Cumnock 41 Paisley 0

Cumnock picked up their first win of the season with an emphatic victory over Paisley at Broomfield. After narrowly losing their opening two matches, the side were determined to claim their first scalp against a Paisley side that had also lost their opening fixtures.

The game started positively for Cumnock with several powerful line breaks from both Cumnock backs and forwards and it was apparent that it was a case of when the first score would come rather than if it would.
The break came when Paisley were penalised for killing the ball after a break from the back of the scrum by Number 8 David Kerr (captain). Scott Houston took an offload and continued the forward movement before Paisley’s indiscipline. Cumnock took the penalty quickly with both Donald Hunter and Craig Greer committing defenders before unselfishly feeding Mark Bennett who crashed through the remaining defence to score. Kyle Johnson kicked the conversion.

Ferocious defence from Cumnock kept Paisley on the back foot with several crunching tackles from Stuart Hunter and Alan Smith meant that Paisley were unable to make any impression on the game. Another positive was the much improved line-out with Paul Miller regularly hitting his target, giving Cumnock’s backs free rein to run at their opposite numbers. Paisley had a player sin binned for a high tackle on Johnson who used the penalty to kick Cumnock deep into Paisley territory. Another smooth line-out meant that the backs had plenty of time to run a well rehearsed move to give Bennett a clear run to the line for his second try.
Johnson added the conversion and then a penalty when another Paisley high tackle meant another Paisley yellow card.

Cumnock made use of these indiscretions to run in a spectacular long range try with centres Bennett and Haynes slicing through the defence before feeding Stuart Hunter who drew the last defender and passed to Johnson who finished the move in the corner. He then stepped up calmly to knock over the kick from the touch line which trouble many international goal kickers.

The second half began with points from the reliable boot of Johnson when excellent pressure from Cumnock’s forwards resulted in a penalty. Paisley then made the mistake of kicking off straight to Bennett who showed the individual skill that has earned him a place in the Scotland Under 18 training squad by simply running straight through the Paisley defence to score his third. Johnson easily kicked the extras.

Paisley finally started to come into the game by slowing the game down and turning the game into a dull mix of scrums and rucks in order to prevent Cumnock’s backs from continuing to run riot. Disappointingly Cumnock picked a yellow card of their own when Rab Cross was sin binned, marring an otherwise impressive return to first team rugby.

Cumnock managed another try when Bennett made another trademark solo run to score his fourth try. Johnson reliably added the extras.
The rest of the game was spent mostly tight as Paisley set about making sure that Cumnock were unable to extend their lead. However, they never looked like scoring which meant that Cumnock were able to hold onto an impressive clean sheet.

Cumnock nearly added a sixth try after an excellent move with Gregor McMillan breaking down his wing before feeding Jamie Thomson who carried the ball forward before spreading the ball wide to the opposite wing where Tony Foster squeezed into the corner to score before being called back by the Paisley touch judge for having been in touch. Cumnock continued to pressure the Paisley line until the final whistle although they were unable to force their way over.

There several outstanding performances but the man of the match had to go to Mark Bennett for his four tries and for looking dangerous every time got the ball in his hands.
This was another very positive day for the young Cumnock team and if they continue to play the kind of free flowing rugby that they played in the first half especially then it will be hard for any team in the league to deal with them.

Team
Craig Greer, Paul Miller, Donald Hunter, Kevin Brady, Rab Cross, Stuart Hunter, Alan Smith, David Kerr, Scott Houston, Kyle Johnson, Gregor McMillan, Mark Bennett, Alan Haynes, Tony Foster, Conner Nisbet, Graham Hunter, Jamie Thomson, Martin Wilson

Next week Cumnock are away to Loch Lomond

Thanks to David Kerr for report
Cumnock chatboard link

1sts v Paisley and 2nds v GHA Gazelles

On Saturday 12th September Cumnock 1sts are at home to Paisley while the 2nds are away to GHA Gazelles at Braidholm. Let the coaching team know if you are available for selection.

Jim

Glasgow Under 17 Squad

Glasgow Under 17 Training Squad
Tuesday, 08 September 2009

Glasgow U17 Training Squad –

Sessions Monday 21st & 28th September

Both sessions start at 7pm (players to arrive between 6.15 and 6.30pm)

at Hughenden.

Cumnock RFC names:-

Name
Alan Haynes
Scott Houston
Graham Hunter
Gavin Kerr

Cumnock chatboard link

Scottish rugby weblink

SCOTTISH NATIONAL ACADEMY UPDATE

Scottish rugby weblink

SCOTLAND UNDER-18 TRAINING SQUAD NAMED
Monday, 07 September 2009

Scotland under-18 head coach, Grant McKelvey, today announced an initial training squad of 34 players ahead of the 2009 / 2010 season.

