Strathaven pinch points at the death

From an uncertain start to the season where poor numbers and lack of commitment placed some doubt over the viability of this seasons U16 team at Cumnock RFC there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Through the hard work of the coaching team and no less work by some players to cajole their mates to start playing, the numbers have risen steadily through September and the team can now boast a squad of 23 players. An early baptism of fire with inclusion in the West Division 2 South U16 League meant they had to get on the learning curve quickly. Early games resulted in some heavy defeats but slowly through the weeks there has been an improvement in performances. 2 weeks ago the team travelled to joint league leaders Kilmarnock and although going down to 41-20 score line acquitted themselves well with the hosts only pulling away in the last 10 mins.

Last Sunday saw Cumnock hosting the other half of the table topping duo with a strong Strathaven team keen to maintain its unbeaten record. The match started with a quick score from the visitors full back who ran the length of the pitch to touchdown under the posts. The same player would score all bar one of the visitors tries. In a change to previous games this ramped up the passion and determination of the Cumnock side who turned over ball from the KO and worked their way up the park to score an impressive try.

This was game on and a to and fro' game commenced with scores being traded. With only a handful of minutes on the clock the scores were tied with Cumnock in the ascendancy looking for the winning score. Unfortunately it was not to be with the visitors turning over cumnock ball to then run the length of the park to finish the homeside chances. Whilst disappointing this was a very strong performance from what has to the fastest improving side in the league and only a matter of time till they start winning.

Notable performances on the day came from Ross Anderson, John Gibson, and Man of the Match Marcus Bowditch. The team also have a asset in their captain Euan Park who led his team by example with a strong performance

The coaching staff commented, "I'm gutted that the boys lost this one" said Harry Reilly, "they were by far the better team in the encounter and dominated long phases of the game. Their hard work in training and a growing belief in themselves is turning this side into a really exciting prospect. So long as they continue to apply themselves then I have little doubt that they will become a winning side."

The next game for the U16 is away to Greenock Wanderers on Sunday 24th October, KO 1400.

In the meantime training will be held this Thursday (7th October) on the astro at Cumnock Academy from 2000-2100. Then from the following week the regular training session will be Thursdays form 1930 till 2100