Kilmarnock continued their perfect start to the West Region League Division One campaign despite a sub-par performance in a 40-28 win over Strathaven, writes Riordan Craig.
For the first time this season Killie were second best on the pitch in the first half as they struggled to break down a well-drilled Strathaven side and went into the break on the wrong end of a 14-12 scoreline.
The visitors started significantly better in the second half as they managed to turn the deficit around quickly, but the hosts were still threatening and looked good to claim a losing bonus point at least before a late Kilmarnock try completed the scoring and rounded out the 12-point victory.
The win makes it eight on the bounce to start the league campaign but they’ll have to produce a much better display on Saturday as they host second-placed Lenzie in a clash at Bellsland that has all the potential to be a cracker.
Kilmarnock, for once, were slow out of the gates. Strathaven started the game strongly, pinning the league leaders in their own half.
The visitors eventually broke through and after some good defending from Strathaven, Ross Murray got the opening try of the game to make it 5-0 against the run of play. The conversion from Josh Cooper was wide.
Kilmarnock’s lead didn’t last long, however, as Strathaven got the try they deserved for a bright opening to the contest 10 minutes later, with their conversion being successful as they got their noses in front at 7-5.
Killie struggled against the constant pressure from their hosts, and it was only a matter of time before they got another try.
Strathaven got their reward as they extended their lead by breaking through the Kilmarnock defence. Once again, the conversion was good to give them a 14-5 advantage.
That seemed to be the message Killie needed as, following some amazing defending from their hosts, they were able to charge over the line thanks to Toby Buchanan with Cooper’s successful kick making it a two-point game at 14-12 to Strathaven, which was how the first half ended.
After the interval, it was a much improved display from Killie early on as they turned the game on its head with a couple of quick scores.
Substitute Victor Murray restored Kilmarnock’s lead quickly, with Cooper adding the extra two points before a line out led to them getting another.
Calum Smith got the ball and touched down over the line with Cooper once again converting to make it 26-14 for the away side – the largest lead either team enjoyed during the thrilling contest.
However, Strathaven were not done yet. They quickly got forward and managed to get past the Killie defence for their third try of the afternoon to cut the gap to five points.
Kilmarnock were able to deal with the pressure and keep possession in the Strathaven half, winning scrums, and conceding a penalty all in the home side’s half.
A well-worked move ended with Mark Boyle getting a try with Cooper’s boot once again opening the lead to 12 points – only for Strathaven to promptly answer back as they secured a bonus point with their fourth try and keep themselves within touching distance at 33-28 as the clock continued to wind down.
Following a few scrums, Kilmarnock got in behind the Strathaven defence and were able to create some more breathing space as Buchanan grabbed his second try of the game – and Killie’s sixth.
Cooper’s conversion moved the score along to 40-28 with the battling hosts unable to set up a thrilling finale as the Kilmarnock defence held firm to secure an away win and keep their impressive run of form going.