Allan Glens 22 V’s Strathaven 3 (6 tries, 3 conversions to 1)

Following the national squad’s example this past fortnight, the boys were outgunned in the first half of the game but came back strongly in the second and left the field with their heads held high after a warrior-like performance from them all.

Allan Glens got out of the starting blocks eagerly and early and racked up two scores within 5 minutes. This looked like it was going to be a long afternoon. With the Strathaven S1/S2 mix clearly out of sorts having several key players missing from the ranks, the well organised opposition found gaps too easily and exploited them ruthlessly. Our boys had to defend wave after wave of attack and found themselves entrenched in their own half for much of the first period.

However, the never-say-die spirit began to surface in the second period as the backs and forwards began to come to terms with the nature of the challenge. Despite the conditions making clean passes and catches as rare as a jackpot winning lottery ticket, Sam Park, Mitch Young, Craig Thompson and Gregor Lamb began to get the ball moving and began to make powerful gains. The forwards too rolled up their sleeves and the front line of Harry Dunsmore, Josh Morris (replaced by Daniel Marsh) and Angus Watt also began to effectively scrimmage, ruck and maul to positive effect. Lewis McCulloch in particular seemed to revel in the conditions and not only excelled at second row duties but also nailed several text-book tackles together with two or three 15 meter runs that had the Glens team turning on their heels.

Not shy of courting the fine line between fair or foul, the home side left our boys somewhat battered and bruised and Mitch Young and Craig Thompson were unfortunately both sidelined with injuries which, with a lack of cover in numbers, heaped more pressure onto the boys. With this telling advantage, the second period saw the home side post another 2 scores without retaliation with their two lead backs causing the damage yet again.

However, in the third period, Strathaven put in a braveheart-like performance with superb forwards play again from Lewis McCulloch and Angus Watt in particular. Sam Connery (1) at scrum half epitomised the character of the team and time and again led the attack and was often the first to defend. His, like several of the boys’ endeavours, saw them take one too many hits that led to minor injury although they played on regardless. Such was their spirit and fight that they twice took the home side to within 5 meters of the whitewash only to see an unfortunate dropped ball cause possession to pass and with it the opportunity to score. However, by this time the boys had identified and effectively nullified the 3 key Glens players

With 5 minutes left on the clock our boys got their just rewards. Following another great burst from Lewis McCulloch, the forwards took the ball to 10 meters out. Sam Park and Gregor Lamb combined well to shorten the distance to 2 meters and Sam Connery blazed through arms, legs and feet to notch a superb score.

Overall, this was a very testing game for our lads who found themselves under pressure from a slow start and lack of team cohesion early on. A well organised and very physical home side made the most of our slow start but the attitude and performance from our boys showed just why our reputation is as respected as it is. Standout performances from Sam Connery, Angus Watt and in particular from Man of the Match, Lewis McCulloch, who’s hard work, attitude and growing technical capabilities set an example for others to follow.