East Kilbride Pirates made a winning return to action after a two-year absence on Sunday with victory over Edinburgh Wolves.
In their first outing since the pandemic hit, the Pirates ran out 14-0 winners in the clash played at GHA Rugby Club in Giffnock and not even torrential weather conditions could dampen the spirits of the players, coaches, staff and the socially distant sell-out crowd of 250 fans, who have longed for their sport to return.
It certainly wasn’t raining touchdowns, however, with the sides locked level at 0-0 by half-time, following a stoppage in the second quarter for thunder.
But in Q3 EK native and quarterback Neil Baptie found receiver Antonio Capasso for the score, with Scott McDonald kicking the extra point.
In the closing few minutes of the game, Baptie took the ball over the line himself from two yards out. McDonald’s kick sealed the 14-0 win over a side who beat the Pirates twice when they were relegated from the top flight in 2018.
There was also a special moment for young lineman Lewis Smith, from Caldermill near Strathaven, as he picked up his first-ever MVP prize. He joined the club’s sister side Hamilton Buccaneers at the age of 13 and rose up through the Pirates’ under-19 side to make the senior side.
After victory in their BAFA National League Caledonia opener – their first game since August 2019 – delighted Pirates head coach Jamie McLaughlin said: “‘We’re delighted to take the win and keep momentum going from our turnaround year in 2019.
“Edinburgh are a physical side with good size but we looked really strong in all three phases and more than earned the scoreline.”
Next up are Inverclyde Goliaths on Sunday, kicking off at 4pm at GHA. Tickets must be bought online before the game.
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