Report by Morton Houston

Cumnock S2s kicked off their 2015 campaign with a well earned and well deserved win against Marr RFC. Following a crushing defeat from Marr earlier in the season the smart money was not on a Cumnock win in the away rematch. However the 16 players that turned up had other ideas and produced one of their best performances of the season.

With only 6 forwards appearing backs Evan Smith and Calum Scott were quickly converted to wing forwards. This forced change seemed to work wonders as these smaller backs were able to consistently beat their opponents to get over and win ball. Winger Ross Marr was brought into centre and had a belter of a game. He ran well, passed accurately and tackled superbly. His partnership in midfield with Owen Young and Andy Houston was first class as they executed their new defensive system to starve the Marr wings of any quality attacking ball.

In the first 20 minutes Cumnock played into a strong wind up hill. Despite this they penned Marr down in their half and went close on 3 or 4 occasions to scoring. It was very unfortunate that a loose ball was hacked through for Marr to score the only try of the period. Cumnock showed real steel and determination to continually turn over Marr ball in the rucks. As usual Jamie Drummond was to the fore on this as he shoved Marr forwards back like a demented bullock.

The second 20 saw Cumnock play with the wind. Marr seemed to have found their feet a bit more and they threatened on a number of occasion before scoring a well worked try. Cumnock also had opportunities where they went close. In particular a flowing move down the left wing saw Rob Drummond outstrip the defence before feeding to Captain Andy Houston. With the line beckoning Houston off loaded to Jamie Drummond who saw the ball narrowly go by him out of reach. Soon after this Cumnock were awarded a penalty 40 metres out on the right wing. Quick thinking pack leader Wallace Findlay tapped quickly before showing an amazing turn of pace to side step 3 defenders and score a dazzling try next to the posts. Centre Owen Young added the conversion.

10 minutes later Findlay was at it again as he latched onto a ball 15 metres out before side stepping the defence and diving over for the equalizer.

The last 20 saw the teams kick off at 12 all. This was a real nail biter including a disallowed try for Marr and numerous near misses from both teams. The winner when it came was exiting and probably deserved on the balance of play. Cumnock drove up the middle of the field before tackling a Marr defender over his own line to win a scrum 5. From the scrum scrum half Adam “Killa” Watt threaded a beautiful pass to stand off Houston who was attacking the blind side. Showing a fair turn of pace Houston ran round the defence and dived into the corner for the winner.

Coach Alan Montgomery said after the game, “ I could not be more please with the boys. They all really fronted up and played for each other. I would like to pick out the wingers Hamish White and Calum McClownie who along with Rob Drummond never missed a tackle and stopped any chance of a Marr score out wide. However man of the match has to be Wallace Findlay for his 2 superb tries and numerous line breaks.

Next week Cumnock S2s train on Auchinleck astro at 6:30 on Tuesday and Thursday and are away to Dalziel in Motherwell on Sunday.

Cumnock Rugby Football Club

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