Link to report on Scottish Rugby Site
Link to chatboard to discuss
Match report Glasgow U16 v Caledonia U16
Monday, 23 March 2009
Glasgow U16’s pull together to play sumptuous final 30
Glasgow U16’s pulled together to perform an excellent spell of rugby in the final 30 minutes of their match versus Caledonia U16’s at Selkirk RFC on Sunday 22nd March. Things did not look good as Glasgow played into a strong wind and were pinned well inside their half by Caledonia’s kicking strategy and dominant pack through the first half. Penalties by Caledonia’s kicker made the score 6-0 (12 & 22 minutes) and only breaks by Beckwith, Ferguson and Bennett relieved the pressure from Glasgow’s 22. The wind hindered Glasgow’s attempt to escape their own half and only their strong defence around the breakdown kept Caledonia from scoring a try. Glasgow’s excellent defensive effort looked like talking them into half time without conceding a try but with the last play Caledonia crossed the white line. Caledonia again gained excellent field position and from a catch and drive from the lineout drove in towards the posts. Clean ball allowed them to attack the blindside and passed to their winger who easily outflanked the cover defence to run in from 20 metres.
Half time – Glasgow 0 – Caledonia 11
Caledonia came out strongly and from a lineout on Glasgow’s 22 they drove twice into the midfield before easily passing the ball through the hands and scoring in the corner after only 4 minutes. A 16-0 lead however did not look to daunting as the strong wind continued to drive down the length of the pitch. The try spurned the Glasgow forward pack on and suddenly they dominated the scrum, lineout and breakdown, finally releasing the backs with go forward ball. Caledonia made a mistake behind their scrum just inside their half and from the turnover Glasgow spread the ball wide to Beckwith who sprinted past 3 defenders to score in the corner (8 minutes). Soon after the restart Caledonia were awarded a scrum – again Glasgow pressure resulted in a ball against the head. A good pick up and drive from replacement No. 8, Templeton, and quick ruck ball released Bennett through the center of midfield and he easily stepped the full back and scored under the posts (13minutes). Scott converted to make it Glasgow 12 – Caledonia 16.
As the match entered the last 20 minutes Glasgow exerted pressure through intelligent kicking from Scott and Bennett. Winning the ball, again from turn over ball strong runs from Beckwith, Hughes, Steele and the impressive Bennett left a gap around the breakdown for scrum half Steele to dive over from close range (22minutes). David Scott converted. Caledonia tried and tried to break out of their half with some good breaks and forward drives but their continuity let them down and Glasgow continually pinned their opponents back in their half. A penalty for going off their feet at the ruck meant that Scott stepped up to make the score Glasgow 22 – Caledonia 16 (30 minutes). The match finished with Caledonia battling to get out of their half against a buoyant Glasgow team.
Final score - Glasgow 22 – Caledonia 16
Team:-
Position Name School - Club
1 Joe McQuade St. Aloysius College – Hamilton RFC
2 Ross Campbell Irvine Royal Academy – Marress RFC
3 Jonathan Agnew Boclair Academy - Hillhead/Jordanhill RFC
4 Kris Hughes Calderglen High School - Cambuslang RFC
5 Adam Barnett Mearns Castle High School - GHA RFC
6 Jamie Graham Dumfries Academy - Dumfries RFC
7 Murray Cubie High School of Glasgow
8 Michael Vernell St. Aloysius College – Allan Glens RFC
9 Scott Houston Auchinleck Academy - Cumnock RFC
10 Robbie Ferguson Wellington School – Ayr RFC
11 Sam Goodrich River of Life School - Dumfries RFC
12 Alan Haynes Auchinleck Academy - Cumnock RFC
13 Mark Bennett (c) St. Joseph’s Academy - Cumnock RFC
14 Gavin Kerr Ayr Academy - Cumnock RFC
15 Murray Beckwith Marr College
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Primary 7 reports
primary 7 reports for 22/03/09
This is one of the toughest weekends that this P7 face all season with a double header against Ayr and GHA at Millbrae . Both these teams have won a number of tournaments so far this season so the task ahead for the Cougars could not be underestimated.
Ayr 8 Cumnock 1
The Ayr team came out of the traps fast and furious with Cumnock allowing the hosts to score at will. By half time the score was sitting at 5-0 and some plain speaking from the coaches ensued. Cumnock buckled down to the task in the second half with a significant improvement producing some excellent phases of play and a resulting score by Euan Hendrie. This step up in performance disrupted the flow of the Ayr side placing pressure on them when in possession and limiting their opportunities.
GHA 9 Cumnock 1
The Cumnock side did not carry forward the improved performance from the first game and retreated into their shells again for the first half. GHA turned over Cumnock ball at will then followed by some slick handling to their wide men produced a host of scores. By the half time whistle GHA had built a commanding 5-0 lead and it was time for the coaches to “earn their corn” again. It was pointed out that time and time again a Cougars player would make good yards however seldom was there a supporting player to help him out. This would need to change in second half if any improvement was to be seen. From the restart Cumnock looked like a different team with each and every player making a contribution. Whilst GHA did touchdown another four times they had to produce their very best as Cumnock controlled significant parts of the second half. The Cumnock score was the result of a good phase of team play which drove towards the GHA line and only a series of penalty incidents delaying the seemingly inevitable score. Ultimately the referee had no choice but the award a penalty try in favour of Cumnock due to the persistent fouling by their opponents, this was truly a team score.
The stand out man of the match on the day was Jack Reilly with driving runs, crunching tackling and some excellent distribution contributing to a first class overall performance. In conclusion the coaches were disappointed that the hard work carried out on the training ground over the past few weeks had not been put into practice and if this team are to step up to the next level they must start to work together.
