still keen to recruit players so if you are interested come along to training on Tuesdays and Thursday for 1800 start at Cumnock Rugby Club or call 01290 420292 for more information.
Next game for the U15 team is Sunday 11th September at home to Livingston with a 1400 ko