2nd XV romp to victory at West of Scotland 69-3

EK 2nds clocked up 11 tries and 7 conversions in beating West of Scotland 2As at Burnbrae. It was a strong EK team, augmented by 3 1st XV players but also including a number of Under 16s who showed up well. West, while looking at times technically superior in the first half, never imposed themselves.

Your scribe missed the first two EK tries, as he was held up in traffic. He was told that Paul Rosie got the first following a dash down the wing (may get drummed out the 2nd row club if he keeps this up)and AN Other (answers on a postcard please and I will correct this report).

The third was scored by Chris O'Neill after a West attack broke down, Sparky Ellison hacked the ball on and good interplay saw O'Neill cut back in to score. Ellison showed up again soon after, and good passing allowed centre Nathan Ross to score in the corner. Centres Shankie and Ross were both running strongly. Half time - a healthy 24-3.

The 2nd half saw a number of long range support scores. The backs were breaking through regularly but scorned a number of opportunities due to a combination of poor decision making, vision, and poor execution. They almost needed to watch a DVD on "how to use an overlap" but such was their dominance, they thankfully improved their execution as the game progressed. A good sign for a very young side.

Highlights were a 50 metre break by super sub Calum (Dennis) Aitken which ultimately brought a try for Thunders arriving at speed a little later (measurable perhaps only on the Richter scale). Great link play then produced a try for Dennis Aitken in the corner. Score: 38-3

A blast through the middle by old man Fergie and good link play produced a try for "young" John Watson. 43-3. Scott Shankie scored next, followed by Nathan Ross as the backs proved they could finally exploit with ease superior numbers. 57-3.

Another Shankie break up the middle brought "young" Watson his second try, and the scoring was wrapped up by youngster Glen Neilson who nabbed his first score in senior rugby. Shankie's 7 conversions made it 69-3 at the close.

Lots of players made good breaks but special mention is due for old man Fergie (particularly if he can tidy up his language), youngsters Robert Ferguson, Sparky Ellison, Glen Neilson and Chris O'Neill; and more mature and experienced youngsters Scott Shankie and Nathan Ross in the centre. It was also good to see the return of Stuart Kampman and prop Dan Trampenau, the latter back after a long injury absence.

Up against more experienced opponents, EK will need to improve their finishing, but it was a good run out on a great afternoon.

Next week, the 2nds are at Stewarty, probably with a 3 pm kick off. More details on the website when available.