East Kilbride 2nd XV play Greenock next Saturday in one of the Reserve League Promotion Play Off Finals, after a well deserved victory over new town rivals, Irvine at a sunny Torrance House Arena.

It was a passionate match, with both sides giving it everything. EK started strongly, taking the lead after 7 minutes when Jason Currie, erstwhile 1st XV coach, making a rare playing appearance this year, rounded off a forward drive. Score: 5-0.

A contender for (non) try of the season was ruled out by the Irvine touch judge after 18 minutes when EK centre Gary (Gump) Thornton put a foot in touch. He collected an Irvine kick clearance on the Irvine 10 metre line and blasted down the left round and through the Irvine defence. Alas, although the ref initially gave the try, it did not count.

But EK fans only had to wait another 2 minutes when stand off Bert Blackwood finished a move he started. He cross kicked for winger Scott Johnston, who linked with Ally Dalgleish who in turn passed it back to Bert who squeezed over in the right corner. Bert rounded it off with a conversion off the bar. Score: 12-0.

An Irvine player then got a yellow card for stamping, as the match got a little more competitive.

Further good play by EK on 26 minutes saw the ball moved out the backs from a set piece, with Gary Thornton linked round and ran through a defensive gap. With another Blackwood conversion, it was 19-0 for the home side, with no sign of any real threat from Irvine.

As has often been the case this year, EK then went to sleep, losing focus and concentration. Poor discipline and needless backchat to the referee, gave Irvine position. They missed a penalty attempt, then following a backs substitution, the substitute created a gap to run through for an unconverted try. Half time: 19-5 for EK.

Gary Thornton tweaked his hamstring during his first half heroics and was replaced by Andy MacDonald. But Duk lasted only about six minutes – no doubt exhausted by playing in the Charity Touch Rugby Tournament with the youngsters and a few old people – before he too was substituted with Ross Stewart coming on at scrum half and Fraser Little moving out to the backs.

Then No 8 Craig Ferguson, playing his first match for some time, received a yellow card, and EK lost further cohesion and focus. Irvine were now dominating possession and position and it was fortunate for the home side that it was a rather limited Irvine attack. This may explain why the Irvine coach came on to the park three times during the match.

EK defended well, and flanker David Rosie Junior continued his excellent storming performance with strong determined running and support.

On 52 minutes, waiter Calum Hastie replaced assistant coach Bruce Beggans in the centre, while Stevie Lannon replaced old Fergie when his yellow card expired. Both sets of fans were getting involved in the match, with much friendly banter exchanged.

To continue the changes, full back Ally Blackwood got injured, with Craig Ferguson Senior returning to the pitch, and shortly after Stewart Kampman replaced David Rosie. In between these many changes, Irvine had a try ruled out for crossing in the 25th minute. Had the score counted, it might have been a different match as EK’s fluency had been lost.

But EK gradually crept back in to the match, offering occasional moments of encouragement. Alex Irvine on the left wing chased a kick, won possession and linked with lock Ally Dalgleish who was ruled to have dropped the ball over the score line. Chris Quinn replaced Scott Johnston on the wing after 73 minutes.

The match was fiercely competitive, if not highly skilful. The referee was struggling to cope with some of the passion, allowing various ruck and maul infringements, mostly by Irvine who were lucky to escape a yellow card for a blatant side entry on an EK drive. But when he blew for full time, EK could be satisfied with a hard fought and well deserved victory.

This victory means EK play Greenock Wanderers 2nd XV next week in the Promotion Play Off Final. The venue has yet to be confirmed – a draw will decide which team has home territory. As yet, there has been no decision on how the Reserve Leagues might be restructured next year so the precise prize for the winner of the final remains a tad obscure.

Greenock won their own league division, undefeated in seven matches. Yesterday, at Fort Matilda, they defeated Clydebank 21-10. In the other play off semi finals, Helensburgh 2nds beat Cambuslang 2nds 28-0 while Dalziel 3rds beat Stewartry 32-0 - these two winning teams play off in the other Promotion Final next week.

Man of the Match: David Rosie Junior, narrowly edging out one half Gary (Gump) Thornton.

Team: 15. Ally Blackwood, 14. Scott Johnston, 13. Gary Thornton, 12. Gary Thornton, 11. Alex Irvine, 10. Calum Blackwood, 9. Fraser Little, 8. Craig Ferguson Senior, 7. Chris O’Neill, 6. David Rosie Junior, 5. Ally Dalgleish, 4. John Watson, 3. Euan Perry, 2. Jason Currie, 1. Scot Aitken. Replacements (all used): Andy MacDonald, Stevie Lannon, Calum Hastie, Ally Donaldosn, Ross Stewart, Stewart Kampman.