In this evenly matched contest in which each team scored 4 tries it was the Annan boot (1 penalty and two conversions to East Kilbride's (EK) one conversion) that made the difference.

EK kicked off to an Annan side that showed early determination which they turned into points with two tries, one converted, in the first ten minutes of the game. With the long bus journey out of the system the EK team started to pile pressure on their hosts. 16 minutes into the game Ben Walters touched down for an unconverted try. Annan extended their lead to ten points with a penalty conversion before EK levelled things up with unconverted tries from Ben McLean (30 mins) and Lewis Kerr (on half time).

With the scores levelled at 15 apiece it was Annan that added to their score with two tries, one converted, in the first twenty minutes of play. EK continued to play with the spirit and determination that saw them draw level in the first half and were rewarded when Roddy Beaton crossed the home line for a try that he converted himself. 5 points adrift and with time running out EK continued to attack. Juan Lee Hodgkinson broke through but in the one on one challenge close to the Annan line it was their full back that prevented the EK no. 8 from getting his name on the scoresheet.

On another Saturday when EK took the field without a few key players, those who stepped into the breach gave their all to contribute to what was a gutsy performance but which, nevertheless, did not produce the much needed first win of the season. The forward pack was dominant in the set piece, won their own line-out ball comfortably and did much to spoil Annan's line out, particularly in the first half. Passing in the back line was fluent and it was this fluency that set up Lewis Kerr for his try at the end of the first half. Annan's back division was, however, a touch sharper and it was this sharpness, coupled with a little good luck when, in the lead up to the opening try of the game, the bounce of the ball was to their advantage.

While EK will, justifiably, regard themselves as unlucky to have lost this game they did, at least, come away with two bonus points which might prove vital when the league season reaches its conclusion. While the Annan players awarded the title of EK player of the match to Roddy Beaton, and this was thoroughly deserved, the consensus of senior supporters was that the young scrum half, Matthew McGinn, who gave a sound and confident performance, was their EK player of the match.

Next Saturday (October 18th, KO 3 p.m.) Oban Lorne will be our guests at Torrance House. At the moment they sit one place above us in the table with 6 points to our 4, so a victory is what is required to lift EK off the foot of the table. Come along to Torrance House on Saturday and lend your support to an improving EK XV.