P4 vs East Kilbride & Ardrossan (away)

Cumnock's primary 4 team travelled up to East Kilbride for their season-opening fixture with our old friends & sparring partners, Ardrossan were also there to make a triangular fixture in the summer sunshine.
In their first ever contact rugby fixture all 3 teams played some wonderful rugby with every game being keenly contested in an excellent spirit.
Cumnock took on East Kilbride A in their first game. Both sides attacked with power and pace, East Kilbride's powerful runners proved a stern test for the Cumnock players newly learned tackling skills, breaking through regularly to score despite committed defensive efforts from all & some crunching tackles from Finlay, Paul and Matthew in particular. Aaron scored Cumnock's first with a blistering break up the wing. Further fine tries followed through Logan, Reiley, a brace for Lewis & a barn-storming charge from Izaak. Murray and Freya also showed prominently in attack with great support play and runs. Ultimately dropped balls & losing possession by going into touch cost Cumnock in a very close game which ended 8-6 to the hosts.
Cumnock's second game saw them take on East Kilbride B. This was another very keenly contested game with lots of incisive attacking and committed defence from both sides. The home side ran in 3 fine early tries. Cumnock responded well with Paul tearing through the defence for the first of his 4 tries. Cuinn rampaged through tackles to score a fine solo effort before Cumnock scored a simply stunning try. Freya began the move with a lovely break. When caught she found Logan in support who charged on towards the try line. A fine last-ditch tackle brought Logan down but his perfectly timed pop pass found Paul who crossed in the corner. East Kilbride scored 3 more well deserved tries despite Cumnock's defence tightening up, Reiley, Ewan, Izaak and Finlay all making fine tackles. Lewis's searing pace & Matthew's mesmerising sidesteps brought further Cumnock scores. The game ending 7-6 to Cumnock.
Cumnock's last game was against a handy Ardrossan team which included some pacey runners. In the first half Ardrossan blew holes in the tiring Cumnock defence, scoring 4 well taken tries. While Lewis proved unstoppable in attack, running in a super first half hat trick. In the second half Reiley, Isaak, Cuinn and Matthew brought steel to the Cumnock defence while Noah & Logan hoovered up loose balls ensuring plenty of possession for Cumnock. With a wealth of attacking opportunity, further tries followed for Lewis, Matthew, Izaak & Paul to swing the game to Cumnock 7-4.
For a first attempt at contact rugby, the players from all 3 clubs deserve tremendous credit for the feast of rugby they treated the coaches & spectators to. Cumnock's coaches were delighted with the commitment and effort demonstrated by all 13 players involved today. Plenty still to work on but this was an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable start to the season.
Squad: Aaron, Cuinn, Ewan, Finlay, Freya, Izaak, Lewis, Logan, Matthew, Murray, Noah, Paul, Reiley