IN the toughest test of the season to date Whitecraigs showed their title-winning credentials as they smashed their way to victory.

Perfect playing conditions and a boisterous crowd ensured a masterclass in fast, flowing rugby from both teams.

In a tense opening period both sides tried to work each other out but it was hosts Lenzie that started the stronger.

A silly penalty in front of the posts gave Lenzie the first points of the day but ‘Craigs soon hit back.

Slow ball from a ruck gave Little no option but to try an audacious chip over the top – with his weaker left foot – which Savage pounced on to send the travelling support into raptures.

But the teams continued to nullify each other and a kicking exchange ensued to send Whitecraigs into the break leading by just four points.

Nerves were jangling after the restart with a strong Lenzie team starting to get the upper hand.

But it was the mercurial Little who again produced a moment of magic to ease the tension of the afternoon.

A perfectly weighted cross-field kick into the arms of Kemp let the winger over for a score and stretched the lead to 6-18.

This try seemed to deflate the hosts and by now ‘Craigs had their swagger back and went hunting for an almost unimaginable bonus point.

And it was full-back Fisher that delivered the goods with a brace of tries in the closing stages to end the scoring at 6-30.

Head coach Jim Henderson said: “Both sides came to play rugby and it was a credit to both of them that the crowd enjoyed 80 minutes of flowing rugby.

“The work of our forwards right up to the end was for me a real credit to them – they harried, tackled and drove throughout the match.

“Whitecraigs are going forward and I’m looking for fit youngsters from Barrhead, Neilston and the surrounding areas to come and join in the fun.”

Team: Laidlaw, B. Blamire, McCormick, Pollock, H. Hunter, N. Blamire, K. Hunter, Smylie, Henderson, Little, Savage, Moffat, Hutton, Kemp, Fisher. Subs: McKelvie, Stevenson, Walker.