After the disappointment of last week’s game against Carrick being postponed due to Storm Amy, Strathendrick 1st XV travelled to Strathaven for another top-of-the-table clash: first versus third in West Division 1 in what promised to be a tough, competitive match. The home side had a strong, physical pack and were clearly up for the challenge on their home turf.
From the start, Strathaven dominated possession and worked their way upfield. In common with recent games, ‘Endrick were giving away a steady stream of penalties and one of these resulted in the first score after 7 minutes. But almost immediately after the restart the visitors launched their first meaningful attack and Fergus Brown placed a beautifully-flighted cross-field kick into the arms of the on-rushing winger, Christiaan Lamb, who crossed for a try. Nine minutes gone: 3-5 to Strathendrick.
The pattern of play then reverted to dominant home possession and ‘Endrick giving away regular penalties. After 15’ this resulted in Gus North being yellow-carded (apparently for a little-known ‘new law’). Utilising their forward power, the home side scored in the right-hand corner – a scrum penalty followed and Strathaven were 11-5 up at the end of the first quarter. However, once again this didn’t last as ‘Endrick launched only their second sustained venture into enemy territory: Fergus Brown repeated his cross-field kick wizardry for Angus Morrison to juggle but collect the ball and cross for a converted try. ‘Endrick were leading 11-12 pretty much against the run of play!
Back came the determined home-team with relentless drives and some well-disciplined control – countered by resilient defending - to score two more tries before half-time, one converted, against a penalty for ‘Endrick converted by Brown.

Half-time: Strathaven 23 - 15 Strathendrick and everything to play for.

Strathaven began the second period in the same fashion as the first, driving upfield, rewarded with a push-over try from their pack which was dominating the scrums. A further penalty followed to stretch their lead as the referee continued to penalise the visitors. Ill-discipline, contravention of the laws or differences of interpretation and observation? It is difficult to know. Once again, Strathendrick fought back and the ball was swept out to the left wing for Morrison to score his second try of the match. The physicality of the contest was beginning to tell as Strathendrick suffered a series of minor injuries and Fergus Brown a slight concussion.
A further penalty and a try from a line-out and rolling maul stretched the home team’s team lead before a burst upfield resulted in another ‘Endrick try scored by Finlay Kay on 71 minutes. Shortly afterwards Finn Walford was shown a yellow-card after the ref was advised of some illegal conduct. But ‘Endrick would not buckle and give up their long-standing unbeaten league record. With just three minutes remaining on the clock a fast, fluid attack – showcasing ‘Endrick’s spectacular running rugby - was finished in style by Charlie Walker - securing the 4 try bonus point - and converted by Ben Gibson. 39-32 to the home team and only one-score in it. Having been under the cosh for most of the game – and second-best in terms of possession and territory – could the Fintry boys possibly pull-off the most audacious heist? But, to visiting players’ and supporters’ dismay, Strathaven resorted to their tried and tested tactics and muscled up field for a last push-over try as the final whistle went.

Final score: Strathaven 44 - 32 Strathendrick

A hugely competitive and entertaining game between two strong and talented teams who, along with Carrick, are likely to compete for league and National Shield honours this season.

Coach, Eddie Roche, awarded the Duff Christmas Tree Farm Player-of-the-Match to Craig Mundell for 'a huge shift in defense and dynamic game in attack'.

Strathendrick 2nd XV travelled to Cartha QP for their fixture and, after a slow start, rallied to make a competitive, enjoyable and close game – in the end going down 33-21.

Next weekend, 18 October, both teams are at home with a double header against Greenock Wanderers. Kick offs 3pm.