This is one of the toughest weekends that this P7 face all season with a double header against Ayr and GHA at Millbrae . Both these teams have won a number of tournaments so far this season so the task ahead for the Cougars could not be underestimated.
Ayr 8 Cumnock 1
The Ayr team came out of the traps fast and furious with Cumnock allowing the hosts to score at will. By half time the score was sitting at 5-0 and some plain speaking from the coaches ensued. Cumnock buckled down to the task in the second half with a significant improvement producing some excellent phases of play and a resulting score by Euan Hendrie. This step up in performance disrupted the flow of the Ayr side placing pressure on them when in possession and limiting their opportunities.
GHA 9 Cumnock 1
The Cumnock side did not carry forward the improved performance from the first game and retreated into their shells again for the first half. GHA turned over Cumnock ball at will then followed by some slick handling to their wide men produced a host of scores. By the half time whistle GHA had built a commanding 5-0 lead and it was time for the coaches to “earn their corn” again. It was pointed out that time and time again a Cougars player would make good yards however seldom was there a supporting player to help him out. This would need to change in second half if any improvement was to be seen. From the restart Cumnock looked like a different team with each and every player making a contribution. Whilst GHA did touchdown another four times they had to produce their very best as Cumnock controlled significant parts of the second half. The Cumnock score was the result of a good phase of team play which drove towards the GHA line and only a series of penalty incidents delaying the seemingly inevitable score. Ultimately the referee had no choice but the award a penalty try in favour of Cumnock due to the persistent fouling by their opponents, this was truly a team score.
The stand out man of the match on the day was Jack Reilly with driving runs, crunching tackling and some excellent distribution contributing to a first class overall performance. In conclusion the coaches were disappointed that the hard work carried out on the training ground over the past few weeks had not been put into practice and if this team are to step up to the next level they must start to work together.
Primary 6 reports for 22/03/09
Cumnock P6 at Ayr
Ayr A 5 Cumnock 0
Ayr B 1 Cumnock 5
GHA 0 Cumnock 1
Cumnock P6’s took a revitalised squad down to Ayr on Sunday with 6 new players who had never played a full game of rugby before to play two strong teams in Ayr and GHA. In the first game Cumnock played Ayr A, one of only two teams to have beaten them on grass this season. Cumnock matched Ayr in tight first half only to loose their way a bit in the in the second half, however it was a much improved performance. Cumnock immediately got revenge by beating Ayr B and then GHA in a tight game.
All in all the coaches were delighted with all the players, the more experienced boys and Rachael played to their usual high standard but the all the new boys showed great determination and got stuck in. It cant be emphasised enough how good these results are against two strong rugby teams whilst playing with up to three players who have never played before, the coaches have high hopes for the remainder of the season.
Ayr A 5 Cumnock 0
Ayr B 1 Cumnock 5
GHA 0 Cumnock 1
Cumnock P6’s took a revitalised squad down to Ayr on Sunday with 6 new players who had never played a full game of rugby before to play two strong teams in Ayr and GHA. In the first game Cumnock played Ayr A, one of only two teams to have beaten them on grass this season. Cumnock matched Ayr in tight first half only to loose their way a bit in the in the second half, however it was a much improved performance. Cumnock immediately got revenge by beating Ayr B and then GHA in a tight game.
All in all the coaches were delighted with all the players, the more experienced boys and Rachael played to their usual high standard but the all the new boys showed great determination and got stuck in. It cant be emphasised enough how good these results are against two strong rugby teams whilst playing with up to three players who have never played before, the coaches have high hopes for the remainder of the season.
Primary 5 report for 22/03/09
Cumnock visited Millbrae today for 3 thrilling games of rugby
The team got off to a slow start in their first game against Ayr and were 5-2 down at half time. After the break the team found their form and pulled the game back for a final result of 10-10. After a short break the team took to the field against a well drilled GHA team. The Cumnock team never really found their form and were beaten 6-1 in this game. The final game against another GHA team saw better rugby from the Cumnock team and were unfortunate to lose this game 4-2 . The Cumnock try scorers today were Sean Houston and Scott Teece support play coming from Tyler Wallace, Brandon Stewart, Lucy Watt, Calum Bell, John Watt, Louise Vietch and Calum Hendrie
The team got off to a slow start in their first game against Ayr and were 5-2 down at half time. After the break the team found their form and pulled the game back for a final result of 10-10. After a short break the team took to the field against a well drilled GHA team. The Cumnock team never really found their form and were beaten 6-1 in this game. The final game against another GHA team saw better rugby from the Cumnock team and were unfortunate to lose this game 4-2 . The Cumnock try scorers today were Sean Houston and Scott Teece support play coming from Tyler Wallace, Brandon Stewart, Lucy Watt, Calum Bell, John Watt, Louise Vietch and Calum Hendrie
p3/p4 reports for 22/03/09
Report for Cumnock P3 / P4 Team
Ayr (P4) 5 Cumnock 6
This was a cracker of a game with great play from both teams. Ayr took an early lead before Cumnock woke up at half time. In the second half Cumnock fought back well with some fierce tackling and great running and passing and eventually ran out deserved winners. Scores from Rob, Adam, Adam and Owen (3).
GHA (P4) 7 Cumnock 2
Cumnock never really got going against this much larger, well drilled team. The standard of rugby from GHA was very high but Cumnock rose well to the challenge and some determined tackling kept the score down. Tries came from Adam (2).
Ayr (P3) 5 Cumnock 3
This was a real ding-dong game with lots of action at both ends of the pitch. Scores were traded evenly throughout the first half but Ayr just pulled away towards the end of the second half. Tries were scored by Corry (2) and Adam.
The coaches were extremely pleased with the way that the boys played, particularly as the day went on. If only the players would realise that the shortest way to the try line is to run in a straight line!
