Battling Badgers fight back to defeat Helensburgh and land first league win

Cumbernauld Rugby Club bounced back from their opening loss at Oban with a 24-15 victory over Helensburgh in Saturday's Tennent's West Division 2 West encounter at Auchenkilns.
Cumbernaulds Ruaridh Clark in full flight against Helensburgh (pic by Charlie Kearton)Cumbernaulds Ruaridh Clark in full flight against Helensburgh (pic by Charlie Kearton)
Cumbernaulds Ruaridh Clark in full flight against Helensburgh (pic by Charlie Kearton)

It was Cumbernauld’s first home league match of the season and, with a few previously missing players back in action, hopes were high they could make up for the previous week’s sore defeat.

However Helensburgh scored and converted after only ten minutes and the Cumbernauld support wondered if heads would go down.

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Not so. The Badgers dug in, as badgers do, and were rewarded when Danny Prinn crossed the line. The try was unconverted, but at least the score was a respectable 7-5.

Craig Laurie of match sponsor Lawman Brewing Co. presents man of the match JJ McNair with his barrel of beer. (pic by Charlie Kearton)Craig Laurie of match sponsor Lawman Brewing Co. presents man of the match JJ McNair with his barrel of beer. (pic by Charlie Kearton)
Craig Laurie of match sponsor Lawman Brewing Co. presents man of the match JJ McNair with his barrel of beer. (pic by Charlie Kearton)

A short while later, Zak Davies scored a second Cumbernauld try which he converted to give the home side a 12-7 lead.

But Helensburgh were awarded a penalty on the half-hour mark and the sides went in 12-10 at the break.

Five minutes into the second half, Helensburgh got their second try, but the kick was charged down and the score was now 15-12.

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The topsy turvy encounter continued when, just on the hour mark, Davies added his second try.

This one was unconverted, but the Badgers were back in front at 17-15 and this time they would stay there.

Five minutes from the end Kenny Molekoa scored a great try and this time Zak Davies made no mistake to make the final score 24-15.

The club would like to thank sponsors Lawman Brewing Company for their support, and their keg of beer was awarded to man of the match JJ McNair.

Next week’s game is at home against Millbrae, and the club would ask for another good turnout of supporters.

Kick-off is 3pm.