Livingston U13s 26 v 14 Kilmarnock U13s

Kilmarnock U13s travelled through to Livingston with 3 new players making their debut for the team. Buoyant from their previous result against Cumnock, the young Killie team travelled with confidence, although with only 14 players, due to call offs and availability.

Playing 3 x 15 minute games, this was a very even and well contested game over the first 30 minutes, with both sides showing some great running and team play. Going into the final game, the scores were even, through tries from Kenzie Neilson, Thomas Dunlop, Taylor Hamilton and a debut try for TJ McPartland. Thomas Dunlop and Lawrie Moir scoring a conversion each.

Unfortunately for the Kilmarnock side, a spate of questionable decisions by an overzealous and officious referee affected the outcome of the game, with heads and confidence dropping as a result.

Kenzie Neilson being penalised during a rampaging run for a hand off to the face (following a similar run and try), with no one between him and try line, and young Matthew Penrose apparently stepping out of the dead ball area before touching down in front of the posts, following a good run, and being unopposed. More worryingly Lawrie Moir being planted in a tackle, from which a scrum was awarded…no penalty and not deemed to be dangerous.

While the fundamentals and rules of the game of rugby must be adhered to, at Under 13 level, players are still developing and learning and a bit of leeway is required, for both teams. Unfortunately the laws of the game were enforced, perhaps unevenly, in a manner fitting more of a senior league match or cup game.

Livingston were the better team on the day and we wish them well with the remainder of their season.

Next up for Kilmarnock U13s is a home game against Allan Glens on Sunday 4 October with a 2pm kick off.