Ayr (P4) 5 Cumnock 6
This was a cracker of a game with great play from both teams. Ayr took an early lead before Cumnock woke up at half time. In the second half Cumnock fought back well with some fierce tackling and great running and passing and eventually ran out deserved winners. Scores from Rob, Adam, Adam and Owen (3).
GHA (P4) 7 Cumnock 2
Cumnock never really got going against this much larger, well drilled team. The standard of rugby from GHA was very high but Cumnock rose well to the challenge and some determined tackling kept the score down. Tries came from Adam (2).
Ayr (P3) 5 Cumnock 3
This was a real ding-dong game with lots of action at both ends of the pitch. Scores were traded evenly throughout the first half but Ayr just pulled away towards the end of the second half. Tries were scored by Corry (2) and Adam.
The coaches were extremely pleased with the way that the boys played, particularly as the day went on. If only the players would realise that the shortest way to the try line is to run in a straight line!
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Cumnock 1st XV 3 Loch Lomond 22
Although slightly cold on the weather front, this was a cracking day, to be playing in a game of rugby, especially if you were one of the Cumnock youth set up now being blooded into senior rugby. From the kick-off it was end to end play, with both teams showing good attacking and equally the same in defence. Although from the sideline it was noticible that Lomond did have the heavier pack, yet with Greer and Hunter in the front row backed up with Cross and Brady, they were hardly ever troubled, Miller even stealing a couple.
After fifteen minutes though, it was a charged down clearance kick from Hill, that allowed Lomond in for a try. Possession was still running on 50-50 Kerr and Hodge linking with Stuart Hunter off the back of scrums, Barr waiting on second phase, and using the pace of Nisbitt to puncture the Lomond defence. Lomond's main attacks for now were through their backs, but with Nairn Harkin and McMillan in the back line once again, this week no one was getting through. A long clearance kick from his own 22 metre line and the follow up tap tackle from Greer was to result in Lomond penalised for holding on, Hill slotting home to make it 3-7.
Don't know if Cumnock were just missing someone in there to take note of when the ref was playing an advantage, certainly from the shouts on the sideline they all noticed, and he was very generous with it and mostly in Cumnocks favour. It was from an advantage that Lomond got their next score, Hodge making the break but that wee bit lack in support alowing for a turnover. With the rule of the day being, no one was to get through the fringes of any breakdown, this was held with rigour, until just before halftime when the Lomond hooker went straight through the middle untouched 3-17.
Cumnock at the start of the second half were to introduce another two of the young guns Euan Cunningham on for the battered and bruised Cross and Tony Foster replacing Nairn. As in the first half pssession was similar, but territorial advantage was in Cumnocks favour, but as did happen in the first half with the goal line in sight they chose the wrong option.
With the wind advantage Lomond were relying on the boot upfield, but with Nisbitt switching on his fullback head and Foster following up his clearance kicks, Cumnock were well capable of a counter attack.This half looked like a no score, until near the end Lomond on the attack and the player bundled into touch by a metre threw the ball back in play for one of his teamates to score 3-22.
Thanks to Alex Dunsmuir for report
After fifteen minutes though, it was a charged down clearance kick from Hill, that allowed Lomond in for a try. Possession was still running on 50-50 Kerr and Hodge linking with Stuart Hunter off the back of scrums, Barr waiting on second phase, and using the pace of Nisbitt to puncture the Lomond defence. Lomond's main attacks for now were through their backs, but with Nairn Harkin and McMillan in the back line once again, this week no one was getting through. A long clearance kick from his own 22 metre line and the follow up tap tackle from Greer was to result in Lomond penalised for holding on, Hill slotting home to make it 3-7.
Don't know if Cumnock were just missing someone in there to take note of when the ref was playing an advantage, certainly from the shouts on the sideline they all noticed, and he was very generous with it and mostly in Cumnocks favour. It was from an advantage that Lomond got their next score, Hodge making the break but that wee bit lack in support alowing for a turnover. With the rule of the day being, no one was to get through the fringes of any breakdown, this was held with rigour, until just before halftime when the Lomond hooker went straight through the middle untouched 3-17.
Cumnock at the start of the second half were to introduce another two of the young guns Euan Cunningham on for the battered and bruised Cross and Tony Foster replacing Nairn. As in the first half pssession was similar, but territorial advantage was in Cumnocks favour, but as did happen in the first half with the goal line in sight they chose the wrong option.
With the wind advantage Lomond were relying on the boot upfield, but with Nisbitt switching on his fullback head and Foster following up his clearance kicks, Cumnock were well capable of a counter attack.This half looked like a no score, until near the end Lomond on the attack and the player bundled into touch by a metre threw the ball back in play for one of his teamates to score 3-22.
Thanks to Alex Dunsmuir for report
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Saturday 14th March INCLUDING RESULTS
Link to story on chatboard, come on please can more people join, there is only 17 members, Remember you have to join as a member of chatboard to view it (after verification)
If you are not going to Murrayfield, get down to Broonfield and support the guys who are playing.
The 2nds kick off at 1pm against Hamilton, followed at 2pm by the 1sts against GHK.
Both international matches will be shown on the big screen afterwards.
Result from Alan Hall on chatboard:-
Result from Jim on chatboard:-
If you are not going to Murrayfield, get down to Broonfield and support the guys who are playing.
The 2nds kick off at 1pm against Hamilton, followed at 2pm by the 1sts against GHK.
Both international matches will be shown on the big screen afterwards.
Result from Alan Hall on chatboard:-
Another defeat for Cumnock 1st XV at the weekend. 50 - 10 against GHK.
Highlight of the day was the two father and son appearances of
David & Euan Kerr
&
Mark & Stuart Bennett - both combined to score Cumnock's only try of the day.
