This was to be the penultimate match in the 2nd’s league schedule. Previous results had Strathendrick on the top of the table, leading Whitecraigs by two points both teams having played 12 games. Leading the league was clearly putting some pressure on the squad as the pre-match chat clearly had an edge, with questions as to what today’s opposition would bring with their 1st XV not having a game. The other question was, could the 2nd XV go through the season unbeaten at home?

By 2.00pm the stage was set and all was about to be revealed. From the kick off the home side set off towards the visitor’s try line. ‘Endrick had the majority of possession but a combination of dropped passes, poor choices and a determined L&H defence kept the scoreboard clear. The first chance of a score came after 22 minutes when, on a rare visit into the ‘Endrick half, L&H had the chance of kicking a penalty. From a good distance out the kick drifted to the right of the posts.

In time added on for a number of stoppages, one being a nasty cut to second row “Buses” on the day before his birthday which would require medical attention, ‘Endrick at last found a way to the try line with Drew McCall-Smith (DMS) finishing off a decent spell of passing with a try which he also converted.

Two minutes later DMS collected a L&H kick close to his own try line and took off past a couple of chasing players. The play moved up and across the pitch with several players showing good skills, as the ball crossed halfway the ‘Endrick players sensed an opportunity and continued forward with Sandy Bruce taking the final pass before finishing from 10m out. DMS again added the extra two points.

The game restarted and continued for a further 30 seconds until an injury to an L&H , player which required attention, saw the referee signal the end of the first 40 minutes.

Half time score Strathendrick 14 - 0 Lomond & Helensburgh

From the restart L&H showed their talents but these came to nothing as the home defence held firm and regained possession ending when the L&H full back mis-handled an up-field kick to have the fumble seized by Pat Beaumont who then had the simple task of collecting the ball to touch down for try number three. DMS again adding the conversion.

The clock was showing 47 minutes as ‘Endrick scored the bonus point try – Andrew Findlay finishing another good handling move. From wide on the left DMS could not add the extra points.

Four minutes later ‘Endrick were again breaking out from the defence of their own line moving up the pitch at pace. As play crossed into the L&H half Jack Ronald latched on to a pass and showed the remaining defenders a clean pair of heels with a 45m showpiece try to which DMS added the extra points.

This was by no means a one-sided match as three minutes later L&H were “held up” over the ‘Endrick line. Three minutes after that the home side lost the services of the loose head prop who was shown a red card.

In the last 20 minutes the match produced a further three tries. 69 minutes and Scott Donaldson finished what could be described as the cleanest try of the game as back and forwards combined with clean and precise passing, Bruce Steel delivering the final pass, the conversion was missed. Three minutes later it was a near replica performance as Scott Donaldson touched down. Given the chance to convert his own try Scott showed his footballing talents directing his kick into the top left hand corner!

As the clock moved onto 80 minutes L&H had possession and territory and showed a determination to get on the scoreboard as they camped on the ‘Endrick 5m line. Following a series of drives at the line and penalty awards due to the defenders misinterpretation of the Laws, they crashed over in the last move of the match for a try which was not converted.

Final word goes to the match referee ,Sophie Tougher-Mitchell with a display which neither side could fault.

Final score Strathendrick 43 - 5 Lomond & Helensburgh

‘Endrick would be pleased with this performance where they showed that confidence and pace could achieve the result they were looking for. The youngsters in the team gaining valuable experience of playing a physically bigger team.

The Duff Christmas Trees Man of the Match was awarded to Drew McCall Smith who in addition to his try and conversions caused concern to the visiting side whenever he had possession.

As the 2ndXV look forward to and plan for their final league match away to Dalziel on 1st March, they continue in pole position. The league winners could come from anyone of four teams – ‘Endrick, Whitecraigs, Dalziel or Cartha QP. A win away in the last match would take Dalziel out of the running. If ‘Endrick manage a win at Dalziel, then the key game will be 22nd March when Cartha QP visit Whitecraigs.

Team and supporters all wish Buses a full and speedy recovery.