Kilmarnock U14s 14 -v -13 Dalziel U14s

After an extended break over the holiday period, Kilmarnock U14s welcomed Dalziel U14s to The Grange, rather than Bellsland, where the pitches were not suitable for our expansive style of rugby ;)

Dalziel arrived with 14 players, which Kilmarnock matched, however what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in size and strength, I don’t think our team will face a bigger opposition for the remainder of the season!

Playing 3x 20 minute matches, the game was interrupted with head knocks, one for our own Kenzie Neilson, who had a bit of a wobble following a knock after a good crash ball from our own line out, and one for our opposition that resulted in both teams playing 13 aside! Later, both teams went down to 12, but more about that to follow!

This was a very well contested game, with both teams giving everything they had. Dalziel used their physicality to great effect however the Kilmarnock defence was resolute time and again. Matthew Penrose and Daniel Christie put in two of the best tackles you will see outwith the World Cup, while Thomas Dunlop made a great covering tackle, chasing down the rampaging Dalziel Player on the wing and sliding down the body for a perfect tackle to stop what would have been a certain score. All three tackles were made to perfection, despite cries of foul play from the sideline.

Likewise, Dalziel’s defence was also impressive, thwarting numerous breaks by a Kilmarnock back line, that were purring like a fine tuned Corsa!

In a game filled with incident, Kilmarnock took the lead after being awarded a penalty try following 3 high tackles in a row. Further scores came from Mathew Penrose (x2) and Laughlan Whitelaw, while Thomas Dunlop managed 1 of the 3 conversions, although 1 did hit the post (full 4 points for a penalty try). Dalziel also managed to score 4 tries but only managed 1 conversion. Final score 14-13 to Kilmarnock.

As mentioned, head knocks were a feature of this game, all accidental, and did result in reduced players in each team. The rules are very clear...if in doubt, sit them out. As coach, players safety is paramount, and this is the line we will always take at Kilmarnock Rugby Club.

I was disappointed that our opponents took umbrage with the eyewear of two of our players, and demanded they be excluded from playing. While they are right to do so under World Rugby Regulations (there is only one approved eyewear allowed for use in rugby at all levels), the manner in which it was requested was extremely unsporting, leaving one of our boys in tears. Values of rugby and sportsmanship should be held up by all coaches as an example for their players and parents on the sidelines. Rather than react to an on field decision (removal of player due to head injury) a request should have been made at the start of the game, not after 45 minutes into it and with 15 mins left to play!

Today was very much a team effort, and there were many contenders for man of the match. However this weeks man of the match was Thomas Dunlop.

Many thanks to our supporters on the sidelines, a credit as always.