Much deserved silverware for Under 18s

This match report is by Murray (space) Aitken. No one expected when we switched the match to Lochinch on Tuesday that the U18s would play in bright, sunny, almost summer weather. Their performance matched the surface and they deservedly got their hands on the silverware.

Despite the snow hampering preparations on Tuesday, the boys arrived in the glorious sunshine at Lochinch in optimistic mood. They were met by an enormous Kilmarnock team who had arrived by bus 30 mins before EK. It was clear they meant business.

The boys are used to being smaller than the opposition but they were dwarfed by Kilmarnock . Undeterred, they knew a dry flat 3G surface would suit their game plan.

Unlike most other weeks, EK/Strathaven started well, quickly moving the ball wide at every opportunity . After a couple of early attacks were repelled, Harry Taggart bulldozed over from 5 yards out. Ethan Aitken adding the extras to extend the lead to 7-0. Unfortunately a poor exit strategy from the kick off gifted Kilmarnock an easy penalty, which got them on the scoreboard, 7-3.

EK then quickly regained the initiative and were unlucky to have a Grant Dryburgh try disallowed. Strong forward drives from Simon Mukulamani, peripatetic Paul Cairncross (returning from long term injury), Connor Wilson and big Angus Watt kept EK on top, and the pressure told when the impressive Kieran Noble barged over.

Other opportunities went begging at the end of the first half, with Aniello Sciallo and Sam Connery going close. Half time 12-3 for EK.

The start of the second half was always going to be decisive, with Kilmarnock still believing they had a chance. Up stepped full back Ethan Aitken to score a try out of nothing - he put a grubber kick through the defence, beat the covering defence to kick ahead, regathered and scored! 17-3.

Not content with that, EK/Strathaven continued to work hard and, with quality off the bench, continued to dominate. Ethan (dat's my boy!!) scored his second try after he cut through the defence and stretched for the line to put the game out of sight. 22-3.

A break in play and lapse in concentration allowed Kilmarnock to take a quick tap penalty and score a deserved try in the corner. Back came EK with a break from centre Kyle Dixon and further forward surges, then Kieran Noble hit a great angle close to the line to score his second try. 27-8.

Highlight of day, and possibly the season, saw cheeky Ben Mclean catch a kick and then charge 60 metres upfield!! He was hauled down just short but offloaded to speedy Callum Field to cross for the final score. Full time 32-8.

Time then for the celebrations!! It has been a pleasure for all the coaches to work with all these boys this season. They have all shown great commitment and adaptability in sometimes difficult circumstances!!

Always ready with a smile, laugh or a joke. Well done to all the EK and Strathaven boys and good luck to those leaving the Academy and moving up to senior rugby . Thanks to all the parents, committee members and particularly the coaches from both clubs who helped throughout the season!!

Squad:
Angus Watt
Josh Morris
Aniello Sciallo
James Westland
Kieran Noble
Ben Mclean
Ross Marks
Paul Cairncross
Sam Park
Simon Mukulumani
Connor Wilson
Garry Speedie
Jack Kelso
Sam Connery
Craig Thomson
Kyle Dixon
Harry Taggart
Gordon Richardson
Gordon Moon
Ethan Aitken
Grant Dryburgh
Jack Roxburgh
Ryan Adamson
Sam Hume
Callum Connelly-Tennock
Darren Joseph Gillespie
Callum Field