Cumbernauld off to a winning star

Cumbernauld started off the new season in fine fettle by running up six tries against a stuffy Strathendrick outfit.

After some early incursions into the home team’s half, Cumbernauld responded by scoring a penalty from a scrum infringement. This followed a good break by hooker Craig Gough and was converted by full back Andrew Reid. This was quickly followed by two tries, the first scored by prop Alan Durson after captain Jordan Reid intercepted a Strathendrick pass.

The second try came in 23 minutes when Ruaridh Clark took a crash ball from a quick penalty and scored under the posts. Both these tries were converted by Andrew Reid. Five minutes before half-time a Cumbernauld lineout take developed into a driving maul and second row Ian Hepburn claimed his first try of the season to make the half time score 17-0.

Cumbernauld reinforced their superiority at the start of the second half when centre Martin Wallace, sporting the latest in head protection gear, took a back-handed pass from Ruaridh to score in the corner for the fourth, thus earning Cumbernauld a bonus point.

Cumbernauld then rang the changes with Barry McLaughlin, Alan McLeod, Nick Richardson and Scott West coming on as replacements. However, Strathendrick were not a spent force and scored a try in quick reply. Craig Gough then had to be replaced by Scott Henderson as a result of injury but this did little to inhibit Cumbernauld as Grant Cowie scored in the corner following a short penalty quickly taken by Jordan Reid. However, Strathendrick again eplied in kind by scoring a converted try before “Minty” Wallace put the icing on the cake with a late try to make the final score 37-12 to the blacks.

Director of rugby Drew Reid, was delighted with the score and the overall display of the home team.

“This was a solid start to the new season and getting a bonus point certainly helps. However, we will come up against sterner opposition in the weeks ahead.”

Drew also named Marc Birnie as “man-of-the-match” and stated “Thanks also have to go to our two main sponsors Cowie Engineering and Reigart Demolition for their on-going support.

Their sponsorship makes it possible to buy new strips and posts and provide a very valuable physiotherapy service”.

Cumbernauld’s next game is away to Garnock on Saturday, September 7. Players are reminded that training will be held at Auchenkilns on Tuesday (with Claire the physiotherapist available) and Thursday at 6.45 for 7 p.m.