Playing a welcome double-header (with their 1st XVs on the adjoining pitch) - in a league where many fixtures are unfilled – Strathendrick and Greenock both manged to assemble 2nd XVs with a mixture of established, experienced players and some newcomers. Both teams started at a pace with forceful runs, meaty tackles and closely contested rucks and mauls. A few minutes in the hard-running James Cuthbertson, playing at 10, breached the visitor’s defence to score the opening try, which he converted himself. Soon afterwards a slip by the home defence let Greenock counter with a converted score of their own. All the signs were that this might be a high-scoring, closely fought contest but solid defence by the home side contained the visitor’s attacks whilst mistakes by some of Greenock’s less experienced players allowed Strathendrick to build a lead through Lewis Hay (twice) and Cuthbertson (again) all converted by JC.

Half time: Strathendrick 2XV 28 Greenock 7

The referee was receiving plenty of appeals and advice from both sets of players and had to suggest one or two reign in their enthusiasm and competitiveness. The match continued in a similar vein as the first half with Strathendrick scoring at regular intervals through Lewis (again), Allan Doig, Jack Ronald, Craig Moir and skipper Patrick Beaumont. Although the score didn’t really reflect the reasonably well-matched sides, ‘Endrick’s blend of experience and youth proved highly effective.

Final score: Strathendrick 2XV 57 Greenock 7

Well done to Team Manager, Chris ‘Tooney’ Jewell, for assembling the squad and congratulations to Toby Goodier, awarded Duff Christmas Trees Player of the Match.