The elation of the previous week’s result had to be put away as the 1st XV moved on to the penultimate match in the league campaign. This week it was the joint venture that is Lomond/Helensburgh (L/H) who were the visitors and the target was a win which would continue the unbeaten streak of league matches.

With the respective league positions suggesting that the home side would start as favourites, the selection suggested that coach Eddie was taking this opportunity to rest a couple of regulars who might be nursing some pains and strains and introducing some who had been knocking on the door for a starting place over the recent weeks. Archie Symmonds was getting his debut start having only just cleared the age barrier at the tail of 2024 while Murray Calderwood had his 6th start of the season. In the backs Drew McCall Smith took advantage of the university holiday to start at no 15. The six players on the bench looked to be a strong option should they be required.

The visitors were facing the possibility of relegation needing to take, at least, seven points from their two remaining matches to avoid the drop to Division 3 – would they have the strength and ambition to make that happen?

The weather in the week leading into this match had softened the playing surface a change which was much welcomed by those who still carried the bruises from the Carrick game.

L/H got the game underway and, for the first two minutes had their defensive skills tested. The line held firm until Dougie Duff stepped through the defenders to score at the posts. As Fergus Brown made the conversion, ‘Endrick were off to a great start. As the home side dominated both possession and territory the scoreboard was moved on again as the clock passed 11 minutes – a series of passes along the back line ending in the hands of Finn Walford for a try in the corner. Fergus could not add the extra points.

Five minutes later Craig Mundell latched on to an impressively timed crash ball and stormed his way to the line to score at the posts. Fergus added the extras. Two minutes after that L/H were forced into a clearing kick which failed to find touch. Safely fielded, the ball was moved amongst the backs to finish with Findlay Kay who outpaced the last defenders to score behind the posts for a seven point score which also secured the bonus point.

‘Endrick now had full control with four further converted tries before half time. 22 minutes – Findlay Kay with his second try. 23 minutes – Ben Gibson after an impressive Angus Morrison run. 24 minutes – a sequence involving Angus Morrison, Ben Gibson and Finn Walford ended with Finn scoring his 2nd try of the day. 29 minutes – sleight of hand by Fergus Brown opened up sufficient space for him to by-pass the defence for try number 8.

Four minutes before the end of the half Angus Morrison was shown a yellow card for what was deemed to be a high tackle.

In the closing minutes of the half L/H enjoyed some possession close to the home side’s line but were denied every opportunity to score as the defence put on an impressive show. There was no more scoring before the passing of the first 40 minutes.

Half time score Strathendrick 54 – 0 Lomond/Helensburgh

Three minutes into the second half, ‘Endrick had a lineout on the half way line. From this the back line carried out a rehearsed move which put Findlay Kay in to round off his hat-trick. Having added the extra points Fergus left the field for a well deserved rest.

As the back line reshuffled a scrum offered the new line up the chance to impress and a series of accurate passes once again put Findlay Kay on his way to the line for a score which Drew McCall Smith (DMS) converted.

There were to be five further tries all converted either by DMS or Ben Anderson. 56 minutes DMS fielded a loose kick and made 60m to release Ben Gibson. 61 minutes – calmness along the L/H 5m line puts Ben Gibson in for his second of the day. 64 minutes – Angus North leaves the defence trailing. 72 minutes – ‘Endrick field an up-field kick and with two passes put Findlay Kay in for his 5th of the day. 78 minutes – the final try of the day as Ben Gibson sold the defence an outrageous dummy and cruised over for his 3rd try of the half.

The referee signalled full time. Final score Strathendrick 103 - 0 Lomond/ Helensburgh.

This win allowed the 1st XV to match the record of the 2’s with an unbeaten home record. It also moved the league points scored for the season to 1039 – an impressive total. Perhaps more impressive is the “points against” of 152 which is currently an average of less than 9 points conceded per match.

Sadly, for today’s opponents the result confirms that they will be competing in Division 3 next season. We wish them the best of luck and a swift return to Division 2.

Following the customary end of match rituals, the 2nd XV captain was presented with the plaque in recognition of their league win. Following that the trophy for the Arnold Clark West Region League Division 2 (Men’s) was presented to 1st XV co-captains Stevie Taylor and Murray Calderwood.

With a five try haul, Findlay Kay was nominated as Duff Christmas Tree Farm Strathendrick Player of the Match.

The final league match of the season, at which Strathendrick will be determined to secure their unbeaten league record, takes place at Stranraer next Saturday when they face Wigtownshire. The opponents that day will be looking for a five point win which would see them finish one point above Carrick, any other result would see the ‘Shire play next season in Division 2. Any supporters who might wish to make the trip can travel on the bus – contact any 1st team player for details.

CJ