Cumnock S1 / S2 - 30 Garnock S1/ S2 - 21

Garnock arrived at Broomfield with a mix of S1 and S2 players. The coaches agreed to play four 15 minute periods with the Cumnock S1 and S2 teams alternating against their opponents.

The first period saw the Cumnock S2's dominate Garnock in all phases of play. Jack Reilly opened the scoring early with a rampaging run through from 10 metres out brushing off a number of Garnock defenders. Great work by the forwards with Neil Kerr and Scott Faulds winning great ball kept the back-line well supplied with quality possesion. Callan Gordon, playing out wide, revelled in the open spaces and ran in two tries, both converted by David Smith. Cumnock 11 Garnock 0.

Cumnock S1's then took the field and set about their bigger opponents with gusto. Some great covering tackles kept the Garnock backs at bay but the larger pack started to get on top, especially at the set pieces. Garnock scored four tries, two of which were converted. Cumnock did have some chances to score, in particular Paddy Dewhurst and Alex Smith had some magnificent breaks but lacked that final penetration. Cumnock 11 Garnock 14.

The S2 team resumed where they left off when they returned to the pitch with a try straight away from scrum-half Craig, who burst through a number of tackles. Callan Gordon added another shortly afterwards before Garnock replied with a try of their own. Cumnock hit back with a great interplay between man of the match Gregor Aitken and Callan Gordon ending with Aitken crossing over at the posts. In the final play of the game, Cumnock won a penalty near the Garnock line, with captain Jack Reilly opting to take the scrum. From the resultant set piece the ball was quickly moved along the line to allow Gavin Wight in for a score. Cumnock 26 Garnock 17

The final period saw the S1's with their hackles up and taking the game directly to Garnock. This put Garnock off their stride and their discipline started to desert some of their more volatile players. This was evidenced by the increasing penalty count. A determined Cumnock worked their way up the pitch with the forwards in particular starting to believe in themselves and driving forward at the opposition. A quick ball out to the backs then found Paddy Dewhurst but he could not find a way through, but Cumnock piled on the pressure, getting the ball to Gavin Gilliland who crossed over between the posts, the extras were added from the boot of Alex Smith. Garnock scored later to even things up in this period but Cumnock were unlucky not to score again. Final score Cumnock 30 Garnock 21.

Overall the coaches were delighted with this performance against a more experienced team. In particular the way they stood up to their larger opponents, never missing the chance to fell them in the tackle and winning ball in the mauls and rucks was a joy to watch. Both the S1 and S2 teams are progressing well and this season will see the players taking great strides forward if they continue to build on performances like this.