Endrick victory in thrilling encounter

STRATHENDRICK .................... 26 KILMARNOCK .......................... 23

Endrick held on for the win in a thrilling encounter which saw the lead change hands five times.

In spite of strong wind and heavy rain the players provided an exciting match.

The home side went ahead when Michael O’Connell dotted down for the opening try with four minutes played but Killie came back with a penalty and added to their score when their centre raced through for a converted try at the posts and a 10-5 lead.

There was nothing between the sides after that as defences held and almost 40 minutes were up when the scoreboard next changed. In the last play of the half Endrick won a series of penalties in the Kilmarnock 22 and opted for a scrum five metres from the line, which led to pushover try which was converted for a 12-10 lead at the break.

Killie regained the advantage with a penalty but Endrick rallied and had a long spell of pressure which kept play in the visitors’ 22. Kilmarnock knocked on near the line and Endrick again drove the five-metre scrum over for James Ogilvy to touch down and Kyle Campbell to convert, regaining the lead at 19-13.

Five minutes later there was a scrum in the Killie 22 and a quick delivery went out wide for a fourth try, converted by Kyle Campbell to make it 26-13.

The visitors scored two unconverted tries but Endrick put up the shutters to play out the remaining minutes.

Endrick 2nds played a 14-14 draw against Hillhead/Jordanhill 2As.

On Saturday Endrick are away to Dalziel in a league match. The 2nds are away to Carrick 2nds. Both kick-offs are 2pm.