Livingston U14s 17 -v- 21 Kilmarnock U14s

A tentatively excited team of 15 boys headed East, in what can only being described as a dreich day. After 3 weeks of no games, the boys would have traveled the breadth of the country just to play the game they love.

With every position filled on the field, an with no subs, Kilmarnock started the game running, with a cracking break through the Livingston defensive line from Laughlan Whitelaw, before passing to Mathew Penrose who scored to give Killie the first try of the day. Thomas Dunlop slotting over a tidy conversion.

However the opposition weren’t stunned for long and upped their game, scoring two tries to our one - setting the tone for what we knew was going to be a physically contested game.

The second 20 minutes was a Kilmarnock game, with Mathew Penrose adding three tries to the score sheet, with an added point through a Thomas Dunlop conversion, which gave the lively Livingston team an opportunity to start using their bench.

The final 20 minutes was an energetic affair with both teams shelving the idea of the game being a ‘friendly’ and both playing hard for a win. With Mathew Penrose being off for the final 20 minutes due to illness, the opposition kindly matched our numbers at 14 aside, but there was everything to play for with several frantic tackles seeing Livingston come through our defence first with a bulldozed try.

This gritty Killie team had more to give however with Laughlan Whitelaw and Thomas Dunlop adding two beautiful tries to the game, and a further strong conversion from Laughlan Whitelaw.

With the clock ticking and Kilmarnock sitting with double the points of Livingston, our hosts played every card in the pack, with two tries and a conversion.

However a string team performance playing to the final whistle, and the score was an exciting finish with Kilmarnock taking the win 21 to 17.

Special thanks go to Rab today for coaching the boys so well in a tight and spirited game.

With numbers tight today, the team spirit and determination of this Kilmarnock team shone through, with players like Archie Foster playing his first full game with the team, and boy did he earn his position in the team - well done Archie!

A good win which all 15 boys and coaches should be proud of!

Coaches player of the Match: Laughlan Whitelaw

Thanks to all who travelled today for your continued support.