The training squad was selected after a performance review of the players who spent a fortnight in Valladolid, Spain, on a strength, conditioning and rugby camp in July, and those invited to attend the national rugby camp at Struan, Perthshire in August.

McKelvey, said: “After working with the players in Valladolid and Struan these sessions present an excellent opportunity for us to compare and contrast the players while measuring the development of those who have been in the under-17 programme.

“For the majority this won’t present a new beginning in a new side. The sessions continue on from the work done in the under-17 sessions and the two camps – it’s a continuous development process rather than starting afresh.

“There are, of course, many other opportunities for players to gain selection into this squad. The Performance Development team will be watching a lot of rugby in Scotland as well as travelling to and gaining recommendations from our counterparts in the Exiles Performance Programme in England.”

Players will be continually assessed throughout the season before the final selection of the national under-18 Squad for the 6 Nations International Festival due to take place in Wales in April 2010.

SCOTLAND U18 TRAINING SQUAD – SEPTEMBER SESSIONS 2009

- FORWARDS -

Props
Robin Hislop (Hawick Wanderers) **
Gavin Robertson (Earlston High School /Melrose Wasps)
Alex Allen (Sedbergh School)
Struan Cessford (Dundee High Rugby)
Jo Wasinski (Hampton School)
Craig Davidson (Ayr)

Hookers
Jack McFarlane (Gourock High School / Greenock Wanderers)
George Turner (Stewart’s Melville College)
Ryan Hood (Strathallan)
Fergus Scott (Currie)

Second-rows
Fraser Wem (Hampton School / London Wasps)
Craig Ferguson (East Kilbride)
George Barnes (Chesterfield)

Back-row
Mitch Eadie (Filton College)
Malcolm Peathingy (George Watson’s College)
Andrew Nagle (Jed Thistle)
Jamie Swanson (Glasgow Academy)*
Adam de ste Criox (Firhill High School / Boroughmuir)
Lawrie Seydak (Edinburgh Academy)

- BACKS -

Scrum-halves
Murray McConnell (Lenzie Academy / West of Scotland RFC)*
Jonny Adams (Aberdeen Grammar)
James Munro (Edinburgh Academy)

Stand-offs
Fraser Gillies (Edinburgh Academy)
Finn Russell (Stirling County)

Centres
Jack Bradford (Worksop College)
Michael Crawley (Stewart’s Melville College)
Mark Bennett (Cumnock) *
Stewart Hogg (Heriot’s) **
Jack Ferguson (George Watson’s College)

Back three
Murray Beckwith (Marr College)*
Harris Jones (Merchiston Castle School)*
Aiden McCall-Haden (St Aloysius College)
Ross Inglis (Calderside Acadademy / Hamilton)
Ben Francis (Epsom College)

* Member of National Academy supported by AIS (Area Institute of Sport)
** Member of National Academy supported by Scottish Rugby

• The first two Scotland sessions will take place on Sunday 6 and Sunday 13 September.

Cumnock chatboard link

New update on 10th October after 06/09/09

Hi Everyone,

Only about 5 weeks to the sponsor day. Latest numbers are around 70. Latest names:

Bell + 2 pals

Doreen Findlay

Jim and Elspeth Mair

Spoke to Soupie yesterday and he is having a think about it as well.


Ists lost 12-8 away at Oban and were unlucky not to win (agreed I was there (tommy). Last year in the same fixture they lost heavily so there is a big improvement. Next week they play Paisley and should get a win at home against them.

2nds beat the Police 45 – 5. things are looking up on the playing side.

I have 20 people paid up so far and I really need to get payments in so that I can confirm the catering. Please send payments to me below or give them to Alex Dunsmuir or Tober.

We still have a few places left please pass the word.

See you all soon,

Morton

Cumnock chatboard link

Cumnock mini/midi results from Suday 6th September

S1 Report for Suday 6th September

Kilmarnock 11 - Cumnock 15

Cumnock travelled down to Kilmarnock for their opening game of the season, minus a few experienced players and with one new face. Moving up from the mini-section to play midi-rugby is always a big step, introducing more of the laws of the game and playing on a full size pitch. Kilmarnock are always a well drilled team and this would be their third game of the season, giving them the edge on Cumnock, or so it was expected.

The game was to be played over three 15 minute periods and Cumnock started the first period well. The backs were very sharp in setting up their alignment and the forwards were getting around the pitch well. However, the larger Kilmarnock pack were winning some good ruck ball and were putting the squeeze on at the scrums. Nevertheless, some quick thinking allowed scrum-half Aiden Kerr to pick the ball from the back of a scrum and squeeze through the Kilmarnock defence for the first score, converted by Jack Reilly.
Reilly added to the score with a good try and converstion just before the interval.

