Strathendrick 36 - 19 Uddingston

These two sides were meeting for the 3rd time this season, Uddingston having won the League meeting in October (41-32) and ‘Endrick coming out on top of the National Shield match (24-38). A total of 135 points scored over those matches suggested that this might have a few tries too!

With perhaps the best underfoot conditions since before Christmas it was likely that the ‘Endrick game plan would be for a free flowing match. Based on what had been seen in the previous matches Uddingston also like an open game with their bigger mobile forwards playing a major part. How would it turn out?

The match ball for this game was sponsored by James Henderson of Oakwood Garden Centre, Killearn – unfortunately James could not attend the game for the usual photograph. We very much appreciate the backing of all our match ball sponsors this season.

The first 15 minutes of this match showed much endeavour from both sides with Uddingston looking the most likely to score. After the ‘Endrick job share prop switch Dougie Spence replacing Donald Budge on the 18 minute mark, Uddingston opened the scoring one minute later – winning a lineout then moving the ball across the backs to score on the opposite wing. The conversion was missed and Uddingston led by 5 points.

Being behind on the scoreboard appeared to spur the home side into upping their game and pushing for a score. Finn Walford took command and carried forward bouncing off a would be tackler, when stopped the ball was recycled quickly to the supporting pack – another ruck with quick ball and one pass to Charlie Walker who was able to glide past the remaining defenders to tie the scores. The conversion rebounding off the post. The next “score” was disallowed for the final pass being forward.

Uddingston were then ruled offside and the ‘Endrick penalty was missed, 38 minutes played.

The restart kick was safely fielded in the middle of the park and carried forward finally landing in the hands of Ruairi Doyle who touched down close enough to the posts for the try to be converted by Findlay Kay.

There was no further scoring, the first half ended with the score Strathendrick 12 Uddingston 5.

For the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half it was ‘Endrick who controlled the scoreboard with Christiaan Lamb taking advantage of a crashing Stevie Taylor run for an unconverted try after 43 minutes played. Just 4 minutes later Andrew Spence, a contender for player of the day, drove over; his try being converted by Findlay Kay. Scoreboard now showing Strathendrick 24 Uddingston 5. The try bonus point secured.

Back came Uddingston on the 55 minute mark with a converted try and another period of dominance in the game – all attempts at adding to their score were met by determined ‘Endrick defence. The next score was ‘Endrick’s at 70 minutes Charlie Walker made a break and his pass to the supporting Gregor Duncan – back from injury his first match since just before Christmas – who sped past the remaining defenders for a try which went unconverted.

With 10 minutes of the game left Uddingston were determined to reduce the deficit and maybe get a bonus point for 4 tries and maybe more. ‘Endrick were pinned in their own half and being regularly penalised for various offences, nerves were also short on both sides which caused the game to break up as the referee’s patience was well tested. It was the last try scorer Gregor Duncan who was deemed to have taken an Uddingston player out with a high tackle – a tough decision as the attacker was most definitely dropping, but that was taking one for the team. Uddingston elected for the scrum from the penalty award. It was the expected No 8 pick up and a drive at the depleted ‘Endrick backline for their 3rd try of the afternoon. The extras were added and the game restarted with 6 minutes remaining.

The last try of the game was an ‘Endrick one when replacement prop Craig Kay out paced the Uddingston defenders for his first try of the season to which the 2 extra points were added by Findlay Kay.

Final score – Strathendrick 36 Uddingston 19

The result made little difference to the League positions of these two sides with Uddingston in 4th place and Strathendrick in 5th.

The other results in this league went very much as expected but surprising scorelines. Cambuslang and Bishopton continue to battle it out for the title but have secured the 2 promotion spots. If Bishopton win either of their 2 remaining fixtures they will be champions – they face ‘Endrick next week, at Bishopton, can the visitors spoil the party? Game kicks off at 3.00pm for what will be our last league match of this season ‘Endrick will need to be at their very best in what will undoubtably be a very difficult test.

CJ