With the previous week’s win against Clydebank still fresh in the mind, Strathendrick travelled to face old rivals Cumbernauld at Auchenkilns.
Non availability due to injury, work arrangements and other more pressing arrangements meant a number of new faces in the starting line-up and some more familiar faces filling unaccustomed roles.

With 2 minutes played Christiaan Lamb was making his way towards the home sides try line when he was stopped with what was ruled to be an accidental trip. Stand-off for the day Kyle Campbell took the chance to open the account with 3 points.

The restart took play into the ‘Endrick 22 where a James Cuthbertson clearing kick was charged down. Cumbernauld attempted to keep play in the 22m zone and from a turnover the ball was cleared to nearer the halfway line. This line out was won by ‘Endrick and captain for the day Murray Calderwood broke away into midfield, 3 passes later it was sandy Bruce who touched down for the first try of the day. The conversion from wide left was unsuccessful and after 7 minutes ‘Endrick had increased their lead to 8 points. Only 60 seconds later it was James Ogilvie scoring again – another unconverted try.

It was then the turn of Cumbernauld to press for a score but were held up on 2 occasions both resulting in goal line drop outs. The first kick only resulted in a 5m scrum to Cumbernauld and the second too the play 30m from the ‘Endrick goal line. From a successful turnover the visitors made their way to the Cumbernauld end of the pitch but were thwarted 10 m from their objective. the Cumbernauld clearing kick which failed to reach touch and was fielded by Morgan Lamb who took off to put pressure on the home defence, after outrunning a number of would be tacklers he linked with Euan Hylands who finished off with the touch down for another unconverted score. ‘Endrick lead by 18.

With 20 minutes played Rory Trafford was taken off to be assessed after a bang to the head – he returned to the match later. There had been a number of tackles made by ‘Endrick which the referee had ruled to be too high and as the clock reached 28 minutes Sandy Bruce was deemed to have made another – he was given a 10 minute rest. Not deterred by the 1 man disadvantage Findlay Kay, the flyer last week, took off on a run upfield, outstripping the initial defence before being stopped and penalised in the tackle allowing Cumbernauld to clear the danger. With 3 minutes of the half remaining Cumbernauld rumbled over for their first score of the day and the last of the half.

Half time score – Cumbernauld 5 – Strathendrick 18

As the game restarted it was ‘Endrick who pressed for the next score and were rewarded with a penalty on the 22m line of their hosts. The penalty was tapped quickly and 2 passes later sandy Bruce cruised over for his second try of the match. Next up Stevie Taylor appeared to have butchered the next try as he ignored a 2 on 1. However, with 58 minutes gone he made amends by charging over for a score which the referee deemed good but which most of the touchline suggested had been a knock on, the conversion was added by Kyle Campbell and ‘Endrick had the bonus point. The scoreboard was changed again in the 64th minute when from a lineout move the left winger burst through the defence to score under the posts to reduce the ‘Endrick lead. Score 12 – 32.

The last 15 minutes of the match saw ‘Endrick dominate. The first chance of a score was from a penalty 35 yards from goal which was missed – then 1 minute later from slightly closer he was successful with his next kick. There was no further scoring until the last 2 minutes when first the returned Rory Trafford cruised over close to the posts for what was a 7 point score and a minute later Christiaan Lamb finished off a good day with the last try of the day. The conversion by Findlay Kay was unsuccessful and the referee signalled full time.

Final score – Cumbernauld 12 – Strathendrick 47

Next week Strathendrick welcome Bishopton to Fintry kick off 2.00pm