Title hopes dealt big blow in Bishopbriggs
EK have it all to do as Glens gain revenge for cup defeat
ALLAN GLENS ......................................... 24 EAST KILBRIDE .......................................... 8 A disappointing showing in Bishopbriggs dealt East Kilbride Rugby Club’s promotion hopes a heavy, potentially terminal, blow on Saturday.
This was EK’s first game since success in the Shield Final against the same opponents six weeks back, but the inevitable rust was far from the only factor in the defeat.
EK did many things well, particularly around the set piece and in the hard running of their backline, but were consistently unable to maintain pressure on their hosts despite having plenty of possession.
Often, the ball was kicked away on either aimless long bombs or shorter efforts aimed at outflanking Glens’ excellent rush defence, but which were not regathered.
The other issue was an inability to retain the ball during the contact phase, which not only immediately eased pressure on the home defence but also gave them an opportunity to launch counter attacks through their pacy backline.
Perhaps the most annoying aspect of the afternoon for East Kilbride’s travelling support was that a poor start, 10-0 down at the end of the first quarter, was recovered through a Jono Ford try and a Scott Shankie penalty.
EK looked to be in the ascendancy but from this point on repeatedly shot themselves in the foot.
As the league tables were updated late Saturday afternoon, it showed EK having lost three times from eight outings with only four bonus points, which pretty much means that they are looking at maintaining a 100 per cent record from now on to take the title.
As things stand, each of Kilmarnock, Stewartry, Glens and Garnock are all better placed than EK, and the chances of all four frittering their advantage away do not look good.
This Saturday, lowly Irvine are the visitors to Torrance House, kick-off 2pm.
TEAM: 1. Mclellan, 2. Jaap, 3. E. Beaton, 4. Irvine, 5. Rosie, 6. O’Neill, 7. R. Beaton, 8. Middleton, 9. Ellison, 10. McKinnon, 11. Greenfield, 12. Shankie, 13. Stott, 14. I. Brown, 15. Murray.
Replacements: Ford, McLean, McGibbon and Dryburgh.