Cumnock U13 31 v 12 Kilmarnock U13

Cumnock welcomed Kilmarnock U13's to their new facility, lovey 4g pitches and played out a hotly contested game that was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests - Cumnock had the cutting edge and were able to turn possession into points whilst the Kilmarnock team unfortunately did a Hoggy on a couple of occasions.

The first period was close, the Kilmarnock boys out muscling the Cumnock team in the ruck but were guilty of coughing up possession as time and time again the Kilmarnock runners found themselves isolated - something that the coaching team have been working on with the team, support your runner and offload before contact.

The second period saw Cumnock change tactic and put more boys in to the rucks, meaning gaps in their defence which Kilmarnock exploited running in a couple of tries, although it also meant that Cumnock were winning more ruck ball themselves, with one particular fast Cumnock player getting a couple of tries himself - good play from him but the Kilmarnock boys all need to stand up and make those individual tackles and not rely on the usual tacklers!

The third period saw the Kilmarnock boys run out steam, Cumnock able to field a raft of substitutes with fresh legs meant the scoreline took a hit and was not reflective of the day, although Cumnock were worthy winners.

Thanks to all those who made the trip, players, parents and supporters - and to the stand in hookers who were played out of position, versatility is a good thing in a team game.

Man of the match today was Max Neil, marshalling the defecne and tracking back constantly,