Cumnock / Kilmarnock U16 Cougars 0 - GHA 60

The Cougars were totally out-classed right across the park by a great team of talented players who played some fabulous flowing rugby. In every element of play the GHA players showed tremendous skill levels and it was a joy to watch them play with confidence, always supporting each other both in defence and attack.

For the Cougars the gap in skill levels was plain to see however a number of positives came out of the match. The players never let their heads go down and they kept trying to take something from the game. Indeed there were two moments in the game, one in each half where they nearly scored. A superb jinking run from Gregor Aitken was only halted just before the try line in the first half and some good interplay by the forwards almost saw Stuart McEwan cross the whitewash in the second period.

There was some steady play from Jack Reilly at scrum-half and line-out ball from hooker Robbioe McLaren was generally secure throughout the game. New team members Conor Hunter and Cameron McGregor are showing promise as are Cameron Paterson and Gavin Miller. With a number of key players already injured this season and likley to be unavailable for a number of weeks it is hoped that some of the others wil take the opportunity to get significant amounts of game time and build on their skills.

The next match away to East Kilbride on Sunday 16th September will be another tough game against a larger team from Glasgow and every player will need to be playing at the top of their game.

Team: McEwan (c), R McLaren, Hunter, Faulds, A McLaren, Harkiss, Kerr, Morgan, Reilly, Smith, Wight, Aitken, McGregor, Miller, Bowditch. Subs: Paterson, McCulloch, Barr, Ure.