During the break the coaches were able to speak to the forwards regarding body positions at scrums and rucks and straight away there was an improvement in this part of their game. The forwards were winning their fair share of ball at the breakdowns and the backs were linking well and created a number of over-laps, which unfortunately weren't used. The teams traded scores with Reilly again scoring a try following a move from a penalty inside the Kilmarnock 22.

In the final part of the match Kilmarnock ran in two fine scores from deep, missed tackles letting the winger through, however one of the conversions was missed. Kerr scored again, with Reilly adding the extras, for Cumnock rounding off a fine performance for the whole team. Tackler of the day was Gavin Wight, playing in his first ever rugby match and man of the match was Scott Faulds who ripped the ball from the opposition at will.

Cumnock team was R.Phillips, R.McLaren, C McKenzie, Z North, S. Faulds, A Harkiss, A Kerr, J Reilly, G Aitken, T Howie, G Wight, E Hendrie, with AN Other from Kilmarnock.

The coaches are on the look-out for more S1 players to add to the team so if you fancy TRYing out rugby SCRUM on down to Broomfield on a Tuesday and Thursday night at 7pm.


Report by Kevan Aitken

s1 Report link to Cumnock chatboard

Primary 6 Reports

Cumnock P6 10 Kilmarnock P6 10

The first game in the season for the P6s was a belter with loads of tries to thrill the support. Both teams were full of talented runners in what turned out to be end to end stuff.

There were 3 tries each for Jack McSeveney, Sean Houston and Scott Teece as well as a well deserved first score for Lucy Watt. There was another try scored by a Cumnock player as Lucy’s brother John scored “on loan” to Kilmarnock . The game had loads of tenacious tackling especially by new boy Cameron Teece who put in big tackle after tackle.


Cumnock P6 7 Kilmarnock P6 5

In the second game the tries flowed once more and the quality of the game improved. Tyler Wallace showed up with some great tackles and good inter passing and Korey Galloway was involved in everything with a permanent smile on his face. Tries followed from Jack McSeveney, John Watt, Scott Teece (2) and Sean Houston (3). Coach martin Wallace picked out Scott Teece for the man of the match award for his hard tackling, bullocking runs and 5 tries. Martin commented, “ this was a great performance from the players in their first game. They scored some great tries and really enjoyed themselves.

We could do with a few more players and anyone interested should turn up at training at 6:30 on Wednesday nights or call Morton Houston on 01290 552987.

Thanks to Morton Houston for reports

Cumnock P6 Reports link to chatboard

p3-p5 Reports

P3/4/5

The new season got under way with Cumnock playing host to local rivals Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock 8 Cumnock 2

Cumnock got of to a slow start in their first game allowing Kilmarnock to take an early lead which Cumnock was always going to struggle to pull back, but as the game progressed the Cumnock boys showed signs of improvement with tries coming from Zak Donald and Ross Watson.

Kilmarnock 4 Cumnock 1

Cumnock started this game much stronger and were only one score behind at 1/2 time. The second 1/2 saw Kilmarnock pulling away again but overall a much improved performance from the Cumnock team with the home sides try coming from Alex Houston the Cumnock squad today were Alex Hill, Matthew Morrison, Jamie Kennedy, Blair McNally, Ross Watson, Adam Watt, Alex Houston, Austin McBirnie, Kieran Vance, Ryan Kennedy, Zak Donald and Rob Drummond.

We are always looking for new players, anyone interested in giving it a try come along to the Rugby Club on a Wednesday night at 6.30pm or call Andrew Watt on 01290 553095

Oban 12 Cumnock 8 Senior rugby report 05/09/09

Cumnock travelled to Oban for their first away fixture of this season. Last season this fixture resulted in a massive win for the experienced Oban side who have gained a reputation for strong and direct forward play. However, Cumnock’s young guns were encouraged by their competitive start against Strathendrick last week and were determined to build on this to record their first win.

Cumnock started brightly with some intelligent kicking pinning the home side back in their own half. Smart line out work made space for stand-off Kyle Johnson to kick across the field for winger Gregor McMillan who gathered the ball and shrugged off Oban’s despairing defenders to score in the corner. Johnson missed the conversion from the touchline.

This try seemed to wake Oban up with powerful runs from the large back rowers although their Cumnock opposites, Alan Smith and Stuart Hunter managed to cope with the increasing pressure. However, Cumnock caused themselves problems by giving away some soft penalties which made it impossible for them to clear their lines with a well organised Oban maul resulting in the equalising try.

The next spell of the game saw Cumnock putting pressure on their hosts with some good work from centres Mark Bennett and Alan Haynes causing their opponents problems, though they couldn’t break down the stubborn defence enough for a real scoring chance. Another positive for Cumnock was their much improved lineout with Paul Millar and Blair McMillan working in tandem to supply plenty of good ball for the young backs.

The second half started well for Cumnock with the referee finally spotting one of the many blatant attempts by Oban to kill the ball, giving the away team a chance to regain the lead. A composed Johnson slotted the kick despite the increasingly strong wind.

