Under 18s lose to stronger and bigger Uddingston side

After last week's long trek to Stranraer, the U18s had a home match against near neighbours Uddingston.

The match was fairly even for the first quarter, Uddingston seizing on some slow EK passing to intercept after 11 minutes and score under the posts. The conversion made it 0-7.

The next score came from a turnover, when the EK team might have devoted more energy to winning the ball rather than appealing against an Uddy forward. A smart midfield switch back saw the hard running visiting No 8 crash on to the ball and weave his way over under the posts from some 20 metres. 0-14.

Uddingston were camped in the EK half,and the local side found it difficult to break out for long. The Uddingston boys were for the most part bigger, heavier, faster, more skilful and direct and importantly more mature - many of the EK team are still 16 This meant EK spent much of the time defending.

They did this with courage, the 3rd Uddingston try coming after some 28 minutes. Half time 0-19.

The second half was pretty much one way traffic with Uddingston combining for a range of tries, many initiated from distance. This was all the more admirable as the heavens opened after 55 minutes, making passing and changing direction rather harder.

But it was encouraging to see EK continue trying to play rugby. Their scrum won a few balls against the head in the scrum. From one of the many restarts, Scott Aitken seized on a bouncing ball to charge to within 10 metres of the Uddingston line.

This led to a period of EK pressure which culminated in lock Grant Neilson crashing over for EK's only points of the day. His team deserved credit for sticking to the task, in difficult conditions.

But Uddingston had the final say, responding with a try, to round off the match.

Uddingston were a bigger and better drilled team, who linked well together. EK tended to rely on individuals but all demonstrated great spirit on a horrible day.

Special mentions:

• Grant Neilson for good line out jumping and an excellent try;
• John Bonomy for some strong midfield runs;
• Stewart Parker for some elusive and determined running - and particularly tackling, given his diminuitive frame. Even more credit is due once I realised who his dad is - Gus could never have done this in his youth!!
• Calum Aitken,who is not 18 (unless we are weighing him) for refereeing well, in dreadful weather after having played yesterday and then spending his evening at the EKRFC beach party. Thank you. Next task - teach your mum to keep the score for me while I pop down to the car for my umbrella! And ask her if she would like to go on a refereeing course.....?

Next week - the boys have a home fixture against Annan. All support welcomed.