Strathendrick and Strathaven have enjoyed good games in recent seasons: together with Carrick, they compete near the top of Arnold Clark West Region League Division 1. On a bright autumn day at Fintry, buoyed by a sizeable crowd and Ladies Day enjoying their pre-match refreshments, expectations were high – on both sides.

Strathaven were fastest out of the blocks: powerful running with close support enabling them to crash over and convert after only 4’ minutes! They were “out Endrick-ing Endrick” who often start fast and hard. The visitors had the stronger pack and just a few minutes later implemented a highly effective rolling maul to touch down. ‘Endrick looked a touch shell-shocked and Strathaven’s style of play belied their recent slightly mixed results – but they probably raise their game to come to Fintry. However, Strathendrick dug in and began to counter, earning a penalty after 17’, which Fergus Brown duly converted. The momentum continued in the home-side’s favour but a series of attacks close to the line were repelled until another penalty, converted by Brown, chipped away at Strathaven’s lead. 6-12 after 24’. Really positive, highly-skilled rugby was being played by both teams – with whoever retained possession appearing to have the upper hand as the game ebbed and flowed. A thrusting Strathaven attack released their right wing to score their third try – again unconverted – as they stretched their lead. On the half hour, Strathendrick swept back up-field but again couldn’t turn their pressure into points until super-veteran, James Cuthbertson, still a force to be reckoned with, charged down a clearance kick and won the race to touch down in goal. Brown took the extra points. More pressure resulted in a further penalty, kicked by Brown, after 36’, so after Strathaven having had the upper hand in the first half – and outscoring ‘Endrick by three tries to one – the home side turned round only one point behind.

HT Strathendrick 16 Strathaven 17

The battle of "the Strath’s” continued into the second period, the visitors again laying siege to the hosts’ line: the defence held for a while but after only 3’ Strathaven crossed for their bonus-point winning fourth try. But back came the determined Fintry boys, showing real strength of character. A good clean heal at the scrum released their fast-running backs to free Charlie ‘Chico’ Walker to continue his rich vein of try scoring form. Now Strathendrick seemed to be turning the tide and just a few minutes on, aggressive running and fast hands allowed Chico and Ferg to repeat their scoring feats: after 50’ ‘Endrick took the lead for the first time in the match. Five minutes later, Strathaven were awarded a penalty, kicked for touch, won the line-out and instituted their powerful driving maul. Struggling against the visitors’ beef, ‘Endrick collapsed it, giving away a penalty try and Murray Calderwood being consigned to the bin. Ten minutes to go, a player down and one point behind – were the storm clouds gathering for the home side? But with experienced reinforcements introduced off the bench, Strathendrick managed to take the game back to the visitors as once more momentum switched. Referee, Ed Crick, had a firm grip on the match and, with the visitors caught off-side at the breakdown, ‘Endrick were awarded a penalty: eminently kickable by the ever-reliable Fergus Brown, but his attempt bounced back off the post, much to the visitors’ relief. However, their reprieve was short-lived as a high-tackle resulted in their player being yellow-carded, and Brown succeeding with a magnificent 40m kick, putting the home side two points in front with just five minutes to go. Those few, tense minutes seemed never-ending but showing remarkable maturity, Strathendrick rode out the pressure to secure a highly-prized victory, in front of jubilant supporters. Strathaven secured a deserved losing bonus point, as well as their try bonus, after putting on an impressive, highly disciplined performance. This was a high level of rugby, producing a superbly exciting game.

‘Endrick players missed a few tackles in this match, and some skated on thin-ice giving away penalties, but team Captain, Gregor Duncan was outstanding in defence and attack and was deservedly awarded Player of the Match by coach Eddie Roche.

Celebrations continued on in the Clubhouse, geed-up by the Ladies Day having a wail of a time!

Next week is a “Players’ Welfare Week” off with no club games but 17 October sees league leaders, Carrick, visit Fintry – and a Supporters’ Lunch is being organised.

NH