Cumnock Under 16s 32 Helensburgh 19

Cumnock finished their season on a high in their last competitive fixture. They welcomed Helensburgh to Broomfield for the final of the West of Scotland Bowl. The weather was brilliant, the rugby was brilliant and the result was brilliant.

Things did not get off to the best start for Cumnock as Helensburgh’s bigger pack drove them up the park for 10 minutes of sustained pressure. However ferocious tackling by the Cumnock pack managed to prevent a score from the visitors. The standard was set by Captain courageous, Wallace Findlay, who lined up a rampaging opponent for an eye watering, all encompassing tackle, that was felt on the touchlines. His team responded and replicated to prevent any chance of a visiting score.

After weathering the storm Cumnock managed to gain territory before newly selected Scotland under 16 prop, Jamie Drummond, bullocked over for Cumnock’s first. A second was to follow shortly thereafter, and following great sustained team pressure, Sanquhar’s Johnny Gray impersonator, Robbie Stewart, smashed over the line.

Helensburgh continued to press as they used their effective and attractive brand of running rugby to continually pose Cumnock problems. A foot in touch prevented one score whilst brilliant tackling stopped 2 more. Cumnock however scored next as Drummond once more used strength and determination to drive over. A conversion by Owen Young left the score 17-0 to Cumnock at half time.

Anyone who thought the game was over at this point was mistaken as Helensburgh should real character and skill to fight their way back into the game. The scored early in the second half before Cumnock replied with one from Andy Houston. The conversion was successfully taken by Wallace Findlay. Helensburgh then scored 2 well taken and deserved tries to come back within winning range. Cumnock however were not rattled and they but managed to pull themselves together to score a beauty from Kevin Van Der Leest before a final penalty from Young sealed the win.

Coach “Chalky” White said after the game, “What a game and what a performance. Helensburgh were a big and skilful team who were a credit to their club. To end up on the winning side the Cumnock boys had to bring their best game and they did. It is impossible to pick a man of the match because they all did themselves proud. We had a game plan today and the boys stuck to it and earned a great win. I would also like to pick out the fantastic support, over 250 supporters at a junior game at Cumnock is unheard of and the crowd really helped. Lastly, thanks to the referee who looks as if he is just starting off on what should be a good career in reffing”