With their big pack, vociferous home supporters were in buoyant mood. On a bright but blustery day Cumbernauld made a confident start from kick-off, with an effective driving maul taking play into the ‘Endrick 22m. Stout defence held the hosts out but after only 3’ they were awarded a penalty, duly converted. 3-0. Mmm.

But Strathendrick – with a number of regular 1st XV players missing due to injuries and a wedding – were in no mood to lie down. They charged back into the opposition with pace and vigour, winning a series of penalties before dynamic Daniel Anderson crashed through for a try, converted by Charlie ‘Chico’ Walker, after just 7’. Cumbernauld misjudged the cross-wind and kicked the re-start directly into touch – giving the visitors a good attacking platform in the centre of the park. A series of attacks up the right, with good hands and ball retention, released Angus Morrison on the wing to gallop over for the second try, again converted by Chico. Unbelievably, the restart was again kicked directly into touch – incurring the ire of the Cumbie coach! The pace and energy of the Fintry team were unsettling the home team and a loose ball was kicked through for Scott Dow to score on the left wing. 14’ gone: 3 -19.

But back came Cumbernauld – with their muscle and recent record it was always likely that they would score – and so it proved. They secured line-out ball and rumbled towards the line touching down and converting. So ‘Endrick had to out-score their hosts and launched a series of attacks. Drives near the Cumbernauld line were repelled before the ball was moved quickly for Rory Duff to touch down; converted by Chico. The same pattern was repeated: ‘Endrick trying to drive over from close quarters, rather than spinning it wide. Held up over the line, a Goal Line Drop Out was awarded but the wily James Cuthbertson read it well, and charged down the kick for Duff to score his second, again converted by Chico. As the half came to a close, Cumbernauld attacked and kicked through, looking favourites to win the race to touch down but Daniel Anderson, sprinted back, secured the ball, and ran it back up-field to make the half safe.
Half-time: Cumbernauld 10 – Strathendrick 33

The referee was receiving plenty of advice from the touchlines but had clearly decided to keep all the players on the park, if possible, in an – at times – feisty contest. 4’ into the half a series of drives ended with the hard-grafting Ben Cunningham crossing for a try, converted by Chico to stretch the visitors’ lead. But Cumbernauld came back and scored a try of their own before an ugly off-the-ball incident – which the ref didn’t see – resulted in Scott Dow being felled and substituted.

‘Endrick were now playing fast, free-flowing rugby. Findlay Kay fielded a clearance kick and launched an attack for Lewis Hay to score. By now the game was getting scrappy with a series of injuries and lectures from the ref. Morgan Lamb made a great break before feeding Daniel Anderson for his second; the honours done by Chico. To complete the set as full time approached Angus Morrison raced down the touch line to score his second.

Full time score: Cumbernauld 15 Strathendrick 57

For a hard-working and determined performance in the front row and the loose, Coach Eddie Roche awarded Ben Cunningham the Duff Christmas Trees Player of the Match. Next Saturday ‘Endrick host close rivals Strathaven at Fintry, on Ladies Day. Plentiful home support is very much welcomed!

NH