Promoted together from Division 2 in 2024/25; pipped at the post by Lenzie at the top of Division 1 last season; and with the Ayrshire team being ‘Endrick’s bogey team in the cup – winning narrowly in, the past two seasons.

So, with Carrick being unbeaten in the league this season, expectations were high on both sides. The visitors started powerfully, swept up-field and, with strong running, scored their opening try after only 5’, which was converted. But, swift to reply, ‘Endrick countered and won a penalty, converted by Fergus Brown. Carrick went back on the offensive and crossed again for another converted try. 12’ minutes gone 3-14: was this going to be cricket score? But no, both defences tightened up and, although attacking impressively, the Fintry team regularly made minor mistakes that cost them possession. After half an hour Angus Morrison was yellow-carded for a high tackle; two minutes later Carrick converted another penalty; and then Finn Walford was pinged for a late tackle: 10’ to half-time and down to 13 men! But the home team dug-in determinedly in and held out.

Half-time: Strathendrick 3 Carrick 17

[Both clubs had managed to turn out a 2nd XV: on the adjoining pitch the home team were 15-0 up at Half-time].

So, with work to do, Strathendrick 1st XV realised the next score would be crucial and immediately attacked up the narrow-side, Findlay Kay scoring in the first minute; converted by Brown. Momentum now appeared to be with the home side but the ref awarded a penalty against them – to the supporters’ mystification – duly converted. 10 – 20. ‘Endrick then narrowly missed a kickable penalty of their own. For much of the second period ‘Endrick pressurised the Carrick line but on one occasion the ball was spilled in the in-goal area; and the home forwards repeatedly tried to drive over from close quarters, rather than spinning the ball out to their dangerous backs. Eventually, 63’ in, Angus North - who had been tackling like a demon all afternoon - crashed through the defence to score, converted by Brown.

15 minutes to play; 3 points in it; ‘Endrick in the ascendency; was another great turnaround on the cards? But in the last 10’ a Carrick clearance kick was mis-fielded; penalties were conceded and twice the visitors crossed the whitewash to put a gloss on the scoreline, that didn’t really reflect the closeness of the match.

Final score: Strathendrick 17 Carrick 32

The human dynamo, Angus North, was deservedly awarded Duff Christmas Trees Player of the Match.

On the other pitch the Strathendrick 2nd XV secured a convincing 37 – 5 victory, with an impressive performance, to return to the top of their league.

NH