P3 at East Kilbride Tournament

Cumnock's primary 3 squad travelled up to East Kilbride on a beautiful Sunday morning for their tournament. Cumnock were short of their usual numbers so were only able to field 1 team.
Their first pool match saw Cumnock face East Kilbride B. Paul used his blistering pace to score from the kick-off but the game then became a turgid affair with neither defence allowing gaps easily. Cumnock's defence held firm throughout the match with Logan & Aaron both making lots of fine touches in the vanguard of a fine team effort, keeping our hosts scoreless. Paul managed to escape for two more excellent tries and Cuinn scored as well, just reward for a fine supporting run to take Matthew's offload.
Final score: EK B 0 - Cumnock 4.
Cumnock then had a long break before their next game which was against Linlithgow. The break seemed to switch Cumnock off and their defence lacked the intensity of the previous tie. Despite Ewan's valiant efforts to lead by example gaps appeared all too easily and Linlithgow took full advantage to score four well worked tries. Cumnock were better in attack, Reiley's speed and sidesteps bringing him a deserved brace, while the irrepressible Paul also crossed, and Matthew danced his way through to score as well.
Final score: Cumnock 4 - Linlithgow 4.
Their final pool match saw Cumnock face Hillfoots. Cumnock were up for this one from the start with Matthew dancing through the whole Hillfoots team to score a stunning opener, the first of a mesmerising hat trick. The defence pressed well with Mason harrying opposing runners mercilessly & Logan, Ewan and Aaron keeping the midfield tight and limiting Hillfoots to just a single try. In attack Cumnock came in waves with excellent support and speed bringing tries for Maddy, Reiley and Harvey as well as a fine try for Murray who out-sprinted the cover to touch down in the corner in only his second ever game.
Final score: Cumnock 7 - Hillfoots 1.
Cumnock qualified for the final where they faced East Kilbride's A side, winners of the other group.
These two teams know each other well and Cumnock knew they were in for a hard game against a well organised side packed with talented runners. The game did not disappoint and was certainly worthy of a final as the two sides threw everything they had at each other trying to find gaps in oppressive defences. Cumnock defended with passion and ferocity to keep East Kilbride at bay with Matthew, Mason and Paul to the fore. East Kilbride were equally committed however, and the first half finished in stalemate.
In the second half the home side made an early breakthrough before dominant defences took control again. Just as it seemed Cumnock would be denied, Reiley found precious space on the left and although he was caught, a quick pass sent Paul scampering up the wing to score a dramatic and deserved equaliser just before the final whistle.
Cumnock and East Kilbride deservedly ended a pulsating final as joint winners although unfortunately the trophy was awarded to the hosts by virtue of having scored first.
The Cumnock squad can be very proud of their fine performances and conduct today, treating the spectators to some brilliant rugby over the day.

Squad: Aaron, Cuinn Ewan, Harvey, Logan, Maddy, Mason, Matthew, Murray, Paul, Reiley