The Old Boys Tame the Cubs

Friday night under the lights at Bellsland. Reds Over 30s v Whites Under 30s.
Whites win kickoff McLeod gathers nicely from kickoff the ball recycled several passages of recycling lead to ball carrier knocking on, however from ensuing scrum to whites a nice piece of opportunism by reds Callum Ridout sees him pick up from a ball which seems to have gone straight thru tunnel and take advantage of some loose defending to score under posts. Conversion good by Brown 7-0 reds. Several spells of recycling some tit for tat and good defending by both sides see equal amounts of ball to both teams. Some very good zonal defence and play by reds more than equalled by Ross Fitsimmons for whites with some very nifty footwork gets them back up towards reds territory. Reds get themselves into field position with penalty after some loose play on ground and from lineout in whites 22, ball secured and driven with Steph Stewart breaking away from back of ruck to force his way through and dive over for reds second try conversion missed 12-0. Again possession for both sides for a period of time elapsed with no quarter given until breakaway, loose ball picked up by Graham McCue who took his chance and made it count, again good opportunism to score under posts, conversion good 19-0. Both sets of players commited and no ground given by anyone closely marshalled by both sets of halfbacks. After some very good recycling by reds after 30mins the ball is moved quickly through hands of backs and forwards to right wing Robert Hill to score again for reds, conversion missed 24-0. Just before half,time and with more good ball retention and smooth handling Graham McCue makes a burst through some fierce defending but has enough in the tank to make it over the line for another reds try conv good 31-0.
The whites heads didn't drop and after some nice forays into reds half they get their just rewards with continued ball retention and through hands to Dylan Spiers and the whites hav first score of night, conversion by Andy Sloan half-time score 31-7.

Water taken on board and plenty of words of encouragement from coaches second half gets underway. 47minutes on the clock and with great line and speed of ball Graham McCue again gets his hands on ball to burst through sturdy defence to open 2nd half scoring for reds,conversion good again by Scott Brown and second half has similar pattern to first 38-7 reds.

The game then got a bit sticky with good defence from both sides and unfortunately after some well contested forward battles we had serious clash of heads and 2 players needed medical treatment with both leaving the field of play. Young Joe Bell came off the worst in tete a tete with Colin Hyslop and sadly ended up goung to hospital for check up better safe than sorry however both players took no further part wisely.. The whites undaunted by ongoings regathered and numbers evened up put up a brave resistance from more pressure from reds which eventualil took its toll. More good work on the ground and with rucking and mauling effective the ball again like a magnet ends in hands of Graham McCue for another score, conversion good by Scott Brown 45-7.

Again the whites Bolstered by newby in front row from opposition and with renewed vigour and some excellant play by Shedden and Jackson they make several trips to reds territory and were rewarded with try from newby to front row Steph Stewart who now has touched down for both colours in what has been a good showing from him. He even had the pleasure of 10/15 Playing time with his father John a guest for the night alas his stamina not what it used to be however John enjoyed his cameo roll. Conversion good by Sloan 45-14. Further play ensued with possession for both sets of players and with the last move of the match after good retention of ball and some silky footwork the peter pan of killie rugby Phil Moon danced through a couple of tackles to finish of a very entertaining night and worthwhile exercise for all concerned with a converted try. Final score 45-21 and good time had by all. Well done all. Footnote the 2 lads have both been checked out and are fine other than sore heads and odd keeker.
Well Doe everyone involved.