Result from Jim on chatboard:-
There were two highlights in the 2nds game: Kyle Johnston's try after a successful chase and harrying by Martin Thomson. This followed one of Alex's well placed box kicks! The other highlight was Stephen Taylor's outrageous try. Kyle had taken a penalty into the wind, but the wind had held the ball up and it landed in goal. Stephen followed it up and touched down for the try.
The only downside was the broken ankle sustained by JJ.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Whats happening socially at Cumnock Rugby Club
Sportsman Dinner
Friday 27th March 6.30pm for 7.00pm Tickets £25.00
The speakers are Brian Donald BBC Rugby and Golf Presenter plus sports writer for the Daily Mail and Sunday Times and Jim ‘Buller’ Reid Renowned local Speaker will be at our local rugby club.
The ticket price includes a FOUR COURSE MEAL and the tickets are available from behind the bar.
HEIDERS CLUB HAWIIAN DISCO
Saturday 28th March
It's only £2.00 a ticket (see Kevin). Following are the rules:
MANDATORY ATTENDANCE
£5.00 FINE for Bring a male partner
£5.00 FINE for non attendance
£10.00 FINE for Bringing no partner
Friday 27th March 6.30pm for 7.00pm Tickets £25.00
The speakers are Brian Donald BBC Rugby and Golf Presenter plus sports writer for the Daily Mail and Sunday Times and Jim ‘Buller’ Reid Renowned local Speaker will be at our local rugby club.
The ticket price includes a FOUR COURSE MEAL and the tickets are available from behind the bar.
HEIDERS CLUB HAWIIAN DISCO
Saturday 28th March
It's only £2.00 a ticket (see Kevin). Following are the rules:
MANDATORY ATTENDANCE
£5.00 FINE for Bring a male partner
£5.00 FINE for non attendance
£10.00 FINE for Bringing no partner
Friday, 6 March 2009
New Dates for West Div 1 as @06/03/09
The Scottish Rugby Union have announced the dates for posponed games and the ones affecting Cumnock are as follows:
New Date/Match/Old Date
14 March Cumnock v GHK 25 Oct, 22 Nov, & 10 January
21 March Cumnock v Loch Lomond 7 February
25 April Cumnock v Strathclyde Police 29 November, 1 March
For scottish rugby link click here
New Date/Match/Old Date
14 March Cumnock v GHK 25 Oct, 22 Nov, & 10 January
21 March Cumnock v Loch Lomond 7 February
25 April Cumnock v Strathclyde Police 29 November, 1 March
For scottish rugby link click here
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
2008 season 2nd team remaining fixtures
From Jim Morton on chatboard
The league management have made changes to Div 6 with regard to the outstanding fixtures that we have still to play. We now have only 3 games to play to end our league season. The games are:
28th Feb Paisley Home 12.00 kick off
14th Mar Hamilton Away 3.00 kick off
21st Mar Allan Glens Home 3.00 kick off
The league management have made changes to Div 6 with regard to the outstanding fixtures that we have still to play. We now have only 3 games to play to end our league season. The games are:
28th Feb Paisley Home 12.00 kick off
14th Mar Hamilton Away 3.00 kick off
21st Mar Allan Glens Home 3.00 kick off
Monday, 23 February 2009
Glasgow Under 17 starting lineup for Wednesday 25/2/09
Link to Scottish rugby website
It has been announced that Craig Greer is starting in position number 1 for the Glasgow Under 17 vs Caledonia RFC Under 17 game on Wednesday 25th at 7pm at Stirling RFC.
Have a good game Craig.
report from Scottish rugby website game on wednesday
It has been announced that Craig Greer is starting in position number 1 for the Glasgow Under 17 vs Caledonia RFC Under 17 game on Wednesday 25th at 7pm at Stirling RFC.
Have a good game Craig.
report from Scottish rugby website game on wednesday
Sunday, 22 February 2009
I've seen the future and its got a roof!
Cumnock Cougars travelled to play a series of matches against East Kilbride on 22nd Feb however this was not at EK's normal home ground but in the covered astro pitch at the Hamilton Palace sports complex. Whilst there are certain limitations to this type of facility these pale against the positives the most significant being that the vagaries of the Scottish weather are removed from the mix.
If we are to continue with micro and mini rugby during the winter months a facility such as Hamilton Palace make perfect sense however the age old problem of securing the necessary finance for projects seems as likely as Frank Hadden naming me in the next squad for the next round in the Six Nations.
On a nother point, Euan Kerr and I had a conversation with senior coach at EK who advised of a SRU backed initiaitive to pilot summer rugby. The proposal was fairly detailed and inv olved a significant number of clubs with factors taken into consideration such a s holiday periods and the like. Whilst there are some problems to deal with in the summer not least of which is rock hard pitches surely this would be a positve move for our young players - We await the results with interest
Harry
If we are to continue with micro and mini rugby during the winter months a facility such as Hamilton Palace make perfect sense however the age old problem of securing the necessary finance for projects seems as likely as Frank Hadden naming me in the next squad for the next round in the Six Nations.
On a nother point, Euan Kerr and I had a conversation with senior coach at EK who advised of a SRU backed initiaitive to pilot summer rugby. The proposal was fairly detailed and inv olved a significant number of clubs with factors taken into consideration such a s holiday periods and the like. Whilst there are some problems to deal with in the summer not least of which is rock hard pitches surely this would be a positve move for our young players - We await the results with interest
Harry
East Kilbride mini/midi reports Sunday 22nd February
P4
Cumnock visited East Kilbride today for 2 thrilling and hard fought games. The team played very well in both games improving as the day went on but were unfortunate to lose both games. The try scorers today were Alex Houston and Calum Bell, support play coming from Kory Galloway, Austin McBirnie, Lucy Watt and Adam Watt.
