Hat-trick of Scottish titles for junior Pirates
Team come from behind to beat Highland Wildcats
Comeback wins are always special, but even more so when it helps you win the league title.
And that’s exactly how things transpired for East Kilbride Pirates’ junior team last week in Inverness, as they came from behind to beat Highland Wildcats and claim a third consecutive Scottish championship.
The Wildcats sprung straight out of the traps, scoring on a 47-yard run by Alex Roberts on the game’s first play.
EK’s first drive stalled but the Pirates defence quickly regained possession when Elliot Sorbie recovered a fumble created by Ben Gallacher.
The turn over was quickly converted into points with a 37-yard pass from Scott McKigen to Struan Bailey. McKigen also ran in the 2-point conversion for an 8-6 lead.
Wildcats’ reply was brief, lasting just one play as Ben Hewitt pulled in the interception. EK again punished their opponent’s carelessness when McKigen and Bailey connected for a second TD, this time from 15 yards.
A succession of penalties on the 2PAT try moved the Pirates back towards midfield, and it was no surprise when the attempt eventually came up short.
There was little chance for either team to gain any momentum in the second quarter as yet more flags constantly interrupted the flow of the game.
However, late in the period, the home side narrowed the deficit on a 20-yard pass from James MacLean to Lewis Hilditch. The conversion attempt failed, leaving the score sitting on 12-14 at the interval.
After a scoreless third period, the encounter burst into life in the final quarter. Firstly, Jack Cochrane ran in an 18-yard TD to pad the Pirates’ lead, only for the Wildcats to respond with a six-yard run by Rory Grant restoring the differential to just two points.
EK finally sealed the victory with a 28-yard run by Rory Hutton. McKigen also ran in the 2PAT to end the scoring at 18-28. The game ended on a Declan Kelly interception that he appeared to be going to return for six points, only for him to step out of bounds at the one-yard line.
The next challenge for the Juniors sees them face Chester Romans on Sunday.