This was ‘Endrick’s final league fixture of the 23/24 season and might possibly be their most difficult as they travelled to Bishopton with a squad of only 19 players to face a side who last week had secured promotion, scoring 103 points in the process and conceding none! They were also likely to move on to West League Division 1 as champions as only one win from the two remaining matches was required to take the title. Congratulations to all those involved at Bishopton who have surprised quite a few teams this season with their performances and results.

‘Endrick kicked off and immediately conceded possession as the ball carried out on the full. Bishopton elected for the scrum and pressed for a score – the visiting defence was however resolute. When ‘Endrick were penalised for not releasing after four minutes, Bishopton kicked the penalty for a 3 point lead. After 10 minutes it was ‘Endrick who scored a penalty, Findlay Kay converting the award. From here it was the visitors who looked the most likely to score as they controlled territory and possession. A second penalty was missed 14 minutes played but still ‘Endrick pressed for more points – they were successful on 16 minutes when Charlie Walker outstripped the home defence for a try which was converted by Findlay Kay to give ‘Endrick a 7 point lead. This clearly was not what Bishopton had scripted and they picked up their game and pressed towards the ‘Endrick line. When awarded a penalty they took a tap and set up a drive towards the try line, repeating the exercise a couple of times before finally crossing for a try which when converted tied the score at 10 points all.

The game was heading towards half time with, perhaps, the older members of the ‘Endrick side watching the clock looking for a 5 minute rest. On the 38 minute mark Bishopton had a line out 5 metres from the ‘Endrick line and executed a rehearsed catch and drive for a converted score.

Half time score: Bishopton 17 – Strathendrick 5

Bishopton took little time to add to their points as the 2nd half began scoring an unconverted try in the 44th minute. The visitors continued to play catch up and Finn Walford crossed for a good score in which several players played a part, a break on the right wing and a score on the left side of the pitch. The kick was missed and the score was now 22 – 15.

Next moment of note was in the 65th minute when try scorer Finn Walford fell foul of the referee’s interpretation and was shown a yellow card. From this award Bishopton elected to scrummage and succeeded with a push over for a converted try.

Just two minutes later Bishopton were awarded another penalty and kicked for goal to add 3 points to their total.

In the last 14 minutes of the match there was no further scoring and the match ended with ‘Endrick camped on the Bishopton line which could not be crossed.

At full time it was Bishopton who were celebrating the win, which gave them the title of League Winners. Congratulations from all at Strathendrick and best of luck in Division 1.

Final score: Bishopton 32 Strathendrick 15

The performance of the ‘Endrick team was impressive, especially after the 21st celebrations the night before which were enjoyed by several players. Big thanks to those who filled the replacements places at short notice.

The coming week is a busy one at Fintry as on Thursday night the AGM takes place in the clubhouse starting at 8.30pm – a good turnout of members across all groups is asked for. Then, on Friday evening the U20,s play. After that, next Saturday , 4th May is the awards day for junior rugby players followed by the Captain’s XV v President’s XV annual fixture. To finish off the Saturday the Annual Club Dinner will take place, in the Clubhouse, starting at 7.00pm – tickets are still available – all members and supporters are encouraged to support this event.

CJ