These two sides had been facing up to each other since ‘Endrick’s early days 50 years ago, so could be considered to be “Old Rivals”. In the first matches it was Cumbernauld who generally dominated, ‘Endrick then had their time as favourites and now both sides faced off in a new league season, second game, each with a win the previous week.

Match day at Fintry had started with a gathering of around 50 Past Players for a light lunch, perhaps a few beers and some serious discussion of old times. With that amount of experience and tactical nous on the touchline how could the result be in question? No doubt Cumbernauld had thoughts on that.

In almost perfect weather conditions and with a good crowd backing the home team the game started. There was anticipation amongst the spectators that this would be an open game full of running. As it turned out ‘Endrick more than dominated possession and territory but for 39 minutes could not trouble the scoreboard operators. Awarded a penalty close to the Cumbernauld try it was taken quickly and passed to James Cuthbertson who crashed through the remaining defenders for his first try of the season. He was forced to leave the field immediately after this following a face injury which was unseen by the match official so went unpunished. The dependable Fergus Brown was on hand to add the extra points.

The 1st half ended with no further action of note.

Half time score – Strathendrick 7-0 Cumbernauld

‘Endrick made a number of replacements for the re-start and Cumbernauld kicked off after the break. The kick was gathered by Angus Morrison who set off on a 50 yard run into his opponents half, when he was stopped the ball was recycled through a few phases but eventually carried into touch. ‘Endrick were sufficiently sharp to pick off the Cumbernauld throw as James Ogilvy finished off the move with a try under the posts – again Fergus add the extra points.

Just six minutes had passed before Cumbernauld has, what was to be their best period of the match as, from a lineout, they executed a well-rehearsed catch and drive routine for a try on the left wing. The Cumbernauld kicker did well to slot over the kick for a further two points from a difficult angle. With 50 minutes played there was only seven points between the sides.

The remaining 30 minutes of the game were very much along the same lines as the first half, with ‘Endrick having the majority of the possession and territory; either giving up scoring chances through simple handling errors or falling foul of the referee’s interpretation of the Laws. ‘Endrick did cross the line twice but were deemed to have been “held up”.

There was no further scoring the final score was Strathendrick 17 Cumbernauld 7. It was clear that the performance and score disappointed all of the home players as they had been expecting more from themselves. The game may not have been the show of festival rugby that had been anticipated but it was a win and sometimes any successful team has to Win Ugly.

No doubt the coach will have much to say when he meets the players again on Tuesday as they prepare for the next league match away to Lomond/Helensburgh. Both the 1XV & 2XV teams travel to Ardencaple next Saturday on league business – matches kick off at 3.00pm. It would be good to have a decent support, so get along if you can.

A big thanks to all of the past players who came along for the pre-match lunch, it is hoped that you enjoyed your day and that you might be tempted to become regular spectators.
CJ