East Kilbride...52 Cumnock...19
East Kilbride Rugby Club overcame a sluggish start to progress to the first round proper with an ultimately comfortable victory over Cumnock in their West Shield tie.
Allan Steel’s troops completed a league double over the Ayrshire side last season but boosted by an influx of juniors from last year’s decent under-18 side, Cumnock have turned into a tougher out than when East Kilbride ran in 97 points against them in March.
Cumnock had the benefit of a competitive outing last week while EK’s game with Garnock had been postponed, and it was the visitors who opened the scoring at Torrance House.
Very quickly though East Kilbride woke up and had tries on the board by the half from Grant Dryburgh (2) and captain Mark Ellison.
The lead grew as the second period progressed and at one point EK were 52-9 before Cumnock added some respectability to the scoreboard.
Aiden Stott was the chief beneficiary, claiming four tries to continue his scintillating early-season scoring streak.
Ultimately, the victory was nothing more than head coach Allan Steel would have expected, even with so many front line players unavailable.
Some initial teething problems at scrum time were eased when Jonno Ford switched from back row to front, and from this point the EK pack destroyed Cumnock.
There was further advantage gained from the switch as it allowed young Ally Marriott to display his mobility once the burden of scrummaging was removed from him.
The backs benefited from the calming presence of Stuart Henderson at stand-off, and his ability to mix up play allowed Stott in particular to run riot, even if some of his high-risk off-loads caused those on the sidelines to watch through their fingers.
East Kilbride now progress to play Garnock at home in round one of the Regional Shield on Saturday, September 28.
This Saturday East Kilbride get their league campaign underway when they host a Kilmarnock side who have two big wins from their first two games.
The action kicks-off at Torrance House at 3pm.
TEAM: 1. Marriott, 2. Mclellan, 3. E. Beaton, 4. Irvine, 5. Rosie, 6. J. Ford, 7. R. Beaton, 8. Thornton, 9. Ellison, 10. Henderson, 11. Ferguson, 12. Greenfield, 13. Stott, 14. Dryburgh, 15. M. Brown.
Replacements: Mason, Smith, Johnston and Steel.
