Rugby: EK in for the kill –
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Allan Steel hailed East Kilbride for showing a killer instinct against bottom dogs Helensburgh as they racked up a seven-try victory on their travels.
The Torrance House gaffer was thrilled to see his side overcome tricky conditions to notch their tenth win of the season as Callum Aitken (2), Ellison, Shankie, Murray, Mclellan and Roddy Beaton all crossed the line for the visitors.
And he reckons the EK of old would have lacked the desire to finish their opponents off in such empathic style.
He said: “There has been a real change in attitude from the team to go and press home a win when we get in the lead.
“In seasons past, they would have been happy to sit on a 20-point lead but they’ve got a real killer instinct now and I was pleased to see them go and get more tries.
“Both teams started well and it was a good bit of anticipation from Ritchie Murray that got the scoreboard going.
“After the first 20 minutes, we cut down on the mistakes we were making, mainly due to the conditions, and we started playing how we wanted.
“In the second half the wind was behind us and we used that to our advantage. The guys were focused on adding to our tally and they got the job done.
“We got the bonus point wrapped up and even when Helensburgh were pushing to get on the scoreboard near the end, there was a great determination in the side to keep them out.
“We’ve struggled a lot against the teams at the bottom of the table this season, but I feel that’s us turned a corner with a few big wins against the teams below us recently.”
Helensburgh should have been relegated last season only to be spared by league reconstruction but they are all but gone this time round.
The paucity of the opposition should not, though, detract from an impressive display in horrid conditions.
Playing into the wind and rain in the first 40 minutes, East Kilbride kept the ball tight and looked to rumble up the park utilising their powerful pack.
In the second period they were able to be a little more expansive and the back three of Haggerty, Brown and Ellison saw as much of the ball as they have all season.
The EK forwards were completely dominant at both scrum and line-out, enjoying their easiest afternoon of the season here.
The only real criticism levelled at them was that there was a tendency to get carried away and eschew the pass in favour of attempting to trample an opponent, and as a consequence a good number of try-scoring opportunities were wasted.
However, Steel was delighted with the display of 17-year-old Connor Wilson after he bossed the game on his first EK start.
“Connor has come off the bench a few times, but this was the first time he’s started and he did really well,” said Steel.
“He had a couple of nervy moments at the start but after the first 15 minutes he looked right at home and was by far our best player on the pitch.
“He looked like he’d been playing in the team for ages.
“The boys haven’t been training much because of the weather, but they all went about their business excellently.”
This Saturday EK travel to Stewartry, kick-off 3pm.
TEAM: Mclellan, Anderson, E Beaton (c), Dalgleish, Irvine, Wilson, R Beaton, Rosie, Stott, Murray, Haggerty, Shankie, Simpson, Brown, Ellison. Replacements: C. Aitken, G. Blackwood, Greenfield and E. Aitken.
Meanwhile, a young reserve side, bolstered by a strong contingent from the Under-18’s, lost 22-14 at Dalziel.
Tries went to Richard Bannerman and Mark Donnachie with Grant Dryburgh converting both.