The first notable thing about the East Kilbride (EK) team that took the field at Glebe Park in Maybole was that a number of faces were missing. Call offs, for various reasons, had left the team severely depleted giving a Carrick side that had enjoyed a winning start to the season a more than reasonable hope of consolidating their position at the head of the SRU Arnold Clark West Division League Division 1.

Carrick could not have been disappointed with the way in which the game started. Their kick off was knocked on by the receiving player and, from the ensuing set piece, they ran in their first try of the afternoon. Their retention of the ball and strong running helped them to pile on the points and with only 15 minutes of the game played they had secured 21 points. The attacking continued and with the aid of some tactical, wind assisted, kicking from within their own half a further 3 tries were scored which, with a 100% conversion rate, made the half-time score Home 42, Visitors 0.

EK's kick off to set the second half in motion had a similar effect to Carrick's in the first. The ball was not secured and from the ensuing scrummage EK launched an attack which gave them the possibility of opening the half with a score. Alas, it was not to be, as the Maybole outfit turned the ball over and ran it the length of the field for an unconverted try. EK put up a brave display as they sought to take something from the game but it was Carrick that profited as they scored three further tries within a five minute period with 10 minutes of the game remaining. Carrick's final score came as the game was drawing to a close. EK were penalised, and a player yellow carded, on their own line and from the ensuing line out Carrick added a further 7 points to herald the blast of the referee's whistle that ended the game.

With this game behind them EK must count the costs, not just in terms of points conceded so far in this campaign, but also in terms of injuries sustained during this match. At times EK put up a brave fight and looked as if they might score, but turn over ball and the concession of too many penalties lost them any initiative they did have. EK player of the match? This is purely my selection. For his courage on the field of play as he put in tackles that belied his size and weight but also for being a dedicated and loyal member of EKRFC my player of the match was the evergreen Andy (Duck) MacDonald.

With 4 league games played EK sits in 7th position. Survival will depend on taking points off the teams around them in the bottom section and although the season is at an early stage, this will have to be where coaches and players concentrate their efforts. Over the six games that EK has played thus far I have lost count of the number of players that have taken the field in an EK strip. Some consistency of selection is essential for the team to move forward from where it is now and this will depend on players training regularly and making themselves available for Saturdays.

Next week provides some respite from league rugby as Mid-Argyll make their first visit to Torrance House to contest the first round of the SRU shield. Following that, on September 26th, another team, Oban Lorne, will come down from Argyll for a league match. This will be a real opportunity for EK to get their show back on the road. Let's make the most of it.