Cumnock Under 14 Match Report

This was the first time this year that Cumnock s2 had come up against Dalziel although the feeling in camp was that a positive result was achievable if they played the game in a similar fashion to the 2 defeats they handed out to them last year by comprehensively outscoring them in both previous games.

Before a ball had been kicked off it appeared that Dalziel like Cumnock had added some new recruits to their squad and on first impressions looked to be a more physical and compact unit than the one faced the previous year. However Cumnock have also been making their own moves in the recruitment department and were able to field 25 boys for an away fixture which can be described as fantastic. The door at Cumnock however is still open for anyone of this age group to come along and join in our training sessions at 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

With Dalziel to receive from Cumnock first, it gave the Cumnock team a chance to get involved from a tackling perspective and William, Clark, Nathan and co were in the oppositions faces turning good ball over in the opposing territory. Twice in the opening 10 mins Cumnock threatened to run in nice tries only for poor handling to lead to possession and penalties to Dalziel. For the large part of the first 20 minutes Cumnock were happy to set up camp in Dalziel's 22 and when the first try did come it was by way of brute force as Nathan Brown took charge of a penalty and left a trail of sprawling bodies as he dived for the line. This seemed to relax Cumnock and sharpen them up and young Tam playing number 8 for the first time made 3 great line breaks which were followed up by some excellent handling and moving of the ball for Luke, Joe and Callum of the backs to go over and complete a first 20 mins 4 tries to nil.

Due to high numbers and competition for places several changes were made to the back and forward starting line up which yielded 2 quick tries for Cumnock although in fairness to Dalziel they had recovered well and were competing during this period. So much so they were able to get on the score board themselves and convert for the 7 points. Right at the end the Dalziel winger found himself on the outside line for what would have been a certain try but for a great piece of drift defence and covering from the Cumnock backs to put him into touch inches short the try line.

The third period in recent games is where this Cumnock team has come into their own and this has mostly been due to the hard work and effort put in by players and coaches alike during fitness training and again it was evident for all to see again. With the forwards dominating Dalziel at this stage and the backs as sharp as tac's they ran in 2 quick tries within 5 mins and looked hungry for more, Dalziel as dogged as they had been up to that point finally looked like a beaten team. When they received an injury to a front row player and no replacement it was agreed it would have no positive impact on any of the 2 teams to let an enjoyable game become flawed. both teams left the field to the appreciation of the mums/dads/uncles and papas etc for the hard work and effort they had put in and sadly for the Cumnock representative on the supervised bus he was to endure another hour of non-stop thumping dance music all the way back to Cumnock.

Final Score Dalziel 7 Cumnock 37

Next week sees Cumnock away to Livingstone all players etc will be briefed on times and meeting points.