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2nd XV
Matches
Sat 25 Jan 2025  ·  DIVISION 2 North (West)
Strathendrick RFC
2nd XV
43
12
Whitecraigs 2nd XV
Strathendrick 43 – 12 Whitecraigs

Strathendrick 43 – 12 Whitecraigs

Mike Bastock26 Jan - 08:05

The 2XV haven't played a league match since 14th December, the assembled squad were keen to re-start their season...

With the 2nd XV not having played a league match since 14th December the assembled squad were keen to re-start the season. Player numbers were increased by a batch of younger club members who had recently reached the age of majority. Despite the ravages of storm Eowyn and some heavy morning rain, the pitch held only one small puddle on the playing surface and survived the match in a reasonable state.

It was the home team who got off to the better start pushing their opponents back into their own half. Only some resolute tackling by Whitecraigs prevented any movement on the scoreboard, this stalemate lasted until the 16th minute when Cam McCooey latched on to the end of a good breakaway and slipped a pass to the supporting Archie Symmonds who finished off the move touching down under the posts. Making his debut at stand-off, Cameron Baxter added the extra two points.

From the restart ‘Endrick continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded six minutes later when Sandy Bruce was on hand to touch down following sustained pressure close to the Whitecraigs line. Again, Cameron Baxter added the extra two points and ‘Endrick led 14-0.

At this point it became clear that Whitecraigs were going to make this a contest as they began to secure possession and move into the ‘Endrick half. This tested both the defensive skills of the home team and their discipline. The tackling was sound while the shortage of discipline saw Whitecraigs awarded a series of penalties. All of the penalty awards were kicked to touch, where the visitors did, arguably, have the superiority – but then the defensive structure and the tackling saved the day. Whitecraigs may rue the decision to turn down the three points offered on a number of occasions.

In a bizarre period of play close to the Whitecraigs line, the ball bounced about striking players from both sides. As the final ricochet fell over the Whitecraigs line it was Jack Ronald who was sharp enough to dive on the ball and look up to see that the referee had awarded him the try. This score was not converted but the lead was now 19 points.

The next 10 or 12 minutes belonged, to the greater part, to Whitecraigs as they controlled territory and possession but again were met by a defiant defence whenever they attacked with ball in hand. Whitecraigs continued to turn down kicks for goal when awarded penalties, which, if taken, may have changed the face of the game. With the clock moving onto 40 minutes, ‘Endrick forced a turnover inside their own 22 and set off up field. When centre Will Boyd latched on to a pass his pace left the first line defenders flat footed. He continued his travels towards the far try line covering the remaining 70m with impressive pace to touch down under the posts giving Cam Baxter the simplest of kicks for the additional two points. The game was restarted until, at the next stoppage, the referee signalled half time.

Half time score Strathendrick 26 – 0 Whitecraigs

During the interval ‘Endrick introduced a number of players from the bench including coach Eddie Roche who would have his next 40 minutes examined in detail by all of the 1st team squad watching from the touchline.

Whatever was said in the two huddles during the break, it was the visitors who reacted best as, once again, they took control. The ‘Endrick defence held firm for 11 minutes when they conceded a mid-field penalty. Following a brief discussion with the match official, the penalty was moved 10m forward. Again, Whitecraigs kicked for touch with the ball failing to cross the line, it was, however, not controlled allowing the winger who was following up the kick to collect and score for a converted try.

Just four minutes later Whitecraigs were again close to the ‘Endrick goal line pressing for a score. Eventually the defence was broken for another five point score. At this point nerves along the home touchline were on edge with some foreseeing a comeback for the visitors.

The older heads amongst the ‘Endrick side clearly had other ideas and gathered the side together by word and deed. This proved to be fruitful when, with 63 minutes played, it was another youngster who barged through the ‘Craigs defence when Liam Ellington scored a try which could not be converted.

During the remaining 17 minutes the match was well contested but it was ‘Endrick who finished the stronger scoring a further two tries. At 70 minutes Struan Agnew collected the ball and made his way up the touchline, he survived a tap tackle, which ended with an impressive forward roll, to regain his feet and cover the remaining few metres to the try line. This one was not converted. Four minutes later great home defence succeeded in holding up a would be Whitecraigs try. With no time left on the clock and ‘Endrick on the attack Murray Steel added some icing to the day’s cake with the final score of the match close enough to the posts for the extra two points. There was, again, a re-start and one phase of play until the full-time whistle.

Final score Strathendrick 43 – 12 Whitecraigs

This was, from the touchline, a good game to watch. From the ‘Endrick point of view the number of young players who played well showing that they can perform in senior rugby suggests a positive future.

The Duff Christmas Tree Farm man of the match was awarded to Archie Symmonds who played his first 80 minutes in the front row never looking out of place and carried the ball on numerous occasions with 100% security. It was a close decision given the performances of, captain for the day, Will Boyd and debutant stand-off Cam Baxter.

Other results in the 2nd XV league benefitted ‘Endrick (Greenock beating Dalziel) putting them at the top of the table, six points clear of Dalziel who have a game in hand. ‘Endrick have two games remaining the next of which is 8th February when Lomond/Helensburgh are the visitors to Fintry. Kick-off is 2.00pm and with there being no 1st team match that day a good support would be appreciated. The last game is away to Dalziel, 1st March, in what might be a league decider, although Cartha QP could still influence that.

CJ

Match details

Match date

Sat 25 Jan 2025

Kickoff

14:00

Competition

DIVISION 2 North (West)

League position

1
Strathendrick 2nd XV
3
Whitecraigs 2nd XV
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Shirt Sponsor - DsMcg
Senior Male Man of the Match - Duff Christmas Tree Farm