Uddingston 24 - 38 Strathendrick

Uddingston fell at the first hurdle on Saturday when they failed to make the most of home advantage in their round 2 National Shield tie against league rivals Strathendrick. Having received a bye in round 1 this was the Villagers first taste of Shield action this season, and in a closely fought contest, that swung both ways, they eventually lost out 24-38, seeing Strathendrick progress to round 3.

It was the visitors who came fastest out of the traps, scoring two converted tries and opening up a 14 point lead after only 7 minutes. The Villagers were equal to the task, and having settled the early nerves they levelled the match with two quick-fire tries of their own. First across the line was R Anderson on 15 minutes, before O'Donnell crossed 3 minutes later. Anderson slotted home both conversions to square things up.

With the opening period coming to a close a yellow card for Strathendrick created gaps in their defensive line which the Villagers exploited, Paul eventually crashing over for the try. The conversion fell short but the Villagers had a 5 point cushion at the break, going in 19-14 ahead.

The second period started with the Villagers pressing home their advantage, this time it was Crichton who claimed the try but once more the conversion failed to find its target.

At 24-14 the Villagers could have expected to keep things tight and to start to grind down their opponents, but nobody told Strathendrick that game plan. Over the next 15 minutes the visitors bagged 2 converted tries, and a well struck penalty, pushing them back into the lead with a 24-31 score line.

As the match entered the closing minutes the Villagers went hunting for the vital score that could tie the match and trigger extra time. Unfortunately for the home support it was Strathendrick who rounded off the afternoon's scoring with a well taken try and conversion, bringing the final score to 24-38.

This is a result that the Villagers will look back on and wonder how they lost the match, having seemingly been in control at the start of the second half. Full credit must go to the visitors who fought hard, and never gave up on a game they believed they could win.

The 2 sides will lock horns once more when they play their final league match of the season, and that is one the Villagers will be determined to win.

Meanwhile, Strathendrick will progress to their 3rd round tie on Saturday 02 March, while the Villagers will return to league duty the same day with a home fixture against Lanarkshire rivals Waysiders Drumpellier. Kick off at Castle Policies will be 2pm