EK/Strathaven Combo beat Greenock in Shield

Match report by Murray Aitken: After a narrow loss to Ayr 2 weeks ago (another cup match they should have won but lost narriwly & cruelly), the U18's played in the quarter final of the West Shield yesterday in sunny Strathaven.

It's a credit to the strength of this team that, despite a comprehensive victory, everyone knew that this was only an average performance .

We could be playing now and Greenock still wouldn't have scored. Despite the dominance, a very heavy pitch, unforced errors, dropped balls and poor decisions meant EK only managed five tries.

The first score went to inventive Craig Thomson who grubbered through and dived over the line. Next up was Harry Taggart who ignored the overlap to crash through the defence. Harry grabbed his 2nd just before half time, again benefitting from good forward play to score near the posts. The extras were added by Grant Dryburgh.

Half time 17-0 for EK/Strathaven.

The second half saw EK/Strathaven playing up the famous Strathaven slope against the wind. Despite that, Greenock never got out their own half . Grant Dryburgh was next to score after a powerful fend, diving under the posts . Conversion added by Ethan Aitken. The last try of the day was a well deserved one for the forwards - Sam Park rounding off powerful forwards drives.

Full time 29-0.

Fair play to Greenock , the boys have now taken nearly 150 points off them this season without reply, but this time they fronted up and made life difficult from start to finish. Great commitment from them.

Onto the semi final in 2 weeks time, likely to be Allan Glens away on 4 March. Kick off time to be confirmed.