Game number 16 for the home team in their league programme and what a game. Facing undoubtably our toughest opponents, Carrick the only team to have beaten us this season – Cup game 30th November – and the one team who could stand in the way of us winning the league. The crowd of around 300 were excited, the players were nervous and this correspondent was biting his nails.

10 minutes before the kick off, with the two teams in the dressing rooms for final preparations, a presentation was made to the 2nd XV in recognition of their winning the West Region Reserve League Division 2 North Conference, Captain Chris (Tooney) Jewell receiving the award on behalf of his squad. This is no mean achievement given that when the 2s failed to field a side on too many occasions, they were ejected from the league – it is also a facet of the Club which is extremely important to introduce players progressing from the Under 18 side into Senior Rugby. All who played any part in this success are to be both congratulated and thanked, then encouraged to keep up their good work.

As the presentation ended the two sides made their way onto the pitch entering the pitch through a guard of honour made up of a mix of junior Strathendrick players representing all groups of the Club. Thank you to all who took part in our big day.

Right on time Carrick kicked off to get the match underway. The pitch, which was looking at its best, was bone hard following the recent dry spell and would leave the players nursing sore bones for the days following. The initial 10 minutes were a test for ‘Endrick’s defence as Carrick launched numerous attacks – any territorial progress made by the home side being conceded, on a regular basis, as they fell into their old habit of giving away penalties. One such award, with 10 minutes played, gave Carrick the option of a kick at goal which they accepted to put the first points on the scoreboard. A couple of minutes later ‘Endrick were given the chance to level the scores but, the usually reliable, Fergus Brown could not find the target.

Following this setback, ‘Endrick gained some possession and started to find gaps in their opponent’s defensive line which, despite the best efforts of the ‘Endrick squad, remained intact. A loose clearing kick from the Carrick 22 failed to find touch and ended in the hands of Angus North who, with some open space in front of him, made his way up the left touchline until met by the Carrick defence – the ball was passed just before the tackle was made and then moved across to backs to right winger Findlay Kay who showed his pace to score close to the corner. The try was unconverted but ‘Endrick had taken the lead.

In the 20th minute it was the Carrick score that was changed when, after electing to take a tap penalty close to the ‘Endrick try line, their enterprise was rewarded with a forward’s try. This was converted to put the visitors back in front with a 5 point lead.

The efforts in attack and defence of both teams were unrelenting and contributed to an entertaining game. With 25 minutes played Craig Mundell was adjudged to have made a high tackle for which he received 10 minutes on the naughty step. Often when a side is reduced to 14 their opponents take control – ‘Endrick had clearly not read that particular script as they set about taking back the lead. As another Carrick clearing kick failed to find touch, it was collected by winger Morgan Lamb who set off at an impressive pace taking the play close to the Carrick 5m line – from quickly recycled ball Finn Walford was on hand to accept a pass and score the try. Again Fergus could not find his target and the match was tied at 10 points each.

The contest continued with both sides showing their own skill sets, with the defensive skills of the two squads being the most effective. 34 minutes played and Ben Gibson, playing at full back, fielded another clearing kick and succeeded on handing off the approaching Carrick chaser before increasing his pace and making towards the Carrick goa line. As the space closed down Finn Walford was on hand to accept the pass and move the ball onto Angus North who proceeded to carve his way through the remaining defenders for a try close to the posts. Fergus duly added the two points for the conversion and ‘Endrick had a seven point lead. Shortly after the score and with five minutes of the half remaining Angus North left the field feeling unwell.

Despite some admirable attempts, there was no further scoring in the first half.

Half time score Strathendrick 17 - 10 Carrick

As the match restarted neither side could be accused of “going lightly” following a collision six minutes into the half the Carrick open side flanker, who had put in an impressive shift, was forced off with what appeared to be a leg injury. The play roared on with the scoreboard untroubled until the 53rd minute when a Carrick tackle was adjudged to be high and Fergus converted the award for another three points and a 10 point lead.

In the 55th minute it was Carrick who had a player put on the naughty step for 10 minutes after yet another high tackle about which both sides had been warned. Five minutes after that Fergus missed the chance for another three points.

The decisive moment came with 72 minutes played as ‘Endrick mounted an attack in numbers up the right wing facing a stretched defence. The exhibition of draw and pass resulted in a clear ‘Endrick 2 on 1 with Angus North, who had returned to the play, supported by Findlay Kay. The pass from Angus was textbook with the exception that the last defender was able to deliberately knock the ball down depriving Findlay of what would be a certain try. The referee decided that the action merited a yellow card and the award of a penalty try. This was try no.4 for Strathendrick which secured the bonus point.

From the restart Carrick went on the attack with one dangerous looking move only thwarted by young Jack Ronald who had been introduced immediately before the Carrick drop kick.

This time it was Carrick who proved that being down to 14 was no reason not to score. With three minutes of play remaining, they collected the ball and charged towards ‘Endrick’s try line and through a succession of charges using their heavier players they were rewarded with their 2nd try of the day which was also converted.

As this compelling game moved into the final stages, ‘Endrick were on the attack looking for a glory finish. Angus Morrison took up position close to the left wing and, when offered the chance, showed the tiring Carrick defence his pace as he rounded the remaining defenders to score under the posts, no doubt in the progress giving the last Carrick man a running commentary. Fergus then added the extra points.

The game was not quite over as Carrick attempted to add to their score. The final whistle did sound after a few plays when a Carrick failed to gather a pass and the ball was knocked on. At the whistle the cheer from the home support was one of immense pleasure with an element of pride and perhaps some relief.

A word for the day’s referee whose performance added to the quality of the contest.

Final score Strathendrick 34 - 17 Carrick

The result puts Strathendrick nine points clear at the top of the league with a game in hand on their nearest chasers. Or, to put in another way, league champions – which has a good ring to it.

On top of winning the league the day was an all-round success with an impressive crowd, thank to all our supporters, the participation of younger players all happening at Fintry on a day that the weather showed our pitch at its best.

Strathendrick have two league games remaining the first of which is at home next weekend when Lomond/Helensburgh are the visitors. Following this match, it is hoped that a representative of the West District League will make the presentation of the league trophy. Kick off is 3.00 and as big a crowd as possible is hoped for to make it a memorable Easter weekend. ‘Endrick will be intent on continuing their unbeaten league run against Lomond/ Helensburgh and against Wigtownshire the following week at Stranraer.

CJ