Whitecraigs U13s 33 -v- 31 Kilmanrock U13s

Kilmarnock U13s, again buoyed by good numbers, travelled through to Whitecraigs keen to make amends for their previous encounter which was dominated by their hosts.

With only 10 players available for the home side, both teams agreed to pay a development match, ensuring that all the boys managed to play as much rugby as possible. Over the 3 games played, 9 different Kilmarnock players joined in with Whitecraigs, for what was a very enjoyable game of rugby.

For 2 of the 15 minute games, Kilmarnock U13s produced their finest rugby of season, playing some fast flowing rugby, attacking the space at every opportunity, supporting the ball carrier and more importantly letting the ball do all the hard work, with lots of passes along a well set back line. After the 2 games, Kilmarnock U13s were deservedly leading 16-31 with scores from Kerr Mitchell (x2), Kenzie Neilson, Logan Mitchell (x2) Brayden Dean and Matthew Penrose (x2). Thomas Dunlop converting 7 out of the 8 conversions.

Whether it was over confidence, or maybe tiredness creeping into their play, the final 15 minutes (seemed longer) didn’t quite go to plan. From 3 of our kicks offs we lost the ball due to poor handling, 2 scrums where we didn’t win the hook, and boys hanging back from contact around the ruck or in making tackles, Whitecraigs scored 18 unanswered points to win the match 33-31.

As a team we are making great strides from where we were at the start of the season. The boys really are starting to play and look like a team. The work we have been doing to encourage boys to keep their attacking line and not honey pot (everyone gathering around the ball) is starting to pay off, with some fine scores coming from either a long missed pass out wide, or by using the ball quickly while attacking the outside channel to attack the space that’s there. At times, our rucking also showed improvement, as too our tackling, with everyone keen to make an impact…that phrase team work again.

Concentration though for the full game is required. I spoke to the boys after the game and asked them how they felt after the last match, and they were honest to say it didn’t feel great…all part of the learning curve these young players are on, and from which they will only learn and develop their game further.

The highlight for me was a well worked move that we worked on during the warm up, and which the team executed to perfection. Kenzie Neilson gathering the ball from an inside pass from Lawrie Moir at a lineout, and crashing through on the gallop tying up the Whitecraigs defence, before passing the ball to Thomas Dunlop who attacked the space in Whitecraigs back line before drawing three defenders and releasing a well timed pass to Logan Mitchell to run in and score.

I’ll need to get my thinking cap on for a new move for our next game!

As ever thank you to all our parents, family and friends for your continued support.