Strathendrick show no let up in league title bid

Strathendrick stretched their lead at the top of BT West League Three when they defeated secondplaced Uddingston 29-19 at Bothwell Castle Policies on Saturday.

It was the first match of 2017 for both sides and when the whistle went to start this vital encounter the teams tore into each other with purpose, resolve and no-little skill, knowing how vital the match was.

The two sides were well matched, playing a similar style of rugby and – given the damp, overcast and rather muddy conditions – mistakes were few and possession looked to be key. For the first 15 minutes the home side had a slight edge, driving up the pitch and releasing their backs after a few phases but the Endrick defence held firm and there was little between the teams.

Something special was going to be required to break the deadlock. It was duly delivered after 25 minutes when the Endrick pack – who performed well all afternoon - drove up the park before the ball was fed out to Angus North. Joining the line at full pelt, he pierced the home defence for the opening try out wide. Kyle Campbell’s difficult conversion attempt hit the post and stayed out.

The battle resumed but it was not until the last move of the half that Ewan McKay spotted the home defence stretched at a ruck and picked up the ball to charge through for a try converted by Campbell.

Immediately after the haf-time interval, Murray Calderwood celebrated his 21st birthday by emulating his veteran second row partner in racing over to make the score 17-0.

The home team notched their first points of the day when Chris King scored an unconverted try but two tries in quick succession sealed the win for the Fintry men - and landed an all-important bonus point as well.

Ruaridh Doyle, who had an outstanding game in attack and defence, evaded defenders at a scrum and ran 50 metres before he was hauled down. But a couple of phases later player coach Neil Callander went bullocking over.

Endrick attacked again from the kick-off. They drove the home pack backwards at a scrum and good team interplay created an opportunity for winger Jack Carswell to wriggle over in the corner to make the game safe at 29-5.

Uddingston weren’t finished and on 70 minutes, as Endrick started to throw the ball about, right winger Gavin Kidd intercepted a loose pass to speed through for a try which was converted by King.

A few minutes later, but with the clock running down, Neil Fox delighted the home team supporters by scoring a third try and the conversion by King made it 29-19.

However the Strathendrick defence held firm to deny their rivals any bonus point.

Endrick remain at the top of the table with 60 points and five games to play. Uddingston are still in second place six points behind and with one fewer game to play. Loch Lomond are in third place with 48 points and have played the same number of games as Endrick.

On Saturday Endrick are away to Strathaven in a league fixture starting at 2pm.