Like the first time Cumnock scored, this just seemed to spur the home side on and once again their forwards took control of the game as conditions started to favour them with the rain slowing the pitch and making handling difficult for the more adventurous Cumnock side. The home side benefited from the referee giving them the greater benefit of his doubt. Sustained pressure eventually led to Oban crashing over despite many heroic tackles from the smaller defence.

Cumnock rallied and a series of scrums deep in Oban territory led to Tony Foster and Scott Houston going close. However, robust defence as well as some impatience from Cumnock meant that Oban managed to hold on and clear their lines. Oban put their experience and size to good use as they kept the ball tight and played the clock down. The game ended in controversy as the referee finally blew for full time on a Cumnock penalty although, in truth, it would have been remarkable if anything had come of it as the penalty was awarded on the Cumnock try line, at completely the wrong end of the field.

Despite being on the wrong end of a narrow score line for the second successive week, the young Cumnock side could take a lot from this attritional game against a team who had expected a comfortable victory. Cumnock picked up a bonus point for finishing within seven points of the winners which was some consolation.
Man of the match was Blair McMillan for a hard working performance as well as an impressive lineout display

Team
Craig Greer, Paul Millar, Donald Hunter, Kevin Brady, Blair McMillan, Stuart Hunter, Alan Smith, David Kerr, Scott Houston, Kyle Johnson, Gregor McMillan, Mark Bennett, Alan Haynes, Tony Foster, Conner Nisbet, Graham Hunter, Craig McWhirter, John Ferrans

Next week, Cumnock take on Paisley at Broomfield, kick-off 3pm

Thanks to David Kerr for report.

Cumnock chatboard link

2nds give polis a doing

Cumnock 2nd XV 44 - 12 Strathclyde Police 2XV

The 2XV welcomed Strathclyde Police to Broomfield on Saturday as the league campaign got underway in earnest. The visitors were a few players short due to work commitments, so 4 of the Cumnock squad volunteered to play for the visitors.
The game started well for the home side as they got into their stride very quickly, putting the police under a lot of pressure with good driving play from the forwards. The first scoring chance fell to the home side in the 4th minute when Greg Hamilton crossed the line, but it was called back for a forward pass. It was after some real pressure from the pack that Cumnock were awarded a penalty 5 metres from the police try line. The ball was tapped quickly and Rab Donald drove over for the first try, which was unconverted to take the score to 5-0.
The interplay between forwards and backs was great to watch considering the conditions, with both sides looking to run the ball at every opportunity. In the 15th minute, Cumnock were awarded a free kick for a scrum offence and the forwards took it on, with several players coming close, but it took the experience of Ian McCrorie to drive over for his try which Rab Donald converted to stretch the lead to 12-0.
The midfield of McPheators, Johnston and Barr were starting to orchestrate the play, supported by the back row of J Thomson, Hodge and Donald, and only dropped passes and excellent cover defence prevented the home side extending their lead. Steven Taylor capped a good all round diplay with his first try of the season in the 20th minute, sneaking over from a ruck on the line after some excellent play by the forwards. 17-0.
Rab Donald scored his second try of the game in the 23rd minute popping up to crash over and extend the lead to 22-0.
Martin Thomson was as solid as ever at full back and was always looking to attack whenever he got the ball. The ball was being passed around with every player looking to make ground, then offload to a supporting team mate. After one such passage of play, Jason Johnston crossed the line, but the ball slipped out of his grasp and the chance was gone. In the 33rd minute, the visitors got on the score sheet when the on loan Martin Hastings danced his way through the home defence to score a well worked try. This was converted and half time arrived with the home side ahead 22-7.
The Cumnock representation in the visitors ranks increased to 5 as Martin Wallace joined Martin Hastings, Barry Horton, Andrew Watt and Euan Laidlaw. The second half provided more of the same with both teams running the ball every chance they got. The game got a bit scrappy with a lot of passes not going to hand. Cumnock had been ringing the changes with several players getting well deserved breaks from the action and it was Mick Harkins who was the next player on the score sheet with a try following some excellent play from the forwards. After 50 minutes the score was 27-7.
Jason Johnston notched his first try of the season in the 58th minute with a well worked backs move. The police defence was being well tested by the home side as wave after wave of attacks were repulsed. The score had to come and Dougie Elliot profited after several players had been held up just short of the line. The kick was converted by Rab Donald to move the home side further ahead 39-7.
Both sides continued to attack, but the defences stood up well. James Hastie appeared on the right wing and used the men outside him as a decoy to crash over for Cumnock’s 8th try in the 67th minute. The difficult kick was misses, but the home side were now 44-7 ahead. Dropped passes prevented any further scoring by the Broomfield side although they continued to put several excellent moves into action. There was an encouraging debut for Kevin Lawler, who showed several neat touches and a willingness to go forward with ball in hand.


