2s edge closer to league title

With the 1st XV season complete, all eyes (in a senior context) are now focused on the 2nd XV, still sitting top of their league with five matches of the season to run.

Given the unseasonal weather early last week, and concern about the state of the EK pitches, their fixture with Clydebank 2s was switched to the Police 3G pitch at Lochinch in Pollok Park. Little did we know that the weather would be brilliant, and so was the rugby delivered by the 2s. All matched by an excellent surface.

Having beaten Clydebank away on 5 November by 12-76, one might have expected another comfortable victory, but at this time of the season there are a few uncertainties about how many 1st XV players might be fielded by 2nd XVs.

There is nothing in the regulations to stop such practices, so the 2s took the precaution of having three players who have played pretty regularly for the 1s this year on stand by. And it seems that Clydebank had a few 1s as well – some pretty large - so it probably all balanced out in the end.

But, as it happened, the 2s regular players had enough pace to see them through with plenty to spare. The final score of 71-15 was about right, not that I saw the full match. I left at 45-10 so have no idea who scored after 50 minutes. Answers in an email or a text……….

EK got off to a great start with a try in the first minute following a break by Alex Irvine with Aidan (I am a full back) Stott claiming the points. Bert Blackwood kicked just about all the points that came his way on the day, depriving kicker Quigg of his regular duties.
Keeping the best kicker in reserve for the really important kicks!

EK got four tries in the first half, the others through Ross Campbell, Calum Aitken and Alex Irvine. All converted by Bert. Clydebank scored tries in the 14th and 22nd minutes to make it 28-10 at half time.

Tactical supremo Bruce Beggans was rotating his bench well. EK got the same quick start in the second half through a rare try by kicker Bert Blackwood, followed in due course by another by Stott.

A slight surprise (except to himself perhaps) was prop Stevie Mackinnon keeping pace with EK’s winger at one stage. I will leave Scott Johnston and Andy Proctor to dispute which one of them was in danger of being overtaken by the flying prop.

Man of the Match: difficult to choose when I only saw 5/8s of the match. Lots of candidates. I await nominees.
This result keeps EK as league leaders, with 68 points and four matches remaining. There are two teams capable of catching them, if EK lose their way.

Whitecraigs in 2nd place on 59 points, have two matches left, so they can muster a grand total of 69 points if they get maximum points with try bonuses each time.

Irvine, in third also on 59 points, have still got three matches to play, and so could acquire 64 points i.e. EK need two wins out of four matches to claim the league. EK’s final match of the season is at home on 22 April, hosting Irvine so let’s hope it is all done and dusted by then.

Match photos: masses of photos from Aileen Campbell, Ross' mum. You can see them here

Next match - That said, EK are at home this weekend (1 April) at the Torrance House Arena – hosting Hillhead-Jordanhill 2As, who currently sit fifth in the table. It is a 3pm kick off so all support welcome. And pop in to the clubhouse afterwards for a wee drink, whether we win or lose.

Team: Chris Quinn, Patrick Quigg, Bruce Beggans, Alex Irvine, David Rosie, Graeme Blackwood, Calum Aitken, Roddy Beaton, Andy MacDonald, Bert Blackwood, Ross Campbell, Mark Donnachie, Gregor Hagerty, Andy Proctor, Aidan Stott. Replacements: Stevie Mackinnon, Ben Walters, Scott Johnston, David Bell, Ross Hynde, Gregor Banford