Strathendrick RFC 34 - 7 Cumbernauld RFC

It had been two weeks since the last match, would the lack of match practice which has arisen several times this season, cause Strathendrick problems again this week?

This was the first home match since 27th January, an astonishing 11 weeks with no home games.

As is always the case with this time of year, lambing commitments restrict the availability of the team’s farmers and this alongside the knocks, bumps and recovery times inevitably lead to further changes in personnel.

The team to face Cumbernauld could go out confident that they could challenge the opposition and would, most likely, have a plan for a game played at pace which would test the visitor’s fitness. Cumbernauld however would be eager to record an important win in their attempt to escape the relegation position currently occupied.

The match ball for this game was sponsored by Allan Denton of Strathendrick Decorating & Plastering of Killearn – unfortunately Allan could not attend the game for the usual photograph.

On a playing surface, which was very soft but perfectly playable, the strong wind would certainly play a part in the tactics of both teams. It was to be at Cumbernauld’s back for the first 40 minutes. As it turned out there were very few scoring chances for either side throughout the first half as both teams tackled well and scorned rare potential openings. This continued until the 38th minute when, with ‘Endrick on the attack, they were awarded a penalty in the Cumbernauld 22. Finn Walford was first to react and quickly took the tap and charged towards the line with the defence closing in. It looked to the home crowd that Finn failed to ground the ball cleanly on his way through the last defender – but the luck was with him as the referee awarded the try, which was easily converted by Ben Anderson.

Half time score Strathendrick 7 Cumbernauld 0

Would the advantage of the wind allow ‘Endrick to put on a better show in the second half?

They started well, carrying the ball into the Cumbernauld half and their pressure offered the chance of three points after only four minutes. Ben Anderson was on hand to add the points to the day’s total.

Five minutes later ‘Endrick were pressing again and as a clearing kick from the Cumbernauld 22 failed to reach touch, it was fielded by Dougie Duff who quickly called for support as he carried the ball back towards the opposition – one side step was followed by an outrageous behind the back, blind pass to the supporting Ben Anderson who moved the ball quickly to Charlie Walker who finished the move close to the posts. Ben Anderson had taken a knock to the face in the build up and failed with the conversion – he then left the field for treatment.

Charlie Walker was scoring his 2nd try just seven minutes later; a line out the ball was passed through the backs in what looked like a rehearsed move. Findlay Kay took over kicking duties and duly added the two points.

Leading 22-0 ‘Endrick now set off on the chase for the try bonus point which arrived in the 66th minute when Findlay Kay won the race to a kick ahead for a try close to the right hand touchline, too far out for the conversion.

With 10 minutes of the match remaining it was Cumbernauld who scored next. Their bulkier forwards were close to the line and after a series of drives they were rewarded with a try, which the kicker converted. Their tails up, they manufactured the next scoring opportunity when the speedy full back appeared on the wing and seemed certain to score. He hadn’t reckoned with the defending Ruairi Doyle who chopped him down and into touch – perhaps the most memorable tackle in a day of good tackles.

Through out the 2nd half ‘Endrick had introduced their replacements one of who was Douglas Morrison who was the recipient of a yellow card, the reason for which was difficult to fathom. What can be said is that while he was not on the pitch for long, it was probably two times longer that Ewan (Pieman) Mackay managed in the previous league game.

Morrison returned to the match with about one minute of play remaining in which ‘Endrick scored their 5th try of the game. With ‘Endrick camped in the Cumbernauld 22 and moving the ball between forwards and backs it was prop Stevie Taylor who latched on to a pass to run outside the covering defence looking more like a 13 than a 3 for a spectacular score – Ben Anderson, who had returned to the field, added the extras. The final moments of the game were played out with no further scoring opportunities.

Final score – Strathendrick 34 Cumbernauld 7

The second half was much more rewarding than the first for Strathendrick, when they played with more control and shape. They will need to be at their best next weekend when Uddingston are the visitors to Fintry. They will doubtless arrive determined to overturn the result between these two sides when ‘Endrick won the Shield match at Uddingston 24-38. Kick off 3.00pm for a fixture which is never short of tries.

During the after match event Ali Huxtable and Bruce Steel received their 1st XV hoodies for making five starts – Bruce was also awarded the Man of the Match pint.

CJ