U18 Win Again On The Road.

Stewartry RFC U18 10 : 12 Cumnock RFC U18

With 2 wins already banked in their league campaign Cumnock travelled to Castle Douglas with some form and looking to maintain their perfect record. As play commenced it was Cumnock that took the game to the hosts thorough driving play followed by some deft territorial kicking. However it was the hosts who took the lead after 10 mins when after a number of phases the ‘Nock team were caught short on the blindside and the ball was shipped out the Stewartry winger who ghosted over in the corner with the opening unconverted score. This score rocked the Cumnock side who had been in control of play from the off and led to some poor decisions with the ball in hand. Stewartry had their tails up and seized their chance when a couple of weak tackles put them over in the corner for a second unconverted score a matter of minutes after the first. Things went from bad to worse when influential scrum half, and captain, Aiden Kerr was forced to withdraw from the game due to injury followed closely by No. 8 Michael Anderson. As both players hold key roles within the team this meant some major reshuffling was required. Never easy at the best of times on the back of two scores against the omens where not looking good. A difficult period ensued with Cumnock desperately seeking a foothold in the game and some stout, last ditch defending was the order of the day to stop Stewartry scoring what could have been a decisive third score. Since the start of this season there has been a work ethic that has seen this team through a number of tough encounters it was this singled minded determination that slowly brought the team back into the game. After some tasty midfield play Thomas Grierson secured a turnover that was quickly moved wide to centre Bradley Smith who shrugged off a couple of tackled then rounded the full back to score an unconverted try. This score buoyed the Cumnock team as half time approached and as the whistle sounded it was Cumnock who were back on the front foot.

The 2nd half continued with more of the same as Cumnock began to dominate territory with wave after wave of attack pinning the hosts in their 22. A series of quick phases saw the Stewartry defence is disarray and it fell to stand in captain Robbie McLaren to drive over for the levelling score which kicker jack reilly slotted to take a slender 2 point lead. There was still 25 mins on the clock at this point however it was becoming clear that the very muddy pitch was going to limit any lengthy phases of play. The game swung back and forth for the remainder of the game with both teams squandering opportunities to take control of the scoreboard. With 5 minutes remaining Stewartry secured a penalty in front of the posts which surprisingly they chose to run when a 3 points kick would have pushed them into the lead. This was a decision that they would ultimately regret as the Cumnock side stuck to their defensive duties valiantly and despite considerable pressure in the closing minutes. There was a huge cheer from the players and supporters alike when the referee finally called time on what had been an epic tussle played in a competitive but sportsmanlike performance from both sides. Coach Ian Park commented “this has been another resolute performance from the whole team and they should be proud of the commitment throughout”. Coach Euan Kerr added “This squad is developing a true team ethic through hard work and sheer determination they are digging out results each week.”

Team: Stephen Robson, Glen Young, Andrew Harkiss, Ryan McCrone, Allister Elliott, Thomas Grierson, Robbie McLaren, Michael Anderson, Aidan Kerr, Jack Reilly, Dale West, Bradley Smith, Calum Park, Gavin Gilliland, Thomas Bowditch, Craig Willison & Thomas Findlay

The U18 team are now on a two week break for the Autumn Test series and will resume their league campaign on Sat 29th August when they travel to play North Ayrshire. Players are reminded that there will be additional training sessions over the next couple of weeks and they should keep an eye on the team social media channels for updates.

Any new players wishing to join the U18 squad are welcome to come along to Thursday training sessions at Auchinleck Leisure Centre starting at 2030. Finally the team wishes to send its congratulations to former Cumnock Mini/Midi/Senior player Mark Bennett who secured his first full cap for Scotland when he started in the Autumn Test against Argentina at the weekend.