Squad: B Horton, Watt, Ramage, Linden, Harkin, Lawler, Seng, Barr, Hastings, Hamilton, J Thomson, M Thomson, Taylor, Wallace, McPheator, Johnston, Hastie, Elliot, Donald, Hodge, I McCrorie, A McCrorie, Laidlaw.

Saturday sees the 2nds travel to Giffnock to take on GHA Gazelles.

Cumnock chatboard link

Attention All Members

As part of your membership you can apply to hire the function hall at a cost of only £35 per booking. We can hold up to 100 in the Hall, with full bar facilities available.

We have a fully equipped kitchen in the hall and outside caterers can be arranged. If you wish to hire the hall please contact Jim Morrison or call the club on 01290 420292 for booking details.

Cumnock Rugby Club sponsors

Cumnock Rugby Club would like to express their sincere thanks to all of the club's sponsors for season 2008-09. Too many times it goes unsaid but: WE REALLY DO APPRECIATE YOUR HELP:-


Hillhouse Group
D.W. Shaw
Wallaces Express
K.B. Refrigeration Ltd
Donaldson & Paterson Ltd
Scottish Hydro Electric
Adam McPheators Gernal Builder
Horton & Sons
Kitwash
Tower Tools & Equipment
Bridgend Garage (Auchinleck) Ltd
Iain Watt Haulage Ltd
Mega Mix Concrete, New Cumnock
CB Radios & Accessories, Ayr
Taylors
Keith L Miller Associates

Cumnock Rugby Club History

55 Auchinleck Road, Cumnock, Ayrshire KA18 1AN Telephone Number 01290 420292

www.yell.com map of Cumnock RFC

CLUB HISTORY

Following the traditional end of season Old boys versus Cumnock Academy 1st XV game in March 1961, Jim Donaldson, Kenny Blair and Ross MacPherson discussed the possibility of forming a local rugby team. Indeed a Cumnock Academy FP club had been discussed on and off for a few years. The main stumbling block was however a lack of changing and training facilities at the Cumnock Academy School.

It was decided to approach the Head Teacher of the newly built St Conval’s School. After assurances that the new club would indeed be open to all, irrespective of class and creed the Head Teacher gave his permission for his school facilities to be used. Following an advert in the Cumnock Chronicle on 29th September 1961, inserted by Ronnie Houston and Allan Davidson, a meeting was held in the Dumfries Arms Hotel Cumnock on Friday 6th October with a view to forming Cumnock Rugby Football Club. It was at this meeting that Cumnock Rugby Football Club was officially formed. The following weeks Cumnock Chronicle read “Birth of a New Club”.

The report went on to state that although rugby had been played at Cumnock Academy almost consistently since 1935, this was the first effort to form a senior Rugby Club in the District. Until now rugby players in the district have had to travel to Ayr, Kilmarnock and even Glasgow clubs to continue playing, may of them achieving First XV status. Now it is hoped that the Club with these new facilities at Broomfield will be able to arrest this flow of talent from Cumnock. With this thought in mind, messrs R Houston and A Davidson (Ayr Rugby Club) and J Donaldson (Kilmarnock Rugby Club) got together and decided there was sufficient enthusiasm in the district to warrant the formation of a club. The enthusiasm was amply rewarded by the attendance at the meeting where there was between twenty and thirty prospective members present and the promised support from a like number.

The question of colours, practice nights, games etc was discussed and a running Committee was formed to deal with these problems for the remainder of this season. The Committee consisted of J Donaldson, J Ferguson, J R McClure, R Houston, W Morris, R Jess and A Davidson. The meeting was chaired by Mr J McClure who, in closing, said he was particularly pleased with the turn out and hoped that those present would pass on the word to any one interested. The first official committee meeting was held on 17th December 1961 when the under noted were elected.President:
L Sim
Vice President :
Ronnie Houston
Secretary:
Allan Davidson
Treasurer:
W Davidson
Captain:
Bill Cooper
Vice Captain:
Ronnie Houston
Committee:
Adam Blair, Robin Armour, Harry Scott and Jim Donaldson
A typical early First XV game was against the Ayr Seconds on 8th December 1961 when the team was D Johnstone, W Lammie, W Morrison, W Cooper, A Stirling, A Blackwood, A Davidson, F Little, S Stobie, A Blair, J McAtee, B Gunn, J Jenkins and K Blair.

THE EARLY DAYS


From these early days the club has grown from strength to strength and from 1962 when they really got started up until the opening of their own clubhouse at Broomfield in June 1979, the club used St Conval’s for changing and Broomfield for training and used the local pubs, Craighead, or the Tup Inn for their after game hospitality. In 1976 the club obtained a lease from the district council for Broomfield house and spent the next three years completely renovating with the help of a grant of £5000 from the Sports Council and a brewers loan from IND Coope.


