Strathaven 12- 15 KRFC

The Penguins travelled up the A71 to take on table topping Strathaven. The hosts won the toss and decided to take the slope and wind advantage. The opening quarter was pretty much even with both teams defending well.

On 16 minutes a mistake in the midfield allowed the Strathaven centre to pick up a loose ball and run in to the side of post for the matches opening try, the conversion was knocked over to give the home team a 7 point lead.

The Killie forwards were continually making ground but were unable to convert possession into points. Strathaven were looking dangerous when they had the ball in open play and scored a well worked try with 25 minutes on the clock, the conversion was missed leaving the score at 12 point to 0 with 15 minutes of the half still to play.

A serious injury to a Strathaven player halted play for 12 minutes, thanks to Brian Gaw who was very professional in dealing with the injury.

After the restart Kilmarnock continued to go forward but again couldn't get over the line despite numerous visits into the Strathaven 22. The referee blew for half time with Killie trailing by 12 points.

Killie turned round with a game plan to use the wind and slope advantage. The first visit into the Strathaven 22 after 12 minute produced a well worked finished off by Blair McMillan ( much to his mother's delight) the conversion was missed leaving the score at 12 - 5 in Strathavens favour.

Killie continued to use the slope but some loose play allowed Strathaven to advance up the field on a few occasions but never really threatened the Killie line. With 20 minutes of the 2nd half Killie struck again Stu McEwan was on hand to finish of a good move and scored to the right of the posts Graham McCue cooly knocked over the conversion and the scores were tied 12 - 12 with 20 minutes still to play.

Both teams pushed for a winning score with both teams being penalised as the tension grew. Killie were still trying to use the slope to their advantage and after a great kick by Blair McMillan Killie won a penalty just outside the Strathaven 22 in the middle of the park, Graham McCue stepped up and knocked the kick over putting Killie ahead for the first time of the match.

With 5 minutes still to play both teams pushed hard but the clock was run down and Killie run out the winners by 15 points to 12.

There were some great performances from all 21 players in the squad, some of which were playing their first league game. The coaches man of the match went to Stu McEwan.