U18s lose tough match at Allan Glens

This report was written by U18s coach Murray Aitken

The U18's suffered their first defeat of the season against old foes Allan Glens on 3 September. It was a cracking game of rugby from two top class teams who are amongst the very best in the region. From last year we know both sides are evenly matched and this match proved no different.

The build up to this game was the most difficult we have encountered in all our years playing . No fewer than than 10 players were unavailable through injury and illness . To make matters worse, centre Harry Taggart managed to break his collar bone at training on Thursday night and captain Connor Wilson pulled out through illness on Saturday morning!!

EK started well but couldn't force the breakthrough, Glens who struck first with a close range penalty after 15 mins. They then stretched their lead to 10-0 following a forward drive and conversion . This was against the run of play and EK came storming back into the game.

First, a booming long range penalty from Ethan Aitken got EK on the board. This was quickly followed by a sniping try from scrum half Sam Connery after a sustained build up of pressure. Great linking from forwards Jack Kelso, Kieran Noble and winger Gordon Richardson created an opportunity for Ethan to slot over a drop goal from 40 yards on the stroke of half time.

Half time: Allan Glens 10 EK 11

Both teams cancelled each other out at the start of the second half, with play flowing from end to end. Then, an incident of huge controversy swung the game in favour of Glens. The referee awarded a penalty try to the amazement of everyone, including the opposition following a late tackle - the late tackle was near the halfway line following a chip ahead.

Gordon Moon was also yellow carded for the offence, but rather than buckle EK fought back. Again, controlled possession, and forward drives led by Ross Marks, resulted in prop Angus Watt barging over. When Ethan added the extras EK were back in front 18-17 with 10 mins left.

Unfortunately, EK had tackled themselves to a standstill against much bigger and heavier opponents and Glens scrum half scooted up the blindside to score from halfway. From the resulting kick off, Glens caught the ball and ran in almost unopposed to put the game out of reach.

This was a massive injustice (from an EK perspective!) and did not reflect the closeness of the game. EK fought to the end, with Ethan slotting another drop goal , only for the referee to be the only person in the ground who thought it went wide!!!

Moreoever, the referee "didn't see" a blatant slap down of a pass one yard from the line with the last play of the game which would have improved the scoreline .

What a match! Given the squad was stretched to the limit, this was a fantastic performance and the coaches were prouder in defeat this week than victory last week. I might just now mention that EK lost flanker Garry Speedie to hospital in the first 5 mins, both props succumbed to neck and hamstring knocks, Kieran had to come off with cramp, Craig Jarvis to a leg knock and Craig Thomson to a bleeding nose. Otherwise they were all fighting fit!

Well played boys, you couldn't have given more to the cause!!