For the second week in a row, EK 1st XV had no match, their fixture at Newton Stewart the victim of a waterlogged pitch. So the focus switched to the joint Under 18 side which plays with Cambuslang and Uddingston U18s against another combination side, Cumnock/Kilmarnock. Coats Park in Cambuslang was the venue.

The pitch was a bit claggy which limited the opportunity for running rugby. Cambus/EK/Uddingston (CEKU) had reshuffled their team with a number of players playing out of position, and it took them a while to find their fluency.

The visitors scored first, in the 13th minute with an unconverted try to give them a 0-5 lead. They showed good spirit, throwing the ball out their backs more than expected, but for the most part the hosts kept them away from the whitewash and worked their way upfield.

In the 17th minute, Nick O’Neill – playing at stand off – tried to look super cool as he stroked over a penalty from in front of the posts. Not totally cool as he guided it home via the upright. Score: 3-5.

This gave CEKU confidence and they took the lead in the 32nd minute with an excellent try, scored by Steven Thompson in the left corner. No conversion. Half time: 8-5 and all to play for.

Whatever the triumvirate of coaches (John Devlin, Ian McCallum and Michael Reekie) said at half time, it worked as CEKU dominated the second half. Four changes were made at half time, with Ross Hynde, Ikey, Fraser Ebbit and Kieran coming on. Coach McCallum was unable to supply the full names of all the players!

A good midfield break by centre Ben Walters was carried on by the CEKU forwards and eventually recycled near the visitors line creating an opportunity for Ben to bump off his opposite number and score an excellent team try.

The referee and coach McCallum had a disagreement about the accuracy of Hynde’s conversion attempt, the ref deciding it was unsuccessful. Robbie McCallum was later heard being told by his dad “no, you can’t take the bus home, you need to help me find my way home”.

Ikey scored the next try, following a strong midfield break by Mark Donnachie, which even Ian McCallum agreed was converted by Ross Hynde. Score: 20-5. Cumnock/Kilmarnock then had a period of pressure which culminated in a try.

The hosts had the final say, stealing the ball from the visitor’s put in at a scrum which ended with poacher McCallum (he has learnt something at least from his dad0 diving over to score to the right of the posts. This helped Hynde (and McCallum) kick the conversion to round off the score as 27-10.

This was a well deserved victory for the combined CEKU team and if I am allowed to be parochial for a moment, it was very encouraging to see the East Kilbride boys making such a strong contribution to the key events of the day. Rugby, however, is always a team game so well done to all 19 CEKU players. We look forward to welcoming you all to a match at the Torrance House Arena once our pitches are available.

Team (EK unless stated): 1 Dempsey Rennie, 2 Louie (Cambus), 3 Thomas Mavers, 4 Stewart Ferguson,5 Calum (Uddingston), 6 Robbie McCallum, 7 Calum (Cambuslang), 8 Louis (Uddingston), 9 Jake (Uddingston), 10 Nick O’Neill, 11 Blane (Uddingston), 12 Mark Donnachie, 13 Ben Walters, 14 Steven Thompson, 15 Calum (Uddingston). Replacements (all used): Ross Hynde, Fraser Ebbit (Cambus), Ikey (Cambus) and Keiran (Cambus).

Next week: the U18s have a break. EK 1st XV however have a first for the season – a home match at the world famous Torrance House Arena, against Irvine in the quarter final of the RBS West Regional Shield. Kick off: 1.30pm (as the clocks have gone back and in case there is a need for extra time).

This will be a tough match, not least as Irvine – who narrowly and some might say fortunately beat EK at Irvine in the league at Irvine at the start of the season – inflicted the first defeat of the season on league leaders GHK on Saturday. A good match is anticipated. We want a large crowd so please feel welcome to attend.