An East Kilbride XV depleted by late call offs travelled to Fintry to take on title chasing Strathendrick. As the final result shows it was the title chasers that came away with the result they would have wanted - a victory with a try bonus - but East Kilbride (EK) made them fight for every point.

EK kicked off and though Strathendrick showed early enterprise the EK defence held firm. EK then took the game to the home side launching a series of attacks that were repelled by stout defending. 25 minutes into the game, and while launching another attack EK lost possession in the opposition 22. Strathendrick hacked the ball on and, with the luck of the bounce and effective follow up play, ran clear to score between the uprights. The home teams second try came a few minutes later and in similar circumstances. This time a punt launched from within their own 22 provided position and possession from which the resulting try was a simple run in. EK could regard themselves as quite unlucky to be in arrears at half time. They had had most of the possession and territory, but Strathendrick's physicality in defence and ability to capitalise on anything loose gave them the scores.

The men from Fintry enjoyed what must be a considered a perfect opening to the second half as they crossed the EK line for an unconverted try with the half only two minutes old. EK's attack play in the first half had gone unrewarded bu compensation came with less than 10 minutes of the half played when Ben McLean claimed the touch down. The try was not converted. 6 minutes later Strathendrick increased their lead. EK conceded a penalty, Strathendrick kicked to touch and, from the ensuing line out, crossed for an unconverted try. A few minutes later the game was held up while Mark Ellison who had been felled by a brutal late tackle, was receiving attention. Due to his injury Mark had to leave the field at this point as did the Strathendrick player who was red carded. With the game in time added on Strtahendrick added to their score with a try following a line out close to the EK line and, from a later attack on the home line, EK added to theirs when Andrew Kingswell got the touch down with Grant Dryburgh adding the extras.

The final score, Strathendrick 31, East Kilbride 12, reflected the difference in league position between the sides. Strathendrick are still in the race for the league title and promotion to the national leagues, while EK still has a lot to do to pull clear of the relegation zone. On the day EK put up a brave performance and, in the first half in particular, had more possession of the ball and territorial advantage. It is significant that Strathendrick's opening scores both came from break outs from within their own 22. EK ran determinedly into the brick wall that was the Strathendrick defence without finding the weakness that might have opened the way to the try line. They also tackled well to stem attacks from the home side and were secure in set piece plays. EK player of the match? For me Ben McLean deserves the nomination, not only for scoring EK's first try but also for his solid and secure line out ball winning and continuing bravely for most of the game with a heavily strapped ankle.

Results elsewhere saw EK drop to 9th in the division. To rise from this lowly position they need to win a few games, mainly against the teams around them in the bottom 6. This needs to start next Saturday (13th December) when they travel to Motherwell to take on Dalziel for what will be the last encounter before the Christmas/New Year break.