The days before this match had a feeling similar to that at the start of the season; it had been seven weeks since the 1st XV had last played a competitive match. There was no doubt that the squad was ready for the game but would the weeks of having no match practice have an effect?

The starting XV selected was very much along the usual lines with the exception of the front row. Finn Walford, usually a 2nd or back row player was in at loosehead. Dougie Duff returned at scrum half having supplied the local area with Christmas trees. Angus North was also in the starting line-up after his ankle injury at Carrick and had not missed a match.

When these two sides met at Kilmacolm on a sunny afternoon in September, it was the visitors who came away with the points. Since then, Birkmyre have won four games out of five to sit in 5th place in the league. There was no doubt that they would be keen to continue that run and crack the ‘Endrick unbeaten league record.

Immediately prior to the match both sides and the spectators took part in a one minute applause to the memory of our fellow clubmate and junior team coach David Buckley who was tragically killed in a Christmas Day road traffic collision.

In racing parlance the going would be described as “soft” which would test the fitness of both sides. The pitch however was in very good condition and ideal for rugby.

Right from the start ‘Endrick dominated the game and when a Birkmyre clearance kick failed to find touch Ruairi Doyle gathered to head towards the try line, having drawn the last defender he offloaded to the supporting Ben Gibson who made the touchdown. Fergus Brown added two points with a kick from the touchline. Only one minute played!

The scoreboard was moving again two minutes later when Finn Walford made a big tackle holding the ball carrier off the ground where Angus North stripped the ball. He then sped off to record the 2nd try of the day which Fergus converted.

‘Endrick now had almost total control and with nine minutes played scored from a scrum with a No8 pick up and two passes to Charlie Walker who sped clear for try three. Fergus again added the two points. On the 15-minute mark ‘Endrick secured the try bonus point when a loose kick from the under pressure Birkmyre defence was collected on the left wing, the ball moved through several pairs of supporting hands ending up on the right wing and with Angus Morrison. In the final 30m to the try line Angus stepped inside the scrambling defence and sped to the goal line to score at the posts giving Fergus another two points.

In the remaining 25 minutes of the 1st half, ‘Endrick scored a further four tries. Angus North 21 minutes, James Cuthbertson 23 minutes, Angus Morrison 28 minutes and Finn Walford 38 minutes. Fergus converted 3 of the scores.

Half time score – Strathendrick 54 – 0 Birkmyre

From the break changes were made to the on-field squad, the coach clearly with an eye to next week’s match. ‘Endrick continued to keep the scoreboard operator (Kerr McMillan) busy as two minutes into the half Dougie Duff completed his now trademark dummy and run for an unconverted try. Five minutes later ‘Endrick completed a lineout catch and drive for a McKinlay Paterson try with Fergus conversion. On 53 minutes Craig Mundell appeared on an almost perfect line to race clear for the 11th try of the day again converted by Fergus, four minutes after that Fergus placed a cross kick perfectly into the hands of winger Morgan Lamb who simply collected and sped to the try line for another converted score.

In the next 12 minutes Birkmyre showed great spirit and continually pushed for a score as they enjoyed a spell on the ‘Endrick 5m line. As the home side felt the pressure and fell into the old habit of conceding penalties, they might have been considered fortunate to avoid a yellow card for repeated infringements. From a tap penalty Birkmyre made another of their charges and from the ruck moved the ball towards the left wing only to see the final pass intercepted by Drew McColl-Smith who covered the remaining 95m in double quick time, this score was unconverted.

The final try of the day went to Scott Donaldson on his return from a long absence following injury. This one Fergus converted. The play clock suggested that there was five minutes of the 80 remaining as the referee signaled full time.

‘Endrick had scored 14 tries and 11 conversions in a quality display of running rugby which most certainly blew away any cobwebs which lurked following the seven weeks off.

Full time score – Strathendrick 92 – 0 Birkmyre

The Duff Christmas Trees Man of the Match was awarded to first time prop Finn Walford perhaps in a big way due to a first half run when he sold two outrageous dummies.

A word for Birkmyre who displayed a great sprit on what proved to be a difficult day, they continued to make tough tackles and appeared to engage in and enjoy the after-match rituals.

Next week ‘Endrick will be tested again in a top of the table clash as they travel to Stranraer to face Wigtownshire. Kick off at 2.00pm. It’s a long way to go but all support is welcomed.
CJ