P5
The P5 boys put in 2 great performances today narrowly losing their first game 4-3. After a short break the boys came out firing on all cylinders blowing their opposition away with a 5-3 victory in the second game. Tries coming from Sean Houston, Scott Teece, Calm Park and Calum Bell ably assisted by Jack McSeveney, John Watt and Tyler Wallace
Cumnock P7 Report
East Kilbride 13 Cumnock 5
Cumnock travelled to an indoor astru-turf pitch at Hamilton Palace to play East Kilbride. The facility was excellent, with conditions obviously excellent for playing rugby. However, the pitch as set-out was very narrow, not much different to the training pitch at Cumnock Academy . This meant that there was not enough width for Cumnock to play to their strengths, getting quick ball out wide and running into the corners. The pitch suited the East Kilbride style of play with the ball kept tight with their large pack and only moving wide once Cumnock players had been sucked into any rucks or mauls.
The Cumnock tries from G Aitken, Z North (2) and J Reilly (2) came from some good passages of play with the ball moving about quickly through various sets of hands.
The coaches were disappointed with the way some players didn't get involved at the breakdowns despite spending weeks practising rucking and mauling. Too many players were content to stand back and see what happened rather than competing for the ball. On the positive side, the half backs and centres were linking up well with good positive runing and tackling from Kerr, Reilly, Aitken and North. This was the first defeat since before Christmas and hopefully it will be a wake-up call for some of the players
mini section are training next Sunday times tba
Cumnock visited East Kilbride today for 2 thrilling and hard fought games. The team played very well in both games improving as the day went on but were unfortunate to lose both games. The try scorers today were Alex Houston and Calum Bell, support play coming from Kory Galloway, Austin McBirnie, Lucy Watt and Adam Watt.
P5
The P5 boys put in 2 great performances today narrowly losing their first game 4-3. After a short break the boys came out firing on all cylinders blowing their opposition away with a 5-3 victory in the second game. Tries coming from Sean Houston, Scott Teece, Calm Park and Calum Bell ably assisted by Jack McSeveney, John Watt and Tyler Wallace
Cumnock P7 Report
East Kilbride 13 Cumnock 5
Cumnock travelled to an indoor astru-turf pitch at Hamilton Palace to play East Kilbride. The facility was excellent, with conditions obviously excellent for playing rugby. However, the pitch as set-out was very narrow, not much different to the training pitch at Cumnock Academy . This meant that there was not enough width for Cumnock to play to their strengths, getting quick ball out wide and running into the corners. The pitch suited the East Kilbride style of play with the ball kept tight with their large pack and only moving wide once Cumnock players had been sucked into any rucks or mauls.
The Cumnock tries from G Aitken, Z North (2) and J Reilly (2) came from some good passages of play with the ball moving about quickly through various sets of hands.
The coaches were disappointed with the way some players didn't get involved at the breakdowns despite spending weeks practising rucking and mauling. Too many players were content to stand back and see what happened rather than competing for the ball. On the positive side, the half backs and centres were linking up well with good positive runing and tackling from Kerr, Reilly, Aitken and North. This was the first defeat since before Christmas and hopefully it will be a wake-up call for some of the players
mini section are training next Sunday times tba
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Uddingston 0 Cumnock 1st xv 56
This was never going to be, just another Saturday, this was a long awaited Saturday for some of the clubs, parents, coaches and of course what today was mostly about, four young players who have come up through the youth section and becoming of age to play first team rugby.
With a slight wind blowing, there was nothing really else you could complain about, considering what we have had lately, condition underfoot were good which was to prove favourable for the Cumnock backs. Four guys don’t make a team though, and it was the forward driving that was to put the early pressure on the home side, sucking in most of their defence, finally allowing Elliot to unleash a miss pass out to Bennett, but it was Houston also on his debut, popping up in support to receive what looked a slightly forward pass to score his first senior try, converted by Bennett. From the restart the young guns were linking once again, this time, it was a great take from Nisbet going across field, fed Bennet in his own 22metre, who then proceeded to scythe his way through the opposition to score between the uprights and convert. Play was then camped at the middle of the field for the next ten minutes, with a series of scrums, none of which Cumnock were too worried. With an ABC line up of a young Alan old Bobby and experienced Chad they had the front row sown up. It was Uddingston however that stole one against the head, Houston making up for the misdemeanour, intercepted their pass out to the backs and make a break with only the fullback to beat, he returned his earlier favour and slipped the pass to Bennett. From the restart once again Houston put in the chip ahead, Harkin put in the chase, then Thomsom overturned possession and this time it was Hill to feed Bennett. With halftime approaching, for some unknown reason, which the coach wasn’t happy about, Cumnock tried to run the ball out of their own 22metre finally conceding a penalty. With almost everyone asleep it was the alertness of Harkin who noticed a quick one being taken, but infringed before they had covered 10metres, getting sin binned for his actions, but in the end proved to be a good call. Half time 35-0.
Also making his debut, swapping new for old, Donald Hunter replaced a tired Horton and in the centres like for like McPheators came on for Hill. Uddingston looked now to have upped the tempo in the forwards with play mostly in the Cumnock half, but again good defensive work from Fulton and Kerr resulting in a knock on, Harkin playing the advantage put in a long clearance kick from his own 22metre line, McPheators and McMillan with the follow up chase, the latter getting the luck of the bounce and getting the try. As in the first half, we then encountered a spell of play around midfield again, although most of the time seemed to be spent at line outs, where once again with the inclusion of Andy Nairn Cumnock had got it just right. From the only No.8 pick up from Kerr of the game Cumnock went down the blind side but were finally bundled into touch. From the ensuing line out the home side failed to find touch, Harkin capitalised on the weak effort with a good run to pop it to non-other, Bennett to score. The remainder of the game was played in the opposition half, Brady trying to keep his forwards focussed on the game plan, when the ball slipped out to McMillan who had only a 10metre dash to the line, but for some reason he thought he had only 5metre, as he touched down a bit premature and was then pushed into touch. A steal from Nairn at the line out and quick ball from Houston to Elliott saw Bennett come through on the crash for try number 6.
