P3 at Hamilton Festival

Cumnock Micros primary 3 team travelled to Hamilton today for their festival. With 5 games to play it promised to be a super day of rugby and certainly didn't disappoint.
Cumnock first lined up against one of the host club's two sides, Hamilton Green. Cumnock were into their stride quickly with Paul scoring on the first possession. The Cougars attacked with speed and a real cutting edge throughout, repeatedly stretching the Hamilton defence to breaking despite their determination. Mason showed his lightning speed to score a brace. Matthew danced through for two of his own with Paul adding another after an excellent break from Lewis. Maddy crashed over after supporting Aaron's charge for the line.
The Cougars’ defence was aggressive & disciplined with Logan leading the line. They limited Hamilton to four well worked tries.
Final score: Hamilton 4 - Cumnock 7.
In their second game Cumnock faced Dalziel. In this game the 6-touch-turnover rule wasn't being used resulting in the Cougars defending for the majority of the match with Dalziel trying to find gaps which proved few & far between. Finlay, Cuinn, Freya and Logan all working hard in the midfield while Paul and Matthew had the flanks locked down.
By contrast, the Cougars' pacey, incisive attacking proved hard to contain as they scored quickly on every possession, Lewis notching up a scintillating hat trick, Mason and Paul adding further scores & Aaron turning on the after-burners for a fine try.
Final score: Cumnock 6 - Dalziel 4.
Their third game saw Cumnock face Hamilton Blue. By now the Cougars had really hit their stride, cutting the Hamilton defence to ribbons. Freya opened the scoring with an excellent break down the wing, Matthew added a deserved brace with Paul and Aaron also scoring in the first half. The Cougars' defence in the first half was lethargic, leaving holes in midfield which Hamilton ruthlessly exploited to score four.
Cumnock began the second half with a magical break by Ewan, sidestepping and dancing his way through the home defence for one of the tries of the day. This seemed to galvanise the Cougars with only one more try conceded while Paul ran in a fine triple and Lewis added two.
Final score: Hamilton 5 - Cumnock 11.
Cumnock faced Irvine in their next game. The opposition strengthened greatly by the addition of Cuinn, Logan and Paul who kindly volunteered to switch teams and played very well for their adopted team, Paul scoring twice! The Cougars attacked at speed with waves of support that proved hard to contain. Matthew danced his way through the Irvine defence for two beautifully taken tries while Maddy scored a well-deserved hat trick and Lewis used his pace to cross for a sixth.
Final score: Cumnock 6 - Irvine 3
Cumnock played their final match against our friends from Dumfries in what they knew would be a stern test. The game was keenly contested, both sides determined to deny space to attackers. Logan, Lewis, Matthew & Maddy constantly pushed forward in defence, limiting Dumfries to two well worked scores.
In attack the Cougars were made to work very hard for their scores but the speed and footwork of their elusive runners carried the day with Aaron crossing, Paul grabbing a double and Mason conjuring a stunning try with a lovely step-and-go.
Final score: Cumnock 4 - Dumfries 2
The Hamilton Festival certainly didn't disappoint as players, coaches and spectators enjoyed lots of keenly contested, exciting rugby. The Cougars can be well pleased with another excellent performance, packed with skill, commitment and spirit. The medals were very much deserved.
Squad: Aaron, Cuinn, Ewan, Finlay, Freya, Lewis, Logan, Maddy, Mason, Matthew, Paul.