Strathaven 12 East Kilbride 18

The weather forecasters got it right. When East Kilbride (EK) kicked off the skies were grey. By the time both teams left the field to return to the dressing rooms at the end of the game a steady rain was falling. Though conditions were far from perfect both teams played with great endeavour to give spectators a rare spectacle.

EK's kick off went directly into touch giving Strathaven the early advantage of a scrum on the half way line. The hosts used their superior weight to advantage and EK found themselves defending their line for a considerable time during the opening quarter, but thanks to effective work, the EK defence kept Strathaven at bay. While EK's defence were doing a pretty good job their tactics did not always appeal to the referee, and EK conceded numerous penalties. Strathaven opted, on occasion, to kick to touch but never managed to cross the EK line and, on others, to kick for goal, but, thankfully for EK, their kicker was having an off day. EK made a number of forays into the hosts' half, and, with half time approaching, an infringement by Strathaven gave Rory Blackwood an opportunity to give EK the lead. He did not eschew this opportunity and so it was that EK took the lead and the referee blew for half time.

Strathaven kicked off to set the second half in motion. Six minutes into the half EK launched an attack on the Strathaven line that was to prove fruitful as Evan Middleton finished off a forward surge with a try converted by Rory Blackwood. With Roddy Beaton serving time in the sin bin - I guess the referee's patience had run out by this time, Strathaven struck back with a converted try to bring them within three points of the EK score. Five minutes later a second try, unconverted this time, gave them a slender, two point, lead. With the last quarter of the game beckoning, and behind for the first time, EK introduced Gary (Gump) Thornton, Chris (Thunders) McLellan and Ben Walters to the fray. Their additional bulk enabled EK to apply pressure to the bulky, but tiring by now, Strathaven pack and it was the hosts' turn to displease the referee and give Rory Blackwood an opportunity to kick the three points that returned the lead to EK. EK continued in attacking vein into the final 10 minutes of the game and were further rewarded as Gary Thornton claimed the touchdown when, from a driving maul from a line-out ten metres from the Strathaven line, EK added five points to their lead. EK remained in charge for the remainder of the game, but did not manage to repeat the move that led to Gary Thornton's try.

This was a hard fought game and though all four tries came in the second half it was, nevertheless, very entertaining. Having won promotion to SRU Leagues, West Division 1 this was Strathaven's first opportunity to take on East Kilbride in league competition, so this was about more than league points. It was also about bragging rights. East Kilbride's victory came down to some stout defence, particularly in the first half, Strathaven's kicker having an off day and, as the game proceeded towards its conclusion, having a lighter, more mobile pack.

Player of the match - this was not a day for scintillating back play and while the back division played its part in defence, it was a day for the forwards. From a pack in which every member played a big part it was not easy to single out one player so the accolade goes to someone who stood out in both attack and defence. That player was Calen Brown who is this week's player of the match.

Next Saturday Kilmarnock will be the visitors to Torrance House (KO 3 p.m.). After a difficult start to the season Kilmarnock came good yesterday with a 31-8 home win over Lenzie, so we can expect a tough encounter. A wee reminder for supporters - we are "EK", Kilmarnock supporters will shout "Killie" so let's not support the opposition in error!