This team knew that a visit to Kilmacolm always brings with it a tough, physical encounter. Historically these two teams have been evenly matched although in recent years St Columba’s have won more often than Strathendrick. Close followers will remark that whilst this was the setting for a disappointing semi-final loss 12 months ago, in the last match between them, the Mighty ‘Endrick came out comfortably on top.

In a season synonymous with long term injuries, the coaches and players have worked hard to keep a full-sized squad by luring old players out of retirement. So, despite being able to field the full complement of 15 players, it was a squad lacking experience and match readiness.

And to kick off. A decent kick followed by a thunderous challenge from Freddy Dawes was immediately followed by a missed tackle from an unusual culprit in the team. Barely two minutes on the clock and we were down by 7 points. A wake-up call. From the restart, Endrick put ten minutes of pressure on their opposition, leaving them camped in their 22m. But we were unable to breakthrough the solid green wall. With a lineout on their 5m line a score had to happen soon, surely. No, a mistake in the lineout followed by poor discipline to find us camped back in out 5m. It was our turn to present a solid defence for five minutes until St Columba’s finally broke through. 14-0 in as many minutes.
Again, the restart saw us put their defence under pressure for ten minutes in their 22, still not getting through the middle but not having the creativity to work it out wide. Then in one turnover the home team strolled up the wing evading loose tackles to score again.

The rest of the half was pretty tight, but having been culpable for the previous try, Quinn Webber was determined to make amends. Great pressure from him twice in a row forced a turnover which Luke Watson pounced on and thundered the ball over the line. The first half finished on a positive note despite being 21-5 down.

The consensus at half time was that we were still in this and could go up another gear in the second half. However, the optimism was short lived with two tries conceded in the first ten minutes. Then another two. Eventually some respite came following a long period of pressure in the opposition half, which was finally rewarded with a Logan Moncrieff try, converted by Alex Winning. But a respite was all it was with three tries quickly conceded at the other end.

The Strathendrick highlight was saved for the last five minutes when Archie Horsburgh produced two moments of magic. The first a majestic weave and run through to score a late try, converted by Alex Winning. The second a well-executed kick and chase; the crowd and coaches left wondering where this talent had been earlier in the game. But St Columba’s had the last word with one final try.