And so it proved, on a warm late-summer afternoon at Fintry, against newly promoted Cambuslang.

Missing a few well-established players, ‘Endrick welcomed some exciting new talent to help put on a determined and entertaining show. Opening exchanges were understandably cagey as the two teams sized each other up; but after only 5’ ‘Endrick were awarded a penalty in front of the Cambuslang posts but, showing positive intent, rather than kicking three points they opted for a scrum putting early pressure on the visitors. This paid off when a loose clearance kick was fielded by Finn Walford who rampaged upfield before feeding Gregor Duncan for the opening try – ably converted by Charlie Walker. Although on top, ‘Endrick couldn’t add to their score until after 17’ and a series of effective drives, the dynamic Daniel Anderson broke free to race to the line – again converted by Walker. Just seven minutes later good rucking allowed Walker to pick up and make an exciting break before feeding Duncan for his second try; again converted by centre-partner, Walker. Cambuslang came back into the game, applying pressure on the ‘Endrick line, requiring a sound defensive set before new recruit Rory Duff picked up a loose ball and raced upfield, swatting defenders aside before passing to Finn Walford in support for the bonus-point try, the conversion uncharacteristically missed by Walker. Although enjoying a thoroughly convincing performance, Strathendrick continued to concede a steady stream of penalties which, against stronger opposition, could have proved costly. Relishing their run out in the sunshine the home side kept up their waves of attacks: Walford charging forward, spurned the easier pass to Doyle outside him, dummied the defence and crashed over for his second try. Walker reset his sights for another successful conversion. But the penalties kept coming and right on half-time, Camsbuslang were rewarded with a try of their own.

Half Time: Strathendrick 33 Cambuslang 5

Almost immediately after the restart, Scott Dow slipped the defence for a well taken try, again converted by Walker. The scores kept coming at regular intervals – all except one more converted by Walker: Mackinlay Patterson on 54’ and, on 60’, slick passing released James Cuthbertson, soon after coming on, for his first try. As the moves became more fluid, six minutes later Camsbuslang No 12 intercepted an ambitious pass and crossed for a consolation try, converted by his Stand-Off. But the home-side kept up the pressure. Their pack was well on top in the scrums and a clean heel allowed MacKay to feed Gibson on the outside who then passed back inside to Christiaan Lamb to score from close range. Cuthbertson in full flight is a fairly intimidating sight and the Cambuslang boys were unable to stop him as he crashed through again on 75’. Ben Gibson followed suit from the re-start with a well-deserved score, before Lamb made another scintillating break before releasing Cuthbertson for his hattrick score after coming on as substitute!

Full-time Strathendrick 80 Cambuslang 12

No-one anticipated an eighty-point game at kick-off but Strathendrick have clearly got their mojo back and Cambuslang suffered a tough reintroduction to West 1 league rugby. Amongst a number of creditable contenders, coach Eddie Roche awarded the live—wire DANIEL ANDERSON Duff Christmas Trees Player of the Match.

Next Saturday the 1st XV play away at East Kilbride and the 2nd XV travel to Cambuslang. All kick-offs this season are 2pm. Travelling support to either game would be most welcome

NH