Garnock U13s 33 v 32 Kilmanrock U13s

Kilmarnock U13s played a very entertaining match away to Garnock U13s, in what was a cold and blustery day.

Playing with the wind at their backs in the first of 3x 20 minute games, Kilmarnock finished the first 20 minutes leading 11-15, through tries from Taylor Hamilton, Matthew Penrose (x2) and Jamie Struthers. Thomas Dunlop converting 3 out of the 4 tries.

The second 20 minutes saw a raft of changes for the Kilmarnock team, and playing into a strong chilly wind was a tighter affair, with Kilmarnock again coming out on top by 7-8 (18-23) with Andrew Bruce and Jackson Cuthbert scoring a try each. Thomas Dunlop converting 2 out of 2.

A strange call by the referee (who I must say had a very fine match) saw both Captain’s tossing a coin for kick off for the 3 period of play, with the winner having the choice of kicking off or choosing which side to play...the home side won and Kilmarnock kicked off into the wind! Although battling bravely, and with tries for Kenzie Neilson (x2) and a debut try for Daniel Christie, Garnock proved too strong in the end and won the final period 15-9, and winning the match by the closest of margins 33-32!

This was a much improved performance from the previous week and while it is disappointing to lose by 1 point, there are many positives to be taken from the game.

Although an U13s team, all our players are in S1. Over the course of the season we have played U13 teams who are a mix of S1/S2 based on date of birth (13 on or before the 1 September) and this was the case with Garnock. In the past, these older players have caused our team some difficulties, however on Sunday the intensity and physicality of the Garnock play was more than matched by this young Kilmarnock team, who also used a fair bit of flair, tact and guile!

I emphasise each week to the players that rugby is a team game – it takes the whole team to work together on and off the park to make a difference. This was very much the case in the final game, as due to injuries picked up through the earlier games, we were unable to make any changes to any players, and although playing into the wind and already tired, each of the boys did what was asked and played to the final whistle.

There is always learning to be had though, and after talking to the players after the game, I am positive that come our next game against GHK on Sunday (3rd Feb), the boys will go out full of the confidence and team spirit that is building in team, and show again just how much they are improving.