Cumnock 20 Cumbernauld 31 Match Report

Cumnock faced a tough challenge when they took on Cumbernauld in their latest league fixture this weekend. The visitors finished second in the league season and are determined to improve their placing this year. For Cumnock, this was a chance to test themselves against strong opposition after their encouraging start to this season.
Unfortunately the start to this game was less than encouraging as Cumbernauld exploded out of the blocks with only some last ditch tackling preventing the visitors from crossing the try line. However, Cumbernauld were able to open the scoring with two penalties both coming from Cumnock indiscretions at the breakdown.
Despite having almost all the possession, Cumbernauld struggled to turn their dominance into points with some good wide defence from wings Alan Haynes and Gregor McMillan preventing the visitors. Cumnock almost managed to grab a try when a well placed Kyle Johnson cross kick bounced kindly for Haynes who found himself in the clear only to be called back as the referee judged the ball to have been knocked forward.

The visitors eventually managed to break through when their dangerous left winger broke through the defence and slipped the ball back inside to a supporting runner who was left with a clear run to the try line. The conversion went awry but Cumbernauld had finally made the breakthrough and with Cumnock still struggling to gain a foothold in the game as Cumbernauld’s experienced forwards made it difficult to gain any good ball. Cumbernauld quickly scored again when some good quick play moved Cumnock from side to side leaving the defensive line dangerously stretched leaving some simple hands from Cumbernauld to cross again. This time the conversion was scored and Cumbernauld were starting to sense that they could run away with this game.

However, they didn’t reckon on the fighting spirit that Cumnock have picked up this season and finally with ten minutes remaining in the half, the home side started to play some good rugby. The forwards managed to secure some good ball allowing half backs Scott Houston and Kyle Johnson to kick them into good positions and putting the visitors under pressure. Cumnock opened their account after a smart kick from Johnson and a fine chase from centres Mark Bennett and Martin Wilson resulted in a drop from the full back with Bennett gathering the loose ball and scoring under the posts. Johnson eased over the conversion. It only took a few more minutes before Bennett crossed the line again after a powerful hand-off on his opposite number took him through the defensive line. An outrageous side-step took him past the full back before he out paced the covering defence to score a characteristic solo try. Johnson again added the extras and at half time Cumnock found themselves firmly in the hunt, only four points behind despite spending much of the half under pressure.

The second half was a close fought affair with Cumbernauld continuing to dominate possession but finding it harder than the first half to break through the much more stubborn Cumnock defence. However, the powerful Cumbernauld forwards continued to cause their counterparts problems which meant that the Cumnock backs were forced to live off scraps. Cumbernauld added the first points of the half with a penalty to extend their advantage. It took until the last fifteen minutes until any further break through could be made when Cumbernauld finally managed to get the ball to their threatening winger who had been largely nullified in the second half thanks to good midfield defence from Cumnock preventing the ball from reaching him. However, the ball finally made its way out to the wing and he charged through some despairing Cumnock tackles to score in the corner.

Cumnock showed their determination again by coming back strongly, winning two penalties in quick succession which were both converted by the reliable Johnson. However, Cumbernauld had the last say when after a series of driving mauls on the Cumnock line which were repeatedly held up, their number 8 crashed over from a few yards out to complete the scoring and earn his side a bonus point for their four tries.

Despite a disappointing result, Cumnock showed a strong battling spirit, refusing to allow their much more experienced opponents the chance to dominate the match in the way they expected to.
Man of the match was Scott Houston for a good display at scrum half despite spending much of the game under pressure. Special mention also goes to Jim Ramage who stepped into the second row and used his considerable experience to give a reliable presence at set pieces and around the field.

Team: Kevin Brady, Paul Miller, Donald Hunter, Jim Ramage, Blair McMillan, Stuart Hunter, Alan Smith, David Kerr, Scott Houston, Kyle Johnson, Gregor McMillan, Mark Bennett, Martin Wilson, Alan Haynes, Conner Nisbet, Graham Hunter, Euan Cunningham, Craig McWhirter

Next week: Cumnock make a short trip to Ayr to take on Millbrae

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