PRESENT DAY


In season 1993/94 Cumnock won the Glasgow and District league gaining promotion to National League Division 7. League reconstruction then saw Cumnock promoted to Division 6. In 1998 we carried out major internal changes to the clubhouse at a cost of £20,000 making it one of the most envied in the district. In season 1998/99, Cumnock won National League Division 6 clinching the title with a hard fought win away to Earlston. However league reconstruction saw Cumnock entering National League Division 5 West. In season 2002/03, Cumnock won Division 5 West beating Newton Stewart in the play-off gaining promotion to National League Division 4.

1st Team Scores and Table from Scottish Rugby website

Reports from the games will follow (I hope).

Cumnock 2nd Team league can be found on Div 6 west fixtures and results website

Hopefully I will get results as well for these.

Membership

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP
FEE (YEARLY) FOR SEASON 2009/2010
Playing member:£40
Social member:£20
Under 18/student/unemployed:£20
School student:Free

Match Fee per game:- £5 per player

CLUB OFFICIALS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Office Bearers
President Alex Dunsmuir alex@dunsmuir5.freeserve.co.uk
Vice President Jim Morrison
Secretary Jim Morton
TreasurerRobert Hunter
Club CoachKevin Horton
General Committee Members
Daniel McLaren
Robert Horton
Mick Smith
Morton Houston
Thomas Cunningham
Marie Johnson
Yvonne Bennett
Catriona Hunter


ANY COMMENTS FOR CUMNOCK RFC CONTACT ME ON:- trobert_c@yahoo.co.uk
That includes reports, pictures, suggestions. Just let me know.

Thomas Cunningham.

2nd XV league fixtures

The fixtures for the 2nd XV have now been received. We will have 14 games before XMAS, when the league will split and the top 6 teams will play off for the promotion places. The remainder of the division will have games arranged for them.

We start off on Sat 5th September with a visit from Strathclyde Police, followed by a trip to GHA Gazelles.
The full fixture list is:

Sep 5th Strathclyde Police H
Sep 12th GHA Gazelles A
Sep 19th Loch Lomond A
Sep 26th Paisley H
Oct 3rd Cartha 3XV A
Oct 10th H/J 3XV H
Oct 17th Clydebank A
Oct 24th Allan Glens H
Oct 31st Wigtownshire A
Nov 14th Dalziel 3XV H
Nov 28th Garnock 3XV A
Dec 5th W/D A
Dec 12th Hamilton 3XV H
Dec 19th Jordanhill Phoenix H



chatboard link

Oban Lorne vrs Cumnock league fixture 5 September

View Larger Map

Hello players and family. I hope you have all enjoyed the pre-season.

Are you planning to travel to Oban Lorne RFC on Saturday 5th September (only a week away). Cumnock RFC are running a bus there.

So if you like to follow our youthful senior team on this our first away league game, please contact Alex Dunsmuir or any member of the coaches/committee.

Chatboard Link

Cumnock RFC 1st XV (29th August 2009)

Credit to Harry Reilly and Stewart Bennett for pictures

Cumnock 10 Strathendrick 14

Cumnock 10 – 14 Strathendrick 29/08/2009

Cumnock began the new league season with a challenging match against an experienced Strathendrick side who in recent years have made a habit of taking at least sixty points off Cumnock. This year Cumnock have a very young team with nine of the fifteen starters in this fixture only aged sixteen and this result showed that the side can be optimistic of a competitive league campaign.

The match began in almost perfect fashion for Cumnock as they absorbed early pressure from Strathendrick before securing turnover ball with which Cumnock’s backs managed to make space for Mark Bennett to beat his marker and sprint to the line unopposed. Stand-off, Kyle Johnson, added the conversion from wide on the right to give Cumnock an early seven point lead.

Cumnock used the wind to their advantage in the first half with intelligent kicking from Scott Houston and Johnson giving them excellent field position. Unfortunately a misfiring lineout meant they were unable to capitalise on this territory.

Strathendrick regrouped with strong running from their forwards keeping Cumnock under pressure although the defensive line held for a long time. Strathendrick were always going to make something out of this long spell in possession and the breakthrough came when their winger, former Scotland international, Rory Kerr, crashed through some weak Cumnock tackling to score under the posts. They added the conversion to bring the scores level.

The rest of the half was very tight with Johnson and Bennett both missing difficult long range penalties to give Cumnock back the lead. The game was perhaps best defined by a long spell Cumnock spent deep in Strathendrick territory, unable to force their way through because of robust defence and the continuing woes at the lineout.

