Kilmarnock U13s - 25 v 11 - Garnock U13s

Kilmarnock U13s welcomed Garnock to Bellsland on Sunday, in what was a fiercely contested match!

Having lost to Garnock by a point in January, Kilmarnock were keen to make amends and they stormed to an11–0 lead at the end of the 1st of 3x 15 minute games with tries for Dylan Whitsey, Matthew Penrose and Kerr Mitchell. Captain Lawrie Moir converting 2 out of 3 with Thomas Dunlop striking the post with the other.

With 23 boys to select from, Kilmarnock made a raft of changes in the 2nd game, and although continually on the front foot, Kilmarnock led 15 – 4 after the 2nd 15 minute game, with Thomas Dunlop scoring from a quick tap and go from a penalty, racing past the Garnock defence unchallenged from 20 metres out. The following conversion was scored by Lawrie Moir. I do need to mention that Kerr Mitchell also crossed the try line following some good play down the right touchline, however the referee adjudged him to have dropped the ball when scoring…jury is still out on that one!

The third and final period resulted in more changes of personnel for the home side, along with some positional changes. Garnock were still full of running and there were a few meaty challenges from both sides – with the referee stopping play to speak to players involved. Following a high tackle on a Garnock player, from their penalty inside the 22 metre line, Garnock were awarded a penalty try. Kilmarnock though continued to play at a high tempo, with further scores for Brayden Dean (x2) and Matthew Penrose and Lawrie Moir converting one of the tries to finish with a final score of 25-11.

Kilmarnock played this game at a high tempo throughout, with runners comfortable with ball in hand and also in contact. Dylan Whitsey, for his second game, showed great strength throughout, and his powerful running proved a handful for the Garnock defence.

Our rucking during the game was also a delight to watch, winning almost all of our own rucks and overturning plenty of the oppositions. It was also good to see that the boys are working to try and keep their shape both in attack and defence, something we have been working on at training! The handling at times along our attacking lines was also good, with all of our wingers being given the opportunity to attack into space.

We do though still have some areas to work on, and this will continue on Wednesday as we build towards a return match against Dumfries.

Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters for the continued encouragement shown towards our team, as well as for the exemplary sporting behaviour shown to our opposition both home and away.