2s just pipped by Kilmarnock

EK 2s long unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday against a Kilmarnock side that seemed to feature a god number of the visitor's 1st XV. There is nothing to prevent such selections - Kilmarnock 1s had no match - bit it is a measure of the quality of EK 2s that they only just lost.

The early omens were not good when the visitors took the lead with two early unconverted tries. But EK hit back through their goliath utility player, commonly called Graeme Grubby Blackwood. Half time 5-10.

The pitch was not conducive to running rugby but both sides gave it their best shot. EK applied a good deal of pressure, driven on by the metronome called Fraser Stott. His other name is "the alternative (or real?) referee" although he apparently lost that contest, receiving a yellow card for his advice and competitiveness. If only the 1st XV possessed half his drive.

EK pressed hard for the converted try which would give them the victory but they could not prise the opposition defence open. There was a scare at the end when a Kilmarnock player, seemingly from an offside position, stole a ball and sped off some 50 metres. A last gasp brilliant covering tackle stopped him in his tracls and EK managed to clear their lines but never managed to get back upfield again
This was a cracking contest, with the 2s demonstrating masses of spirit and commitment. It would be a travesty of their superb endeavours thorughout the season are undone by unscrupulous teams fielding their 1st XVs in disguise now that most of the regional league season is over.

Man of the Match: until someone tells me otherwise (I only saw the last 30 minutes as I was watching the 1s), it was Fraser Stott.

Action pictures: you can never get too much of a good thing so there are 170 photos of the match in the Photos section of this website, thanks to Aileen Campbell. She has cut back on the number of photos of her son this week, we only have 169 of Ross lol!! You can see them by clicking here

Next match: This is on 11 March when EK host Irvine 2s. Last time the 2s played Irvine, the opposition fielded many of their 1st XV. This is unlikely to happen on 11th as Irvine 1s are in the final of the West Regional Shield but in the world of alternative facts, one can never be sure.