The coach said he was pleased with the youngsters performances, he also recognised that it seemed to help and up the game of the others, he also praised the defence thus not allowing the opposition on the score sheet and with a bit more training together this can only improve.
More pics on chatboard thread, please send me more pics if you have it.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Stewartry 26 Cumnock S1/2 14
The S1 & 2 team undertook the long and winding journey to Castle Douglas, coming up against a fairly strong Stewartry side. Cumnock were fielding a side with several inexperienced players with two of them making their debuts. The first 20minutes were fairly even with the Stewartry boys only scoring 2 tries and unfortunately they were not countered, however it could have been worst had debutant Telbell not charged across the field to take out the opposite winger 5m from the try line. After the break Cumnock came out guns blazing with Man of the match Telbell scoring in the corner.
After some crunching tackles by big Iain, Robbie and Euan, Christopher made break and scored under the posts going on to convert his effort. In the final 20minutes Cumnock scored two great tries, another Debutant Dempster using his magic feet to pass the opposition and go over, while the other one was more of a team effort with Iain making the original impact while good support play meant George was able to stroll over the line. Unfortunately some missed tackles meant that the score line flattered the home side winning as they did 26 - 14. Auld Jim the head coach said after the game “ There has been a great improvement since the last game, and all the boys have shown a lot of potential” As noted before Man of the Match award was given to Telbell for an outstanding first game, while the eejit award was given to Callan for being sick on the bus!
After some crunching tackles by big Iain, Robbie and Euan, Christopher made break and scored under the posts going on to convert his effort. In the final 20minutes Cumnock scored two great tries, another Debutant Dempster using his magic feet to pass the opposition and go over, while the other one was more of a team effort with Iain making the original impact while good support play meant George was able to stroll over the line. Unfortunately some missed tackles meant that the score line flattered the home side winning as they did 26 - 14. Auld Jim the head coach said after the game “ There has been a great improvement since the last game, and all the boys have shown a lot of potential” As noted before Man of the Match award was given to Telbell for an outstanding first game, while the eejit award was given to Callan for being sick on the bus!
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Saturday 7th February Cumnock homes games off
Cumnock 1st xv vrs Loch Lomond and Cumnock 2nd XV vrs Paisley are both off.
Sunday, 14 September 2008
CUMNOCK HALT THE PINK AND BLACK ATTACK!!
Under 17’s Match Report 14th September 2008
CUMNOCK HALT THE PINK AND BLACK ATTACK!!
Ayr 17 Cumnock 21
Cumnock Under 17’s programme of summer training paid dividends as they travelled to Ayr for their opening league fixture of the season. As expected this was a fiercely contested match, in which fitness levels could well have been the difference between the sides.
Cumnock knew they would be under pressure from a large well drilled Ayr pack and came out in fighting spirit to put down a marker of their drive and determination to compete. The first fifteen minutes of play saw Cumnock pounding the Ayr line and only some stout defending by the home side held the attack at bay. It was as a result of this style of play that led to the opening try for the visitors. From a breakdown on the Ayr 22 metre line, the Cumnock pack drove relentlessly and worked through four phases of play to feed the ball to Mark Bennett to crash over. The boot of Kyle Johnson was as reliable as ever and the conversion was in the bag.
Ayr came back from the restart and responded with some fine play from their forwards which saw them camp on the Cumnock try line. Despite some fine tackling from Graham Hunter, Greg Hamilton and Conor Nisbet, Ayr crossed the line twice but failed to convert either – a deficit which was to prove costly as the game progressed. Half time came with the score at 10 -7 in the home side’s favour.
Ayr returned to the field on form and opened their account early in the second half with a long range drive from the pack to touch down under the posts. There was no error in the kick which followed and Ayr pulled ahead 17 -7.
Cumnock redoubled their efforts at this point and held Ayr out for the ensuing fifteen minutes with tries being held up by the aforementioned Hunter and Hamilton. This set up the ideal platform for what happened next. Some dominant tackling from Craig Greer and Donald Hunter turned the ball over and the superb Alan Haynes wasted no time in spinning a precise pass to Bennett. He in turn punted the ball up the field and outran the Ayr winger and full back to touchdown under the posts. Johnson converted with ease and brought Cumnock back within three points.
This boost galvanised the Cumnock men and saw them immediately back on the attack, knowing that a victory was within reach. From a lineout in the Cumnock half, the ball was spread wide through the back line to flying winger Gavin Kerr. Kerr deftly chipped over the Ayr defence but was cynically taken out of play, unnoticed by the referee. Undaunted Cumnock resumed their attack and winning a scrum on the left side of the field scrum half Scott Houston lofted a well timed pass to number 8, Greer who fed the back line. Quick hands saw the ball out to Bennett who chipped over the Ayr full back. The ensuing chase and tackle from Bennett saw the ball dislodged from the full back’s grip and Bennett touchdown for his hat trick. Johnson again converted just as the final whistle blew, recording an outstanding and well deserved victory, 17 -21 to Cumnock.
Delighted coach, Morton Houston praised the effort and determination of all the players. “ This was a marvellous team effort with contributions made from each and every player. I could not select a Man of the Match from such a wealth of skill, industry and determination and this will be recorded as a team victory. The boys have worked extremely hard and deserve this win today. This was the result we wanted to set us up for the coming season. To open our season with a win away from home over the defending league champions is the best start we could have hoped for.”
CUMNOCK HALT THE PINK AND BLACK ATTACK!!
