There was much talk in the East Kilbride club house prior to this fixture and the question being asked
was “when did East Kilbride and Cambuslang last meet in a league fixture?” Answers varied widely
and I’m pleased to be able to confirm that it was during the season 2008/2009. Cambuslang were
relegated at the end of that season and though East Kilbride fared better in that and subsequent years
fate determined that these old rivals should meet again this year. Matches between the two sides have
always been keenly contested so those of us who managed to rise from our seats having enjoyed an
excellent sponsors’ lunch looked forward to more of the same. The match was enjoyable but, as
illustrated by the score, it could hardly have been described as “closely contested”.
Both teams conceded early penalties but it was East Kilbride that took an early lead when, after 10
minutes, Calum Aitken carried the ball around 40 metres leaving a trail of Cambuslang players in his
wake to touch down for a try converted by Ethan Aitken (no relation). 10 minutes later it was Paul
Rosie’s turn to burst through the defence to go over for
his try. The conversion attempt sailed wide but, no matter, EK were on their way. Well; when
the going gets tough it often just gets tougher and that’s how the Cambuslang players and supporters
must have felt when, after 25 minutes, their number 8 was red carded for gouging. With a one man
advantage and a game that was already going their way the new town side set out to make the most of
the situation. The young right wing three quarter, Calum Connelly-Tennock notched up his first try for
the club and Roddy Beaton finished off the first half running from within his own 22 for fine try
converted by Ethan Aitken. With the try bonus point already secured the boys in black and gold
looked forward to the second half.
As might have been expected East Kilbride continued to dominate throughout the second half and had
the performance been flawless the final score could have been far greater. Further tries did come
through Ethan Aitken coming into the line from full back, Calum Aitken who notched up his third of
the day and Roddy Beaton. With a single conversion from Ethan Aitken the final tally was East
Kilbride 46 – Cambuslang 0.
With a number of regular players unavailable through illness, injury or conflicting commitments this
was an opportunity for more youngsters to step up to the plate. Former under 18s, Ethan Aitken,
Gregor Hagerty and Calum Connelly-Tennock were joined by Mark Donachie, Simon Mukes and Ben
Walters and all played their part in what was a creditable all round performance. Cambuslang
supporters confirmed after the game that this was the first occasion in this league season on which
they have failed to score and this was down to good defensive work on the part of the EK back
division which did not give the opposition backs room for manoeuvre when they did have possession.
The scrum was strong again and the line out worked well thus ensuring that the home team’s backs
had ball to play with. Man of the match – not only for his three tries but also for the way in which he
carried the ball to, and through, the opposition this week’s man of the match is Calum Aitken.

Team: E. Aitken, C. Connelly-Tennock, R. Greenfield, C. Simpson & G. Haggerty. A. Stott & R.
Murray. S. Aitken, R. Anderson, E. Beaton, A. Irvine, P. Rosie, G. Blackwood, R. Beaton & C.
Aitken.
Replacements (all used): B. Walters, M. Donachie, S. & A. Steel.