East Kilbride 12 Lenzie 38

East Kilbride (EK) were drawn to play Lenzie both in round 2 of the SRU Shield and in the Tennent's West Region League Division 1 , having had the earlier fixture on 25th November '25 postponed. The clubs agreed that this game be a double header - i.e. a league and cup fixture. As it was the visitors, Lenzie, claimed the spoils gaining not only five league points, but also progression to round three of the cup.

EK started brightly. Lenzie's first throw in to the line-out was claimed and the set piece was making life difficult for the opposing scrum. The backs looked good with ball in hand, but the scores did not come and it was Lenzie that took first blood with a penalty conversion 7 minutes into the game. This lead was increased when a try was scored with 19 minutes on the clock. In the run up to this score a Lenzie forward knocked the ball on in close contact, but with the referee unsighted play continued and the try and conversion were claimed. A further penalty 4 minutes later gave the visitors a 13 point lead which was pegged back 8 minutes later when George Fisher crossed in the corner for a try that was not converted. Unfortunately, George was involved in a clash of heads with the opposition winger as he went in for the score. As a result both players had to leave the field. A second Lenzie try and a penalty conversion increased Lenzie's lead and the issue of a yellow card to Ben Walters increased EK's woes as the game approached half time.

14 minutes into the second half there was a glimmer of hope for EK when, during close exchanges on the Lenzie line, Ben Walters went over for a try converted by Rory Blackwood. It was, however, Lenzie that took control from that point forward and with EK conceding far too many penalties they increased their lead with a penalty 20 minutes into the half and converted tries on the 24th minute and during time added on for stoppages.

Following Lenzie's opening try, and the circumstances in which it was scored, EK heads went down and as penalties were conceded far too frequently this malaise began to spread through the XV, with players questioning the referee's decisions and arguing with each other. At a time when cool heads and mutual support were needed there was little evidence of this. This played into the opposition's hands enabling them to take control of the match.

When the team's overall performance has been disappointing it is not easy to identify one player who merits the accolade of EK player of the match. This week, for his on going determination and sound performances in tight and open play the EK player of the match is David McGiven.

While this game ended hopes of making a return to Murrayfield it also put a serious dent into EK's standing in the Tennant's West Region League Division 1. With 4 league games to be played, 3 at home and one away from home, the club sits in 7th place, so there is still much work to be done. It is fair to say that 4th place is still a possibility as the gap between EK and teams above is not great, so there is still a lot to be played for. My reading of the SRU site indicates that the next league game for EK will be on Saturday 30th March when local rivals, Dalziel, will be the visitors. Hopefully the time available between now and then will be put to good use as players recover from injuries and the team prepares for a busy April.