Kilmanrock U13s 46 v 11 Loch Lomond U13s

Kilmarnock U13s hosted Loch Lomond U13s producing a dazzling display of rugby in the spring sunshine.

The conditions were perfect for rugby on Sunday, and Kilmarnock kicked off in the first of 3x 15 minute games, finishing the first 15 minutes leading 16-0, through tries from Kenzie Neilson, Matthew Penrose (x2) and Sami Duran. All four tries were converted by Captain Thomas Dunlop.

With 20 boys available (great to have so many), the second 15 minutes presented an opportunity to make a raft of changes to the home side, with Kilmarnock continuing their fine form and again coming out on top by 18-8 (34-8) with tries for Daniel Christie, Matthew Penrose (x2), Thomas Dunlop and a debut try for Dylan Whitsey. Thomas Dunlop converting 3 out of 5.

More changes ensued in the last 15 minutes game, alongside some experimentation in positions, and it was pleasing to see those changes continued to have a positive effect, with Kilmarnock finishing the period 12-3 with further tries for Matthew Penrose and Brayden Dean (x2). Thomas Dunlop converted all 3 tries for a 83% success rate of 10 from 12, making the final score 46-11.

Having visited Loch Lomond early in the season, losing by a small margin, this game was always going to be marker to see how far as a team we had progressed. Although the score suggests otherwise, Loch Lomond were a good side, who used the ball very well – however Kilmarnock were quicker, stronger and far more clinical on the day than their opponents…and played like a team! The Loch Lomond coach also commented on the improvement within our team – making our return game in a few weeks even more interesting.

As a coach, it’s fantastic to see the boys following instruction, and watching the drills we practice at training being carried out during a game. What was also pleasing was the size of squad we had available, affording us the luxury of being able to make changes throughout the team. All boys played a minimum of 20 minutes!

Next up for Kilmarnock is a home game v Garnock on Sunday 3rd March.