Dalziel/East Kilbride U13s 38 v 8 Kilmarnock U13s

Kilmarnock U13s travelled to East Kilbride in great spirits, to play a combined Dalziel/East Kilbride U13 side. What transpired was a full game against a physical Dalziel side while East Kilbride players watched on from the sidelines.

With our opponents having a large combined squad to pull from, we were asked to play two games against our opposition, one against Dalziel and then one against East Kilbride. Safety is always paramount, and it was pointed out that they were a combined team, and that we are only allowed to play 3x 15 or 2x 20 minute games maximum. Also, with 17 players available, we were playing a competitive match and not a development game.

From the start, this was a very one sided match and while the boys gave their all, they were always on the back foot and under relentless pressure from opposition that were physically more developed. With this being an Under 13 match, Dalziel were rightly able to field boys who were in second year (S2), based on their date of birth, and the difference was there for all watching to see. Scottish Rugby encourage players at this level to run with the ball in hand at every opportunity, to attack space and use the ball (passing) to create opportunities to score. There is no development for any player in this type of game and is something that clearly must be addressed, especially with the injuries we experienced as a result.

What was disappointing was that while clearly being a more physical team, and also being well on top, Dalziel continued to play in a similar manner with their players, rather than make some changes which would have included the 9 East Kilbride players that never had the opportunity to play. Rugby is not only about development, it’s also very much about sportsmanship and that too was missing on the day, not only on the park, but on the sidelines with negative and derisory comments being made and witnessed towards our players by opposition supporters and coaches – with boys being encouraged to be physical!

The reason given for the East Kilbride boys not playing – we refused to play them…they did manage a bounce game after we finished mixing in with Dalziel…

As mentioned I can’t fault the effort and attitude of our team on Sunday. They never responded or retaliated to comments or foul play, and tried to play the game in a proper sporting manner. This was rewarded by two fine scores for Matthew Penrose and Logan Mitchell, with both conversion being slotted by Thomas Dunlop. Tackling still remains an issue with the team, but to be honest, I can forgive them for that on Sunday!!

Thanks again to our parents for their continued support.