Coming up against a team sitting second from the bottom of the division and facing certain relegation East Kilbride (EK) were looking to take maximum points and move further away from the base. In the event it was the hosts, Bishopton, that had the better of the day as EK slumped to one if its worst defeats of the season.

Bishopton got off to the best of starts. With 2 penalty conversions and2 tries, one of which was converted, they had, with only 20 minutes played, a 20-0 lead. EK fought back with tries from Harry Taggart and Grant Dryburgh both of which were converted by Lucas Aitken.

With the half time deficit being only 6 points a sound second half performance was what EK needed to get the result they wanted, but this wasn't to be. The hoists struck first with a converted try which was followed swiftly as Grant Dryburgh carved his way through the defence to touch down for a try converted by Lucas Aitken. Bishopton scored again, and EK countered when a devastating run by Gary (Gump) Thornton put George Fisher through for an unconverted try. Bishopton added to their tally with an unconverted try and a penalty conversion before Owen Selfridge crossed in the corner for an unconverted try.

In this game EK were the architects of their own downfall. Missed tackles, failure to retain the ball in contact situations and indiscipline handed the initiative to Bishopton. There were positives. The set scrum was dominant and Grant Dryburgh's attacking runs, 2 tries and defensive play under the high ball were enough to earn him the EK player of the match award. Two academy graduates, Evan McKelvie and Euan MacFarlane entered the fray from the bench to make their first 1st XV appearance. Both played well in both the set piece and when carrying ball to the opposition. Hopefully we'll see more of them in the coming season when, with their involvement, EK should be able to field one of the most formidable packs in the division.

While the on field performance on the day was not satisfactory some of what went on on the touchlines was most unsatisfactory. Verbal criticism of referee, Ed Crick made it necessary for our president, Brendan McNulty, to speak sternly with one of our supporters. Supporters, at every level of the game, see referees make decisions that they do not agree with. Ed explained his decisions loudly and clearly so that players and supporters alike were aware of the offences committed, decisions made, and the consequences. One cannot and should not complain about that. Our touchline behaviour must improve!

Next Saturday (12th April), EK travel to Annan for the final away game of this league campaign. An improvement in performance on the field and behaviour on the touchlines is expected.