Cumnock / Kilmarnock S2 Cougars 41 - East KIlbride S2 23

Report by Kevan Aitken, pictures by Euan Kerr

After the disappointment at Whitecraigs a couple of weeks ago the Cougars were determined to end the season on a high note.

The match started off lively enough with the Cougars driving forward at their opponents, however it was East Kilbride that were first on the scoreboard thanks to some poor tackling by the home defence. The Cougars regrouped and replied through a typical effort from Callan Gordon leaving a trail of players lying in his wake. A few minutes later the Cougars took the lead with a great score from winger Gavin Wight at last doing what he has threatened to do all season and coming inside and angling a terrific run in under the posts. The last score of the period went to East Kilbride following a nice break from a scrum. Both teams converted their scores and honours were even at the break with the match tied at eight points each.

The Cougars stepped up the pace going into the second period. A great break from prop Stuart McEwan saw him stretch for the line and score, then a typical mazey run from centre Gregor Paxton saw him score under the posts to present stand off David Smith with the simplest of conversions. East KIlbride replied with a try in the corner following a strong run down the wing, which was converted with a tremendous kick from the touchline. The Cougars stormed back upfield and Thomas Bowditch scored his first try for the team, with Smith again adding the extras. The Cougars were now 19 - 12 ahead going into the final twenty minute spell.

The East Kilbride pack were larger than the home team but the skill and fitness levels of the Cougars really told in the final period. EK scored twice and looked as if they could come back into the game but the Cougars had other ideas. The forwards were dominating the open play and were controlling the breakdown better. This gave the backs plenty of clean ball to work with and they cut loose and played a tremendous running and passing game that belied their youthful years. At times their opponents couldn't get their hands on the ball for long periods as the Cougars ran in six more tries, including two that came straight from receiving the kick-off and without their opponents touching the ball. The scores came from Paxton (3), Taylor Howie (2) and Gregor Aitken, with Smith kicking four successful conversions. East Kilbride had the last word though with a well worked try in the final passage of play, which was again converted.

This was the final game of a very successful season, with only two defeats at home and some great wins on the road. Last August both Cumnock and Kilmarnock were struggling to field teams at this age group. Previously there had been a fierce rivallry between the teams with some momentous clashes between them. Combining them into one team has benefitted both clubs and players and there is a great team spirit and ethos. This team will now move forward together to compete at Under 15 level next season, building on the positives of the last 10 months, much to the delight of the players themselves, as well as both clubs coaching teams and the players parents.

Team: T Bowditch, G Paxton, T Howie, G Aitken (C), G Wight, D Smith, A Kerr, S McEwan (VC), R McLaren, A Harkiss, S Faulds, R Phillips, I Barr,C Hamilton, C Gordon, J Duncan, T Ballantyne.