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East Kilbride 58 - Greenock Wanderers 3
Christopher Mclellan11 Feb 2018 - 12:47
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East Kilbride beat the weather and Greenock Wanderers
Following heavy overnight rain the game at Torrance House was the only match played in West League Division 1. Initial plaudits, therefore, go to David Rosie and his team of volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the first team pitch. That apart, over 50 visitors from Châlons en Champagne, thirsty for entertainment, provided an added incentive. Thankfully they were not to be disappointed as they were treated to something of a try feast.
The teams looked to be evenly matched in the opening exchanges and a repeat of the result (19-19) at Fort Matilda in October looked possible as an exchange of penalties, the first for EK from the boot of Ethan Aitken, had the scores level with 15 minutes played. EK's first try, scored by Scott Shankie, came after 16 minutes when he broke from a set piece to score to the left of the posts. Ethan Aitken's conversion attempt flew wide of the uprights. Greenock were awarded a couple of penalties in kickable positions but both attempts fell short. EK defended stoutly until the 25th minute when Paul Rosie broke free and offloaded to Ian Brown who showed that in spite of his long absence from the game he still has an eye for the in goal area and the strength and skill to get there. Ethan Aitken's touchline conversion put the home team firmly in the driving seat. A further 10 points completed the first half scoring. Ethan Aitken converted a penalty after 31 minutes and converted Calum Simpson's 36th minute try to make the half-time score East Kilbride 25, Greenock Wanderers 3.
14 minutes into the second period Gregor Hagerty crossed the line to secure the bonus point for East Kilbride and this started a try feast. Scott Shankie crossed after 16 minutes. Aiden Stott converted. Scott Shankie touched down 8 minutes later converting himself this time and repeated the feat 3 minutes later from a driving maul.
With time running out Greenock attacked the EK line in search of a consolation try but it was EK that came up with the score as Ian Brown latched on to a dropped pass and ran a good 80 metres to score between the posts. As none of his team-mates had managed to stay with him he took the conversion himself to round off the scoring.
Final score; East Kilbride 58 - Greenock Wanderers 3
This was another strong showing from an EK team that has improved as the season has progressed. This season has also seen the introduction of a number of younger players, Ethan Aitken, Gregor Hagerty and Connor Wilson all played in this game and showed themselves to be well worthy of a place in the EK 1st XV. The team as a whole is showing greater cohesion than has been the case for some time. The Beaton brothers work tirelessly week in, week out and while the back play cannot be described as flawless they do make fewer mistakes now. Richie Murray pulled on the number 10 jersey for the first time and showed up well in that position and the centre combination of Robbie Greenfield and Calum Simpson provides a partnership that is strong in both attack and defence. Ian Brown celebrated his return to the starting line-up with two tries taken in the style to which those of us who have watched him over the years have become accustomed.
It is, however, Scott Shankie who, for the second successive week, is man of the match not just for the 24 points he contributed to the team total but also for posing a constant threat to the opposition by running strongly with ball in hand.
Team: E Aitken, M. Ellison, R. Greenfield, C. Simpson & I. Brown. R. Murray & A. Stott. C. McLellan, R. Anderson, E. Beaton, A. Dalgleish, P. Rosie, A. Irvine, R. Beaton and S. Shankie.
Replacements (all used): C. Hastie, C. Wilson, G. Hagerty and C. Ferguson.
This game was preceded by the annual match between French guests, Club Olympique Châlonnais and East Kilbride. Châlons were the victors (19-7) this year and will return to France with the Bernard LeBlanc trophy.
A day of great rugby was rounded off with "La Grande Soirée" - an evening of eating, drinking, dancing and entertainment in East Kilbride's Ballerup Hall. Saturdays don't come much better than this!
The teams looked to be evenly matched in the opening exchanges and a repeat of the result (19-19) at Fort Matilda in October looked possible as an exchange of penalties, the first for EK from the boot of Ethan Aitken, had the scores level with 15 minutes played. EK's first try, scored by Scott Shankie, came after 16 minutes when he broke from a set piece to score to the left of the posts. Ethan Aitken's conversion attempt flew wide of the uprights. Greenock were awarded a couple of penalties in kickable positions but both attempts fell short. EK defended stoutly until the 25th minute when Paul Rosie broke free and offloaded to Ian Brown who showed that in spite of his long absence from the game he still has an eye for the in goal area and the strength and skill to get there. Ethan Aitken's touchline conversion put the home team firmly in the driving seat. A further 10 points completed the first half scoring. Ethan Aitken converted a penalty after 31 minutes and converted Calum Simpson's 36th minute try to make the half-time score East Kilbride 25, Greenock Wanderers 3.
14 minutes into the second period Gregor Hagerty crossed the line to secure the bonus point for East Kilbride and this started a try feast. Scott Shankie crossed after 16 minutes. Aiden Stott converted. Scott Shankie touched down 8 minutes later converting himself this time and repeated the feat 3 minutes later from a driving maul.
With time running out Greenock attacked the EK line in search of a consolation try but it was EK that came up with the score as Ian Brown latched on to a dropped pass and ran a good 80 metres to score between the posts. As none of his team-mates had managed to stay with him he took the conversion himself to round off the scoring.
Final score; East Kilbride 58 - Greenock Wanderers 3
This was another strong showing from an EK team that has improved as the season has progressed. This season has also seen the introduction of a number of younger players, Ethan Aitken, Gregor Hagerty and Connor Wilson all played in this game and showed themselves to be well worthy of a place in the EK 1st XV. The team as a whole is showing greater cohesion than has been the case for some time. The Beaton brothers work tirelessly week in, week out and while the back play cannot be described as flawless they do make fewer mistakes now. Richie Murray pulled on the number 10 jersey for the first time and showed up well in that position and the centre combination of Robbie Greenfield and Calum Simpson provides a partnership that is strong in both attack and defence. Ian Brown celebrated his return to the starting line-up with two tries taken in the style to which those of us who have watched him over the years have become accustomed.
It is, however, Scott Shankie who, for the second successive week, is man of the match not just for the 24 points he contributed to the team total but also for posing a constant threat to the opposition by running strongly with ball in hand.
Team: E Aitken, M. Ellison, R. Greenfield, C. Simpson & I. Brown. R. Murray & A. Stott. C. McLellan, R. Anderson, E. Beaton, A. Dalgleish, P. Rosie, A. Irvine, R. Beaton and S. Shankie.
Replacements (all used): C. Hastie, C. Wilson, G. Hagerty and C. Ferguson.
This game was preceded by the annual match between French guests, Club Olympique Châlonnais and East Kilbride. Châlons were the victors (19-7) this year and will return to France with the Bernard LeBlanc trophy.
A day of great rugby was rounded off with "La Grande Soirée" - an evening of eating, drinking, dancing and entertainment in East Kilbride's Ballerup Hall. Saturdays don't come much better than this!
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