Cumnock U13s 10 -v- 28 Kilmarnock U13s

Kilmarnock U13s travelled to Cumnock on Sunday, and following the deluge of rain and flooded pitches at Bellsland, it was a treat to play on the fantastic new pitches that Cumnock have installed – what a fabulous facility!

Having not played (or trained) due to the weather, Kilmarnock started the game tentatively, but grew in confidence to win the match 10-28 through some fine scores by Matthew Penrose (x3) Daniel Christie (x2) and Dylan Whitsey, with Thomas Dunlop (x4) and Lawrie Moir slotting home the conversions.

This was our third game of the season against Cumnock, and they certainly tested the young Kilmarnock side! Being a local derby, both teams held nothing back, and there were some meaty tackles being put in, along with the odd high tackle from both sides…something for us to again work on at training! The pick of the tackles was Matthew Penrose, making two tackles in quick succession on his own try line and still having the guile to get on his feet and drive over to win the ball…would have put Richie McCaw to shame!

Both teams also had disallowed tries, with 2 for Cumnock (for the same player) following powerful solo runs, and two for Kilmarnock, with Matthew Penrose and Thomas Dunlop being denied following some good individual play.

Although as coaches we ‘advise’ from the side lines, decision making on the park falls entirely with the players, and it was great to see a variety in the game play by Kilmarnock, with Thomas Dunlop playing 10, looking to put kicks into space behind the Cumnock defence for the Kilmarnock back line to chase, or clearing to touch to relieve pressure.

There were also decisions being made by runners, to go outside of their defender and use their pace and strength to beat their opposite number, or cut back in towards the pack, to link up with teammates. The lineout was also impressive, with new plays being put into practice involving Dylan Whitsey and Kenzie Neilson…form which Dylan scored his try.

We don’t have a game this Sunday, due to the Liam McGhee memorial fun run, but will be back out at training on Wednesday!