Stewartry RFC 11 -v- 15 Kilmarnock RFC

STEWARTRY v KRFC 16:11:2019

Greenlaw was the venue for Kilmarnock’s visit to old rivals Stewartry in what was to prove be something of a Titanic struggle with the visitor’s winning the game 15-11.

On a cold, dry, windless day Kilmarnock kicked off down the slight slope and enjoyed possession for several passages of play. One attack after another was stemmed by the hosts who gained possession for the first time when Kilmarnock conceded a penalty.

It was Stewartry’s turn to dictate play with their heavier pack dominating the set piece scrums.

An attack by their pacey left winger showed promise as he outstripped his opposite number but a penalty in the follow up play allowed Kilmarnock stand-of David Smith to clear to touch, the throw in went awry which was to prove a weak point for Kilmarnock throughout the game.

It was nip and tuck for both sides with the defences paying well. Kilmarnock hooker Jordan Duncan made a telling break but the ruck ball was lost and a counter attack saw Stewartry’s number five make ground in midfield only to give away a penalty. Kilmarnock discounted the opportunity to kick at goal and opted to kick to the corner and promptly lost the put in. Stewartry attacked and Kilmarnock centre Jamie Shedden left the field with a head injury and was replaced by Blair Wilson.

The game plan for Kilmarnock saw props Connor Mackie and Craig Shepperd being replaced by Stuart Docherty and Dave McLeod.

Stewartry won a penalty in the next play and the kick from 20metres went wide of the uprights.

The home side continued to press and in the 40th minute converted a penalty to open
the scoring 3-0.

The restart kick was returned and Kilmarnock fullback launched an attack in typical swerving fashion then kicked upfield with his centre Andy
Ferguson continuing play and passing to scrum half Craig McWhirter who won a penalty. The kick to the corner was rewarded with a steal by Stewartry who cleared to touch to end the first half.

The half time interval and pep talks over Stewartry kicked off and a slight icy breeze in their favour made its presence felt as the small band of Killie supporters huddled in the equally small open stand.

Two Stuarts, McFadzean and Docherty used their wile and bulk to mount an attack and the latter player was pushed off the ball with the referee unsighted.

Stewartry continued with forward runners in midfield making ground and a wee altercation involving lightweight handbags gave a penalty to
Stewartry and a lecture to two players.

Stewartry kicked deep into the Kilmarnock 22 and their catch and drive paid dividends with a try in the corner.The touchline conversion failed leaving Stewartry 8-0 ahead after five minutes of the half.

There was an ominous feeling in the air for the Kilmarnock support. However Kilmarnock foraged upfield and an orthodox backline move saw them make ground and a forward pass grounded the attack. The resultant scrum collapsed giving Kilmarnock a penalty. Craig McWhirter missed from 35 metres. Kilmarnock fielded the drop out and the forwards interpassed in style followed by captain Ryan Andrews using his side step and pace to break through. However Stewartry turned the ball over but knocked on to give Kilmarnock a scrum. Kimarnock coach Stuart Pratt made a four man substitution with Jamie Shedden, Adam Roy, Craig Shepperd and Conner Mackie the replacements.
The rejuvenated pack won the next scrum and Craig McWhirter broke up the blind side swapping passes with Ryan Andrews. A penalty was awarded at the breakdown and scrum half McWhirter opened Kilmarnock’s account, 8-3 the deficit with 12 minutes played.

Kilmarnock were buoyed by the score and upped the tempo making a number of attacks and gaining ground through penalties. A tap and go by Andrews let speedster Ferguson off the leash and he won a penalty for a high tackle. The kick yet again to the corner ended with lost control of the put in. However the ball landed on the deck and in slow motion Ryan Andrews picked up the loose ball strolled through a gap in defence resumed full pace in real time to round to fullback and score a try.

Craig McWhirter’s conversion was good and Kilmarnock took the lead midway through the half.

10-8. Kilmarnock continued with the upper hand however forward passes stifled their attacks.

The atmosphere was tense and errors crept in for both sides. Craig McWhirter intercepted a Stewartry pass but was judged offside and the Stewartry fullback converted to give the home side the lead accompanied by a tumultuous roar. 11-10 the scoreline with five minutes remaining.

Kilmarnock retained the ball from the restart with Andrews and Sam Diamond attacking and winning a penalty. Craig McWhirter declined the conversion attempt and David Smith’s effort was short and wide. The drop out 22 was taken by Robbie Colman who raced up to and crossed the halfway line he passed to centre Jamie Shedden and the young centre broke through two tackles. He kept running and somehow eluded two would be tacklers and crashed over the goal line for a magnificent try. Craig McWhirter’s conversion rebounded off the left hand side post, Kilmarnock’s lead stretched to 15-11 with one minute remaining.
From the restart kick Kilmarnock won a penalty at the ruck and Craig McWhirter tapped the ball and kicked to touch to end the game, Kilmarnock with four valuable points in the bag.

Captain Ryan Andrews led the huddle praising each player who had accomplished their role as requested. Last week was poor, this week they excelled.

Coach Stuart Pratt exclaimed “What an effort ! I’m happy for once, I cannot find faults and what a try by Jamie Shedden. The result will send shock waves to other teams. Enjoy today boys. next week we will have to be focused at training”.

The second XV travelled to Braidholm and were soundly beaten by a highly efficient GHA Lions team.

This coming Saturday the 1stXV are at home to face East Kilbride who had a thumping victory over Cambuslang last week and the team will be hoping to reverse the defeat earlier in the season at Calderglen and the 2ndXV face the same team.

Be there and support your local team Kick-offs 2.00pm

Bill Barnaby
07719-567-401