South West Warriors v Glasgow Giants

Wednesday 11^th August – Cumnock RFC  - 7pm KO

The first pathway match (training match) of the year kicked off in Cumnock on Wednesday night.   It was a final chance for the 2 squads to finish preparations before the 2 selection festivals over the next 2 weeks.  The summer continued as drizzle fell on the pitch and the night loomed in towards the end of the match – but the players were full of enthusiasm and showed the numerous crowd some expansive rugby and glimpses of excellent running and passing.

Through the first third of 20 minutes – it was obvious that the players were coming back from pre-season and rusty handling and a messy breakdown slowed the match.  Eventually the Warriors midfield trio looked to break down a dogged Giants defence, but attack after attack broke down at the breakdown as the Giants back row asserted there authority with numerous turn-overs.   It was the Giants that eventually put together some phases and through some excellent handling found loose-head Ben White outwide – he crashed through the cover defence and scored in the corner.

Almost immediately the Warriors came back at the Giants and from third phase Gavin  Lowe received the ball at 1^st receiver, dummied and stepped through the defence, rounded the full back and impressively touched down under the posts.  The match was in full swing now and overlaps and mis-matches were being executed better, both teams having attacking opportunities.  It was the Giants that eventually broke through and Duncan Carsewell crashed over from close range.  The Warriors exerted pressure on the Giants, but with most of their attacks breaking down it looked like the match might peter out.  It was Gavin Lowe that created a break down the blindside and fed wing Jordan Dreary who finished clinically next to the corner flag.

With the match evenly balanced the time looked almost up.  Another messy breakdown led to the Giants winning  a penalty which they moved through the hands right across the pitch – Robbie Bayne received the ball in the 5metre channel and pushed past the cover defence to cross in the corner. 

The rematch this Sunday will be even more interesting now!!   The U16 selection festival takes place at Cartha QP on Sunday 15^th August from 12pm to 3pm – everyone welcome to watch.   Thanks must go to all the players, parents, coaches and especially Cumnock Rugby Club for hosting the match & the Warriors program.

South West Warriors:  L. Wallace, J. Deary, A. Mill, L. Glass, B. Cooper, G. Lowe, R. Bottomley, D. Ellis, O. Rossi, S. Goodwin, S. Cree, K. Tennet, A. Paxton, T. Buxley, M. Robinson, C. Goldie, M. Crombie, A. Cunningham, G. Baird, R. Hunter-Blair

Glasgow Giants: L. Milton, T. Buchanan, D. Carsewell, G. Thomson, C. Thomson, G. Swankie, R. Blackwood, B. White, S. Young, A. Miller, J. Watson, E. Bulger, B. McCarte, A. Ward, G. Campbell, T. McMurtrie, M. Winters, S. Anwan, D. Connell, R. Bayne, G. Davidson, J. Slater