Cumnock/Ayr U16 (57 – 12) Wigtownshire U16

The Cumnock/Ayr U16 team won their final league game of the season with a great all round display. This team has come a long way from the start of the season, improving each week and thoroughly deserving this win after some good displays and some unlucky results in their league campaign.

Cumnock/Ayr started the game strongly scoring from the kickoff, Finlay McMillan following the kickoff and picking up on a Wigtownshire fumble to score on his debut. This set the pattern for the first half that Cumnock/Ayr completely dominated. Scoring five try’s to none to lead 33 – 0 at halftime.

In the second half Cumnock/Ayr made some changes and shuffled the pack to allow some of the younger boys to display their talents. Wigtownshire came made a concerted effort to get back into the game from the restart and only some spirited defending stopped the visitors from scoring more. At least 3 scoring attempts were held off before the home side defensive line was breached. Cumnock/Ayr then re-established their form again and finished the game on top some fine play and resulting scores. The try scorers on the day were Finlay McMillan (3), Ross Anderson (3), John Gibson (2) and Craig Andrews (1), who had an excellent game at full back. Ross Anderson converted 6 of 9 attempts including one from the touchline.

Thomas Bowditch, a new addition to the squad this year, came in at scrum-half for the second stanza of this encounter and performed well in what is a challenging position at the heart of the team. Additionally, captain Euan Park has led his team by example so far this season and should be praised for the relentless encouragement he gives the team both on and off the pitch.

It was also uplifting to see support from family and friends on the touchline. The coaches commented “the tremendous amount of hard work that these players put into their game deserves some reward and there is nothing more encouraging on game day than seeing parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters etc on the touchline cheering them on, the lift it gives them should never be underestimated. The rugby club has a strong family tradition and we are delighted to welcome all supporters of the team as it grows in stature”.

This was a good end to the league campaign, which in truth may have come too early for the under 16’s however the second half of the season will bring new challenges with cup competition and other fixtures which will allow this team to develop further.

Any boys in S3/S4 who are keen to take up rugby should contact Harry Reilly on 07980-137623 for more information.