On a blowy, wintry but dry day, joint league leaders Strathaven came to Fintry in confident form. The home side had stumbled in recent weeks – but were in determined mood, cheered on vociferously by members of the Black Sheep Society as well as their regular support.
Strathaven took the early initiative, driving up into ‘Endrick territory so the Fintry team had to dig in from the start. A very kickable penalty was awarded to the visitors after only five minutes – but the attempt went awry. Phew! Strathaven had the heavier pack and had the upper hand in the scrum but the Endrick line-out was working well.

As both sides settled into a closely fought, muscular contest, ‘Endrick began to spin the ball wide with aggressive running. But the defence of both sides was an outstanding feature of the match and neither team managed clean breaks. The game ebbed and flowed with few unforced errors from either side: the referee receiving plenty of advice from players and spectators alike, when they disagreed with his decisions.
It was clearly going to be a low scoring, close match as half time arrived.

HT Strathendrick 0 Strathaven 0

The second period continued in a similar fashion: an exciting game of high quality despite the blank score line. By the hour mark there was still no score and both teams were defending brilliantly – every player doing their shirt credit. Finally, as the game worn on, the visitors began to toil – ‘Endrick’s fitness and athleticism starting to tell. Eventually, after 65’ Angus Morrison managed to break free down the left touch line and out-sprinted the defenders to touch down for the opening score – met with jubilation from the home supporters (and an ecstatic reaction from his delighted mum! ?). ‘

Endrick stayed on the front foot, working to increase their lead but the visitors defence was impressive. Finally, the pressure told and Angus North slipped the defenders to crash over: the try converted by Charlie ‘Chico’ Walker. 12 - 0 with seven minutes to go.

Back came Strathaven, fiercely defending their excellent league record. Despite weary bodies they pressed and pressed and finally broke through for an unconverted try. ‘Endrick saw out the final minute safely to receive a rapturous reception for an outstanding performance.

Final score Strathendrick 12 Strathaven 5.

Coach Eddie Roche had a tricky task choosing the Duff Christmas Tree Farm player of the match with every single team member deserving credit – Ruairi Doyle, Euan Hyland, Gus North, Chico Walker and others all making valuable contributions – but he settled on the hard-working, dynamic Ben Cunningham. Well done all.