Ayr 17 Cumnock 21
Cumnock Under 17’s programme of summer training paid dividends as they travelled to Ayr for their opening league fixture of the season. As expected this was a fiercely contested match, in which fitness levels could well have been the difference between the sides.
Cumnock knew they would be under pressure from a large well drilled Ayr pack and came out in fighting spirit to put down a marker of their drive and determination to compete. The first fifteen minutes of play saw Cumnock pounding the Ayr line and only some stout defending by the home side held the attack at bay. It was as a result of this style of play that led to the opening try for the visitors. From a breakdown on the Ayr 22 metre line, the Cumnock pack drove relentlessly and worked through four phases of play to feed the ball to Mark Bennett to crash over. The boot of Kyle Johnson was as reliable as ever and the conversion was in the bag.
Ayr came back from the restart and responded with some fine play from their forwards which saw them camp on the Cumnock try line. Despite some fine tackling from Graham Hunter, Greg Hamilton and Conor Nisbet, Ayr crossed the line twice but failed to convert either – a deficit which was to prove costly as the game progressed. Half time came with the score at 10 -7 in the home side’s favour.
Ayr returned to the field on form and opened their account early in the second half with a long range drive from the pack to touch down under the posts. There was no error in the kick which followed and Ayr pulled ahead 17 -7.
Cumnock redoubled their efforts at this point and held Ayr out for the ensuing fifteen minutes with tries being held up by the aforementioned Hunter and Hamilton. This set up the ideal platform for what happened next. Some dominant tackling from Craig Greer and Donald Hunter turned the ball over and the superb Alan Haynes wasted no time in spinning a precise pass to Bennett. He in turn punted the ball up the field and outran the Ayr winger and full back to touchdown under the posts. Johnson converted with ease and brought Cumnock back within three points.
This boost galvanised the Cumnock men and saw them immediately back on the attack, knowing that a victory was within reach. From a lineout in the Cumnock half, the ball was spread wide through the back line to flying winger Gavin Kerr. Kerr deftly chipped over the Ayr defence but was cynically taken out of play, unnoticed by the referee. Undaunted Cumnock resumed their attack and winning a scrum on the left side of the field scrum half Scott Houston lofted a well timed pass to number 8, Greer who fed the back line. Quick hands saw the ball out to Bennett who chipped over the Ayr full back. The ensuing chase and tackle from Bennett saw the ball dislodged from the full back’s grip and Bennett touchdown for his hat trick. Johnson again converted just as the final whistle blew, recording an outstanding and well deserved victory, 17 -21 to Cumnock.
Delighted coach, Morton Houston praised the effort and determination of all the players. “ This was a marvellous team effort with contributions made from each and every player. I could not select a Man of the Match from such a wealth of skill, industry and determination and this will be recorded as a team victory. The boys have worked extremely hard and deserve this win today. This was the result we wanted to set us up for the coming season. To open our season with a win away from home over the defending league champions is the best start we could have hoped for.”
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Cumnock Under 17’s 68 Dumfries Under 17’s 14
Cumnock Under 17’s produced a resounding victory in their final warm up fixture before the start of their league endeavours next week. The home team meant business from the kick off and opened their account after only four minutes with a well taken try from No 8 Craig Greer who powered over the line from short range. On form stand off Kyle Johnson followed up within minutes as he teased the Dumfries defence with a show and go to score under the posts. A careless pass gifted Dumfries with their only try of the first half and highlighted the need for accuracy as the new season commences.
There followed a passage of play for which Dumfries had no answer as the Cumnock back line consistently exploited gaps to rack up four tries in quick succession – a second for Craig Greer, two from flying winger Tony Foster and one from Mark Bennett. All six tries were converted by Kyle Johnson, taking the half time score to 42 -7 in the home sides favour.
Dumfries returned to the field with a revised game plan which involved tying the ball in and restricting access to Cumnock’s back line. While this was good advice and resulted in more competitive play it did little to halt the scoring onslaught from Cumnock. A further try from Craig Greer completed his hat trick for the day. From the restart, Cumnock took the ball to the defence and some excellent support play from Craig McWhirter saw him on hand to finish off another fine example of flowing rugby. A stolen ball from the back of a scrum caught the Cumnock defence napping and allowed Dumfries their sole try of this half.
The next move saw Mark Bennett look as if there was no way through the Dumfries centres. A retrieved up and under fell perfectly into Bennett’s hands, was fed via Ross Black to a speeding Gavin Kerr who outstripped his opposite man for a well deserved score in the corner. In the dying minutes of the game Cumnock rounded off their performance with a try from full back Conor Nisbet who took his opportunity with ease. Nine of the ten tries were converted bringing the final tally to 68-14 to Cumnock.
Man of the Match was Alan Haynes whose work rate and industry both on and off the ball was outstanding. This week will see Cumnock Under 17’s make their final preparation for their tough opening league fixture against Ayr next Sunday. Coach Alan Hall said after the match “ There were some moments of brilliance this afternoon but the boys will need to maintain this high octane performance next week and erase lapses of concentration. Ayr are a well drilled outfit and any errors on Cumnock’s part will be punished.”
There followed a passage of play for which Dumfries had no answer as the Cumnock back line consistently exploited gaps to rack up four tries in quick succession – a second for Craig Greer, two from flying winger Tony Foster and one from Mark Bennett. All six tries were converted by Kyle Johnson, taking the half time score to 42 -7 in the home sides favour.
Dumfries returned to the field with a revised game plan which involved tying the ball in and restricting access to Cumnock’s back line. While this was good advice and resulted in more competitive play it did little to halt the scoring onslaught from Cumnock. A further try from Craig Greer completed his hat trick for the day. From the restart, Cumnock took the ball to the defence and some excellent support play from Craig McWhirter saw him on hand to finish off another fine example of flowing rugby. A stolen ball from the back of a scrum caught the Cumnock defence napping and allowed Dumfries their sole try of this half.
