Strathendrick RFC v Paisley RFC

On previous occasions when Paisley have visited Fintry of League business the match has usually been a close fought battle between the forwards. Perhaps it was the clear overhead conditions and the almost perfect playing surface that brought about an open and entertaining game on this occasion.

The scoring frenzy started after just 3 minutes when full back Drew McColl-Smith knocked over a penalty from in front of the posts. He was back on kicking duties just 2 minutes later when, after a Dougie Duff kick to secure a 50/22 ‘Endrick won the line out and moved the ball through the hands for McColl-Smith to score and add the conversion; score 10-0. The next 15 minutes the home side dominated and made good use of the ball to record a further 3 tries scored by Craig Mundell (7 min) Dougie Duff (14 min) and James Ogilvie (18 min). With 2 of the 3 tries converted the home side had secured the try bonus point and secured a 27-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.

The next 5 minutes consisted of ‘Endrick trying to run the ball at every opportunity and being frustrated by their own mishandling and giving away penalties. One such penalty gave Paisley the opportunity to put their first points on the board after the home side were penalised for not releasing.

The home side continued to press for more tries and, on the 30 minute mark were rewarded, a grubber kick from a scrum had Craig Mundell touching down for his second try of the half. This conversion was missed. ‘Endrick’s play continued to attract the attention of the match official who awarded a series of penalties in favour of Paisley. As half time approached the visitors made the decision to run their most recent award in the home side’s 22. The defending team won the ball close to their own line and broke out in attack, after a series of short passes through assured hands it was left to Gregor Duncan to finish the move with a try under the posts. The conversion was to be the last action of the first half.

Half time – Strathendrick 39 – Paisley 3

The spectators on the touch line had only to wait 7 minutes of the 2nd half for the next ‘Endrick try when a missed kick to touch was fielded on the left wing and moved up field and across for right winger Finlay Kay to touch down behind the posts.

The re-start kick was dealt with efficiently and the home side advanced again towards their opponents’ line. It took only 2 minutes of broken play before replacement George Simons broke free to score his first try of the game.

Keen to add to the growing total a loose ball in the ‘Endrick 22 was picked up by Finlay Kay who, with a show of pace and clever running, ran almost the length of the pitch to score under the posts (55 min). The restart kick was collected by Finn Walford who barged through outstretched arms to make 40m before laying off a well timed pass to his supporting team mate who added the 5 points. After 60 minutes of play the scoreboard showed the home side leading 65-3. Just 4 minutes later Craig Mundell finished off his hat-trick with a converted try.

There may have been a lapse in concentration as the visitors pushed towards the ‘Endrick line and with 67 minutes on the clock they were finally rewarded with a try scored by their forwards close to the posts.

The match was re-started but the referee decided that the contest was over and blew for full time after only 74 minutes of play

Full time – Strathendrick 72 – Paisley 10.

Next week Strathendrick play away to Lomond/Helensburgh.

CJ