KRFC 1st XV v Cumnock
On Saturday, Kilmarnock extended their lead at the top of the league to 15 points with a commanding 50-7 win over local rivals Cumnock.
Killie came out of the traps early on, scoring two quick tries. Cumnock managed to pull one back, but the hosts kept adding to the score, to take a 33-7 lead into the break.
The game became a tense affair after the break, but Killie got another three unanswered tries to win 50-7 and move within touching distance of the league title.
Kilmarnock started brightly in the wet and rainy conditions, with Calum Smith getting behind the visitors within the first five minutes to get the game’s first try. Robert Paxton’s conversion was good, giving Killie a 7-0 lead.
Just over five minutes later, Killie added to their lead. Scott McDowall found Ross Murray, who made it 12-0. Again, Robert Paxton’s conversion was good.
Cumnock managed to get back into the game soon after. They broke through the Killie side to reduce the deficit. The conversion was good, reducing Kilmarnock’s lead to 12-7.
Following a scrum, Kilmarnock added another try. Ross Murray got the ball and got it over the tryline. Again, Robert Paxton’s conversion was good, giving the home side a 21-7 lead.
Killie soon added another, with Calum Smith getting in behind again. The conversion was wide, keeping the hosts lead at 26-7.
Penalties were a constant throughout the half, primarily given for knock-ons, as both sides dealt with the conditions of the game.
Kilmarnock got another try just before half time, with William Farquhar adding to the lead. Robert Paxton’s conversion was good, giving Killie a 33-7 lead at the break.
The second half saw more penalties awarded, with Killie looking to add to their lead in the league and in the game.
From a lineout, Kilmarnock added another. Calum Smith ran through to make it 38-7. The conversion was wide.
More penalties were awarded to both sides, with Killie seemingly content with the scoreline.
Eventually, they added to it. Adam Roy broke through and got a try. The conversion was wide, keeping the score at 43-7.
Killie got another try soon after. The ball was played out wide to Allan Speirs, who added to the home side’s lead. Robert Paxton’s conversion was good, giving Kilmarnock a 50-7 lead.
Kilmarnock held on until the final whistle, to seal a 50-7 win in their final home game and move 15 points ahead of Lenzie, who have 15 points to play for.
The post-match huddle saw the players take the knee and coach MacKenzie Pearce said it was a “decent performance” in “hard conditions.” He added they have to “go to Annan” and put in a “big performance.”
Curran McMillan was awarded Man of the Match.
Kilmarnock travel to Annan in their final game of the season on the 19th of April, with a 3pm kick off.