Cumnock U16 (@crfcu16) 72 Dumfries U16 24

Report by Ian Park

Right from the start Cumnock’s intensions were clear as they gathered the loose kickoff and immediately attacked the Dumfries line, the ball zipped along the backs and a clever offload allowed Robbie McLaren to cross for the first score. Cumnock kept up the early pressure on Dumfries with Bradley Smith finding the space to run in the second. But just to show that it wasn’t going to be all one sided Dumfries replied to make the score 12-7. The Nocks forwards then took the straight route up the middle of the park for Glen Young to finish off under the posts. Dumfries again replied after a lack of composure in front of the Cumnock line for 19-12.
Cumnock’s support play was now beginning to pay off with great hands and continuity of play, due to players being available for the ball carrier. The score line began to tick over for the hosts, Dale West finished of a flowing move, Michael Anderson broke tackles to score, West again scored on the left wing and Smith scored his second of the day to make the half time score 41-12.
The coaches made changes in the second half but this didn’t weaken the team in any way, Calum Park scoring the first of the new half but credit to Dumfries who stuck at it and scored the next. Thomas Grierson then powered over to cap another improving display. The visitors managed their final score for the day to make it 51-24 but Cumnock continued to play good rugby, Gary Balmer next to score and finally West added another 2 to bring his tally to 4 trys for the day. At the final whistle the score was 72-24.
The coaches were again happy with the result, although are a bit concerned by losing 4 trys for the first time this season but again credit has to go to the determination of the Dumfries team. The Cumnock forwards gave their usual hard working display and when presented with the ball the Cumnock backs passing and running was excellent all day.
No game next Sunday (17th) due to the International game, the following week we are away to Newton Stewart. There will NOT be a bus for this game, if parents can let the coaches know if they can take a car and who they are taking at Thursday night training.
Team: R Donnelly, G Young, J Smith, T Grierson, S Faulds, G Gilliland, D McCulloch, R McLaren, M Anderson, A Kerr, A Birrell, G Balmer, C Hill, B Smith, C Park, D West, L Andrew, A Smith, R Donnelly, T Wallace, L Naismith, S Houston