The second half began well for Cumnock with the impressive Johnson adding a penalty to give his side the lead again.
However, the visitors used their experience and extra bulk to monopolise possession and the wind to kick the ball deep keeping Cumnock pinned back in their own half. The young team were determined to hold their slender lead with excellent defensive work from flankers Blair McMillan and Alan Smith backed up with strong defence from wings Alan Haynes and Gregor McMillan against considerably larger opposition meant that Strathendrick were consistently frustrated in their attempts to cross the Cumnock line.

However it is very difficult to defend for that long against larger opposition and Strathendrick eventually forced their way over with their captain crashing through from a few yards out.

Cumnock almost pulled a score back when Alan Haynes pounced on loose ball and kicked ahead only missing out on a score when the last bounce of the ball went to the chasing defence ahead of Haynes. Strathendrick used their experience again to control the possession, keeping the ball tight and not allowing Cumnock any chances to score.

Strathendrick were clearly relieved when the final whistle went having been given an almighty shock by the young home side. This was a game determined by very small margins and Cumnock were left to look back with a whole host of ifs and maybes. However a losing bonus point against strong opposition is not a bad way to start the season and the side have plenty of positives to take from this game into the rest of the season.

Man of the match was Alan Smith, having switched from centre to flanker and putting a huge amount of hard work into his new role, disrupting Strathendrick ball as well as contributing a high tackle count.

Special mention must also go to Steven Millar, a Cumnock coach who stepped in at short notice to referee the match after the original referee called off.

Team
Craig Greer, Paul Millar, Donald Hunter, Kevin Brady, Euan Cunningham, Blair McMillan, Alan Smith, David Kerr, Scott Houston, Kyle Johnson, Tony Foster, Mark Bennett, Martin Wilson, Alan Haynes, Conner Nisbet, Andy McCrorie, Greg Hamilton, Gregor McMillan

Next week the team make the long trip north to take on Oban.

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• Oban Lorne vrs Cumnock league fixture 5 September (cumnockrugby.blogspot.com)

Scottish rugby website league table & results

game off for 2nd XV on Saturday 29th August

The 2nd team game is off tomorrow but a training session will still be on at 2pm then you can watch 1st team game at 3pm against Strathendrick.

New Mini Midi Season Rolls Into Gear

Mini Midi section will start Sunday training/games from 30th onwards. In addition P6/7 will continue to train at 1830 on Wednesday evenings at the club.

S1 - Full training commences this week with sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1900 from now on.

U15 - Training commences on Thursday 27th at 1900 from now on until further notice.

2009-2010 Player registrations for the Mini Midi section will take place at the club this Sunday (30th) at noon. Players for all age groups should attend with a parent/guardian to complete their registration form along with a subscrption payment for the season (£10), A training session for all age groups will follow once registrations are complete.

It is important that you speak to or call your coach to advise if you cannot attend.

Cumnock Chronicle Report

Cumnock Vs Carnoustie Rugby Preseason

From Saturday 15th August.

Cumnock 12 v 45 Marr

Image by trobertc via Flickr

Cumnock 12 v 45 Marr 22/08/90

Cumnock made the short trip to Troon to take on an ambitious Marr side in the final pre-season match before the start of the league season next weekend. The young side were determined to take another step forward after winning both of their previous warm up matches. However, Marr were equally determined not to be upset by a team from the league below and started very strongly with powerful running from their centres resulting in Cumnock conceding two early tries.

At this point in previous seasons Cumnock tended to fold when faced with such obviously strong opposition and allow teams to run up scores more commonly found in cricket. This season, however, promises to be different with Marr suddenly finding their attempts to increase their lead being thwarted by Cumnock’s defence led by forwards Stuart Hunter and Murray Phillip, making his debut for the 1XV, as well as fine covering tackles out wide by Alan Haynes and Conner Nisbet.

Despite this, Marr managed to squeeze in two more opportunistic tries, thanks mainly to their dominance of possession. Cumnock finally got off the mark when half backs Scott Houston and Kyle Johnson tidied up a Marr kick before releasing centre Mark Bennett from deep inside his own half. Bennett stepped past some bewildered Marr defenders before sprinting down the right touchline to beat the covering defence to finish off a trademark long range try in the corner. Johnson missed the difficult conversion but Cumnock finally had points on the board. Marr then added another try of their own just before half time.

Cumnock came flying out of the blocks in the second half, putting pressure on Marr both in attack and defence. Particularly impressive was the scrum with young props Craig Greer and Donald Hunter preventing Marr from getting the easy ball they had enjoyed in the first half. This led to Cumnock opening the scoring after pressure from Haynes and Dougie Elliot led to a loose Marr pass, gratefully gathered by wing Gregor McMillan who tore home unopposed between the posts. Johnson added the extra points.

