Cumnock/Killie U18 Pick Up First League Win

There was a definite feeling of trepidation as the U18 Cougars welcomed high flying Dalziel RFC to Broomfield for this 1st division clash. The step up from 2nd division U16 last season to 1st Division U18 had meant a steep learning curve for the majority of the players and so far this season points in the “win” column had proved elusive. With pre-season losses to Ardrossan Accies and Cambuslang followed by league defeats to Allan Glens, Whitecraigs and Cambuslang it was not hard to envisage that another tough day was on the cards.

With the inclement weather contributing to heavy pitch conditions there was little doubt that silky rugby was going to be in short supply as the match began. From the off it was clear that the Cougars were up for this game with some crunching early tackles rattling the visitors. As the game settled into its rhythm there was very little quarter spared or given but territory favoured the home team. After 20 mins Dalziel nudged a punt deep into Cumnock territory coupled with a strong kick chase putting, home team fullback, Murray McLeod under pressure. This led to a prolonged period of pressure and the inevitable score came with a drive over the Cumnock line. Half time score 0-5

With no other scores by halftime this game was still well and truly in the balance and the coaches went to work on the players who now had a sniff of a possible upset.

The second half saw little change with the toe to toe encounter recommencing however it was the home side who jumped in front with Cumnock fly half Jack Reilly forcing a line break leaving him one on one with the Dalziel full back, however the defender was no match for the fleet footed 10 who stepped and drove in under the posts for a try which he duly converted. The home team had their tails up and from the off they were pressing the Dalziel line again and it was scrum half Ben Stewart who drove towards the line taking three men with him as he touched down for another score which Reilly converted to give a deserved 14-5 lead.

However this match was by no means over with Dalziel fighting their way back into the game with a long range unconverted score followed by a prolonged siege on the Cumnock line which eventually produced a score to give the visitors a narrow 14-15 lead with 3 minutes remaining.
The home team knew that any score would secure the game so from the restart they pressed the visitors into their own 22 as they tried to work an opening. A couple of phases of driving play stretched the visitors defence and this was Reilly’s cue to call for the ball wide which he drove forward pulling a defender out of position, creating the gap for his inside centre Gregor Aitken to latch onto his pass and touch down directly under the posts. The elation by the players, coaches and supporters was clear to see. The conversion was missed but more importantly the final whistle sounded and the result was secured.

Team captain Reilly commented “This was a huge performance by every member of the team and special mention must go to our forwards who were immense today”. Coach Euan Kerr added “It has been a tough start to the U18 leagues for this young side but each week we have seen improvements which the results didn’t reflect. Today will hopefully give these lads the belief in their own abilities and that hard work will produce results”