EK continued their winning league run (2 out of 2) against a stuffy but ultimately limited Irvine team today to be crowned “New Town Champions, after leg 1”.

The match got off to a strange start. EK kicked off, Irvine knocked on and from the resultant scrum, Gareth Jones drove, with the ball recycled to the fastest winger in the west, Less Fat Craig Ferguson.

Now last week Less Fat Fergie got criticised for his lack of pace. This week he shot though two (admittedly limp) Irvine tackles and burst over to score under the posts – what an athlete! I just worry if he has peaked too soon in the season.

Robbie Greenfield kicked the conversion. EK in the lead 7-0. Lo and behold EK dropped the restart kick and gifted Irvine a penalty to make it 7-3. This led to a strong period of Irvine pressure in the EK half, where EK showed poor discipline, conceding five penalties in succession.

This period culminated in skipper Gareth Jones receiving a yellow card for allegedly pulling down a drive and then failing to roll away. Gareth’s version is different, but he still took a 10 minute rest.

EK’s early tactics were questionable, putting pressure on themselves by passing the ball back in the 22 metere area and the then kicking it straight out.

Ultimately, this inability to break out cost them dear as, just as skipper Jones ran back on, Irvine took a quick differential penalty to scuttle over for a try in the corner. The conversion made it 7-10 in favour of the visitors.

In truth it was all very scrappy, not helped by a referee who had little understanding or sympathy of the forward exchanges – side entry was virtually ignored while it seemed as if Irvine were exempt from the requirement to throw the ball in straight at the lineout.

EK’s kicking game was patchy, at best (whatever Robbie G might say!). But he redeemed himself by converting a penalty after a good sniping run by scrum half Little won an EK penalty. Score: 10-10. EK finally asserted themselves territorially but made it difficult by turning over ball in contact.

The first half concluded with Greenfield missing a penalty, so 10 all at the break.

The 2nd half started brightly for EK, not least as the Irvine No 13 (not the smartest guy on the field) interfered with full back Simpson off the ball and deservedly got a yellow card. EK felt more confident, and the tireless David Rosie (what a grafter) had another of his storming runs in to the opposition.

Brown had a blast down the left, narrowly failing to control a chip and chase. But Greenfield kicked another penalty in front of the posts to make it 13-10 for EK.

18 year old Calum Hastie came on for Chris Mclellan to notch his first start for the 1sts at prop (he was not allowed to prop in the last 2 years, on age/elf & safety grounds). He slotted in naturally and did well. Well done Calum.

EK pressure was building. Ian Brown (who had a quiet game by his standards) was help up over the line, then Less Fat Fergie dropped a pass when it seemed the line was at the mercy of his speedy physique.
But reward came quickly when Gareth jones blasted off the base of a scrum, and linked with David Rosie.

Undaunted by still having some 10 metres and three opponents to overcome, David Junior put his head down and chuntered along powerfully to surge over the line for a great try. Greenfield converted. EK leading 20-10.

Irvine were losing their composure, arguing with the ref and showing signs of fatigue.

A controversial moment arose after 30 minutes. From a differential penalty, EK centre Seymour broke and moved towards the Irvine line. His momentum was stopped only by a high tackle, when an Irvine player grabbed his collar.

With only 2 metres to go to the Irvine line, the referee blew instantly for a penalty, while, had he hesitated a moment, he would have seen Seymour stay on his feet and charge over the line. But, alas, all too late.

Greenfield notched another penalty after 33 minutes to bring up the final score, 23-10.

Youngster Eddie Beaton came off the bench to record his proper first XV debut, replacing Stevie Lannon, who had played well. Eddie made a strong contribution.

Seymour’s desire for a try was stopped by yet another high tackle – arguably this time more dangerous. Then Stephen Miller, who was having a strong match, burst 40 metres from a loose Irvine line out throw but narrowly failed to link with support from Fraser Little.

The referee blew for time up, allowing Jim Miller to celebrate his 63rd birthday in victory. A good win for EK, but where oh where was the Irvine tackling and cohesion of the past. EK had to be happy with the victory and hopefully celebrated well.

Man of the Match - there were a number of candidates, but ultimately David Rosie Junior shaded it over captain Gareth Jones. Who ever thought we would miss David's brother - that skinny Paul fellow? He is history, if not all at sea (at least until he comes back!). Well done David.

Team: 15 Calum Simpson 14.Andy MacDonald, 13. Ian Brown, 12. Grant Seymour, 11. Less Fat Ferguson, 10. Robbie Greenfield, 9. Fraser Little, 8. Gareth Jones (Captain), 7. Stevie Lannon, 6. Stephen Miller, 5.David Rosie , 4. John (Zippy) Watson, 3. Jason Currie, 2. Rian Anderson, 1. Chris Mclellan. Subs (all used): Calum Hastie, Eddie Beaton and David Bell (who was too old to get on!).