This led to a long spell of Cumnock setting up camp deep inside Marr territory with a series of scrums five metres out from the try line. Strong scrummaging from Cumnock kept Marr on the back foot but a combination of committed Marr defence and inexplicably pedantic refereeing meant Cumnock failed to make their pressure count. Both David Kerr and Jamie Thomson were held up over the line and Craig Greer put the ball down for what he felt was a try only to find he had scored on the five metre line. Marr managed to escape when a Cumnock line out throw was called as not straight by the referee and disappointingly Marr managed to break out and score.

Cumnock then spent the rest of the game determined to hold out against a rejuvenated Marr side. Fine defence from Tony Foster as well as committed rucking from Cumnock’s forwards and backs alike meant that it looked like Cumnock would be able to prevent Marr from increasing their lead. Unfortunately Marr managed to finally break down the Cumnock defence with a fine solo try from their speedy winger with the last play of the game.

Man of the match was Donald Hunter for an excellent display of scrummaging which bodes well for the new season.

Overall, Cumnock could take a lot from this difficult match against a well organised Marr side who are expecting to compete for victory in their league. The second half performance was especially impressive with Marr on the back foot for long spells.

Team
Craig Greer, Paul Miller, Donald Hunter, Kevin Brady, Murray Phillip, Stuart Hunter, David Kerr, Jamie Thomson, Scott Houston, Kyle Johnson, Gregor McMillan, Mark Bennett, Dougie Elliot, Alan Haynes, Conner Nisbet, Andy McCrorie, Blair McMillan, Tony Foster, Ross Black

Cumnock kick off their league season next Saturday at 3pm against Strathendrick at Broomfield

Chatboard link

Thanks to David Kerr for Report.

Honours even Cumnock vrs Hyndland

Cumnock 2^nd XV 26 - Hyndland 1^st XV 26

The 2XV welcomed Hyndland to Broomfield on Saturday as the build up to the new league season continued. The visitors were a couple of players short due to work commitments, so Steven Taylor and Roger Thomson (in his first game for several years) volunteered to play for Hyndland.

The game started well for the visitors as they put the hosts under a lot of pressure with good driving play from their forwards. It was after some concerted pressure from the pack that their prop drove over in the 3^rd minute for an unconverted try.

Rab Cross made numerous strong runs in the game and it was from one of these that Greg Hamilton had Cumnock

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s first scoring chance. He cleverly chipped the ball over the defence and outran the fullback, but knocked the ball on while attempting to touch it down.

Hyndland continued to press and it took a great double tackle from Craig McWhirter and Johnny Seng to stop the visitors from going ahead. The game was beginning to even up and it came as no surprise when the home side got their opening try in the 17^th minute. Martin Hastings picked up a loose ball and sprinted in from half way to dot down under the posts. Ferrans converted to take the score to 7-5.

Craig McWhirter was really giving his opposite number a hard time, continually pressuring him into mistakes. After one of his tackles the ball went to Greg Hamilton who ran strongly towards the line, but was tackled by the visiting fullback. McWhirter was unable to gather the ball cleanly.

In the 25^th minute Ferrans broke through a couple of tackles and offloaded to Kenny Barr. The ball was quickly passed from Hastings to Hamilton who tried another chip over the defence. He gathered the ball and twisted over for Cumnock

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s second try. Ferrans made no mistake with the conversion.

The game continued to ebb and flow as the second half got underway. In the 39^th minute a great back from the home side

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s second row almost took him to the try line, but he passed outside to the supporting Seng who crossed over for his first senior try. 19-5. After another excellent break by the backs, the ball was dropped with the line at their mercy. The visitors continued to pose a threat and it was from a series of rucks in the home 22 that Hyndland scored. Roger Thomson drove over from close range to narrow the gap to 7 points.

Back came the home team and after a good break from the backs the ball was recycled quickly from a ruck, Cross and Ramage combined to send Hamilton clear for his second try of the day. Ferrans converted to take the score to 26-12. Hyndland continued to press and were rewarded with a converted try when Roger Thomson chipped the home defence and while the ball bounced unkindly for the home fullback ( his SON!), it bounced straight into the Hyndland fullback

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s arms who touched down for a converted try in the 60^th minute. Hastings showed his awareness when he spotted the defence out of position and chipped the ball for Seng to chase. The ball was kicked out of play just short of the line. Hyndland came straight back up the pitch and after several rucks on the line, they scored a converted try through their second row. Cumnock had one last chance to win the game when Smith mad an excellent break from his own 22, but was tackled just short of the line by Steven Taylor who was playing for the visitors.

Man of the match was awarded to Jim Ramage for his overall support play and encouragement of the several youngsters in the team. Tackle of the day went to Alan Smith for driving the Hyndland prop backwards which was no mean feat. DOD went to Martin Thomson for allowing his father to outwit him.

Squad: Horton, Watt, Cross, Ramage, Linden, Harkin, Smith, McWhirter, Ferrans, Seng, Barr, Hastings, Hamilton, Thomson, Thomson, Taylor, Wallace.