The next move saw Mark Bennett look as if there was no way through the Dumfries centres. A retrieved up and under fell perfectly into Bennett’s hands, was fed via Ross Black to a speeding Gavin Kerr who outstripped his opposite man for a well deserved score in the corner. In the dying minutes of the game Cumnock rounded off their performance with a try from full back Conor Nisbet who took his opportunity with ease. Nine of the ten tries were converted bringing the final tally to 68-14 to Cumnock.
Man of the Match was Alan Haynes whose work rate and industry both on and off the ball was outstanding. This week will see Cumnock Under 17’s make their final preparation for their tough opening league fixture against Ayr next Sunday. Coach Alan Hall said after the match “ There were some moments of brilliance this afternoon but the boys will need to maintain this high octane performance next week and erase lapses of concentration. Ayr are a well drilled outfit and any errors on Cumnock’s part will be punished.”
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Kilmarnock Under 18’s 34 Cumnock Under 17’s 33
Gearing up for the new season, Cumnock Under 17’s have been in action twice this week in friendly fixtures. A hard fought, 33-12 victory against a well drilled Carrick Academy senior team on Tuesday night laid down a marker for the style and standard which will be expected of this team if they are to fulfil their potential in the coming season.
This fixture against Kilmarnock’s Under 18 was a further example of what lies ahead. Cumnock battled valiantly against a substantially bigger team in the first half but with no reward for their efforts. As the half time whistle blew, Kilmarnock exited the field with a comfortable 24-0 lead, having capitalised on their scoring opportunities as they arose.
Kilmarnock would have been forgiven for thinking they were playing a different team from the restart. The half time team talk had clearly achieved its desired effect as Cumnock resumed play on the attack. From a scrum in their own half, Cumnock won the ball against the head and executed a well rehearsed move to draw in the Killie defence and free Conor Nisbet to score Cumnock’s opening try. The conversion was slotted over with ease from the touchline by Kyle Johnson.
From the restart, Cumnock were immediately on the offensive. A scrum on the halfway line saw Cumnock thread the ball through their back line to scrum half Scott Houston. Houston deftly chipped the ball over the Kilmarnock full back for a certain score when he was taken out off the ball. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try which was again converted by Johnson.
Kilmarnock fought back and followed the same pattern of feeding the ball to their comparatively huge forwards to crash over for an unconverted try. Cumnock responded straight from the restart and quickly advanced through a combination of strong forward play and silky running from the back line. An infringement on the 10 metre line resulted in a Cumnock penalty. Man of the Match Scott Houston took a quick tap, threw an outrageous dummy and sailed over the Kilmarnock line for his second of the match.
Cumnock had a sense of the tide turning at this point and the final twenty minutes of the game offered a glimpse of what could be for this talented young team. Winning the ball against the head, No 8 Craig Greer picked up from the base of the scrum and powered his way over to score. Johnson converted, bringing the tally to 29-28 with 10 minutes left to play. A further Kilmarnock forwards try nudged the score to 34-28 and with three minutes left, Cumnock dug deep as Houston thrilled the Cumnock support with an action replay of his previous try. In torrential rain and the kick from the touch line, Johnson narrowly missed the conversion. The final whistle blew recording a score of 34-33 in the home side’s favour.
Coach Morton Houston said after the match, “ Despite a poor start, gifting Kilmarnock with a 24 point lead, the boys fought their way back in to contention against an older and bigger team. There were many positives in today’s performance and this was a good opportunity to identify clearly areas for development.”
This fixture against Kilmarnock’s Under 18 was a further example of what lies ahead. Cumnock battled valiantly against a substantially bigger team in the first half but with no reward for their efforts. As the half time whistle blew, Kilmarnock exited the field with a comfortable 24-0 lead, having capitalised on their scoring opportunities as they arose.
Kilmarnock would have been forgiven for thinking they were playing a different team from the restart. The half time team talk had clearly achieved its desired effect as Cumnock resumed play on the attack. From a scrum in their own half, Cumnock won the ball against the head and executed a well rehearsed move to draw in the Killie defence and free Conor Nisbet to score Cumnock’s opening try. The conversion was slotted over with ease from the touchline by Kyle Johnson.
From the restart, Cumnock were immediately on the offensive. A scrum on the halfway line saw Cumnock thread the ball through their back line to scrum half Scott Houston. Houston deftly chipped the ball over the Kilmarnock full back for a certain score when he was taken out off the ball. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try which was again converted by Johnson.
Kilmarnock fought back and followed the same pattern of feeding the ball to their comparatively huge forwards to crash over for an unconverted try. Cumnock responded straight from the restart and quickly advanced through a combination of strong forward play and silky running from the back line. An infringement on the 10 metre line resulted in a Cumnock penalty. Man of the Match Scott Houston took a quick tap, threw an outrageous dummy and sailed over the Kilmarnock line for his second of the match.
Cumnock had a sense of the tide turning at this point and the final twenty minutes of the game offered a glimpse of what could be for this talented young team. Winning the ball against the head, No 8 Craig Greer picked up from the base of the scrum and powered his way over to score. Johnson converted, bringing the tally to 29-28 with 10 minutes left to play. A further Kilmarnock forwards try nudged the score to 34-28 and with three minutes left, Cumnock dug deep as Houston thrilled the Cumnock support with an action replay of his previous try. In torrential rain and the kick from the touch line, Johnson narrowly missed the conversion. The final whistle blew recording a score of 34-33 in the home side’s favour.
Coach Morton Houston said after the match, “ Despite a poor start, gifting Kilmarnock with a 24 point lead, the boys fought their way back in to contention against an older and bigger team. There were many positives in today’s performance and this was a good opportunity to identify clearly areas for development.”
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