18th November, 2007 - Home - Whitecraigs v Cumnock and Cumbernauld
Whitecraigs (P6) vs Cumbernauld (P6)
Cumbernauld turned up in low numbers, but made their presence felt on the field and, with a little help from Cumnock’s boys to match our numbers, the game was off to a flying start.
Whitecraigs were pinned in there own half for much of the first period of play and the quick handling and impressive organisation of Cumbernauld soon had the blues under the cosh with some good fast tries.
There were moments of good defending by Whitecraigs but a lacklustre performance with little penetration made frustrating spectating.
Second period of play was much the same as the first, even with a change of players to bring on fresh legs.
Cumbernauld have to be congratulated on their standard of rugby and the gallant way they triumphed over Whitecraigs.
A consolation try at the other end for Whitecraigs was the highlight for the home boys who have to be credited with their efforts
Stuart Boyd, P6 Coach and Reporter
More details to follow.
Arlene Rennie, Micro & Mini Convenor
11th November, 2007 - Away @ Kilmarnock
Unfortunately this game was cancelled due to water logged pitches at Kilmarnock.
Next match; 18th November 2007 - Home Game. Visitors; Cumnock and Cumbernauld
Arlene Rennie, Micro & Mini Convenor
7th October 2007 - Away @ Hillhead/Jordanhill
Hillhead/Jordanhill
The contrast from when last we visited Hillhead/Jordanhill is not just the fact that it wasn’t horizontal sleet in a gale force wind, but the wind of change from the way Whitecraigs applied themselves to this match.
It was always going to be a tough fought encounter, but all credit to our lads who stood up to a very well organised Hillhead/Jordanhill team who are slightly further advanced in their game plays than some of our boys.
Early play saw some in-fighting amongst the Hillhead/Jordanhill squad as Whitecraigs continually broke down their forward moves. However, that was short lived and in quick time Hillhead/Jordanhill had nosed in front.
Strong rucking and fast wide play brought another try against Whitecraigs, but that spurred them on and gritty determination paid off midway through the first half with a try.
The longer the half went on the better the play from Whitecraigs and good passing moves and presenting of the ball worked wonders with a equalising try to close the first half level at 2 a piece.
Hillhead/Jordanhill brought on fresh legs for the second half but didn’t stop the forward momentum of Whitecraigs continuing good passing and defensive play. Hillhead/Jordanhill hit a purple patch against the run of play to score two tries in quick succession for a deserved lead. Again, Whitecraigs dragged themselves into the game a saw it level again for the second time in the match five minute from the final whistle.
Best was yet to come with a final push by Whitecraigs into the autumn sunshine to score the winning try.
Final Score Hillhead/Jordanhill 4 - Whitecraigs 5
Cartha
After a delayed start by Cartha, who turned up in numbers, they were soon applying their full force against Whitecraigs and we folded to their better organised set plays. Perhaps the slight advantage in size and stature gave them the edge, but that was no excuse for giving away soft tries in a now very familiar pitch.
In a blistering first half no less than four tries by Cartha put them in a commanding lead. Whitecraigs hit back with a consolation try towards the end of the first half, but the heads were down and the clouds of doubt were rolling in at the close of the first half.
Second half started brightly for both sides and a clash of heads from two Cartha players saw a quick change in personnel. That gave Whitecraigs a bit of respite and the transformation in the side was momentous. Great teamwork resulted in a good try straight through the packs, followed by another try wide left. Confidence on a high Whitecraigs continued the good open play and committed to tackle after tackle and held Cartha at bay. Cartha broke out for a try using the flanks, but that didn’t shake Whitecraigs and their newfound insurgence resulted in another try, but the clock was ticking down.
A tap on near to the Cartha line saw one final push from Whitecrags and the game was level right on the final whistle.
It might have levelled the scores, but the rapturous applause form the visiting support said it all for the boys in blue. Don’t call them the come back kids just yet.
Final Score Whitecraigs 5 – Cartha 5
Stuart Boyd, P6 Coach and Reporter
Next match; 11th November 2007 - Away @ Kilmarnock
Arlene Rennie, Micro & Mini Convenor
30th September 2007 - Away @ Paisley
Some great work getting forward and running at the opposition especially by the newer players resulted in Whitecraigs winning 7-2.
Try Scorers were Luke (3) Jack (2) Matthew (1) David (1) I think!
The tries resulted from some good work by Whitecraigs pressing Paisley on their own line and a couple of good interceptions.
Some great tackling again especially from the newer children prevented a couple of certain tries from Paisley.
Only one half played during which Whitecraigs ran in 7 tries to 2 from Paisley.
Special mention to Fraser for an uncharacteristic outburst at the Referee following Paisley blatantly targeting the ball. Such outbursts are obviously not something to be encouraged!!!
Neil MacDougall, P4 Coach
On a day when you expect the sun to be lower in the sky and spectators wrapped up to an early autumn chill, this Sunday was more like high summer with the bright sun and gleaming faces of the players keen to run out any rusty play on the visitors’ patch.
Whitecraigs Minis turned out in numbers to enjoy a warm welcome from Paisley, who did not match the numbers of Whitecraigs, but what they lacked in numbers made up for in their packs’ size, vigour and enthusiasm.
A rolling 10 minute run out for Whitecraigs boys in sevens, saw each play take on a different dimension with mixed ages from P5 to P7 participating.
In a wide pitch surrounded by spectating parents the play was open from both sets of players and the referee stamping his authority on the game from early on.
Whitecraigs got off to a flying start with a well worked try wide on the right to put Paisley on the back foot.
Paisley didn’t take light of this, and soon worked their way back into the game with good passing and dogged determination. Although some frustration was beginning to show with playing against a mixed age group.
Another try from Whitecraigs in they latter part of the first period of play saw them comfortably ahead.
Rollover of players saw fresh legs ready for another push on Paisley, resulting in another try to put them 3 up.
Paisley fought back with their not so small back charging through the pack as if aroused by Mel Gibson on the scene of Braveheart. Braveheart indeed, and an easy try, Paisley were back in the game.
Good defending from Paisley warded off the good movement by Whitecraigs, but fell to a sucker counter attack by Paisley resulting in another try for the home side.
A fair result on a fair sunny afternoon and some good warming hospitality from Paisley ended a good day for all.
Stuart Boyd, P6 Coach
The Views of the “Referee”.
It was with great in trepidation as I pulled into the car park at Paisley however my heart leapt with amount of Whitecraigs jerseys that met my eyes.
In total we had 10 P7s, 12 P6s plus three new guys, numbers mirrored in the P5sP4s. The dilemma for the coaches was who to play, what a great position to be in. On our pitch, Paul Gormley, decided in discussion with his Paisley counter part to play 10 minute halves with their P7/P6 team and our P7 alternating with P6.
This might have seemed a trifle harsh on Paisley, playing against a fresh team each time, however they rose to the challenge and as a parent prior to being a coach the standard was very high with quality tackling and passing from both teams.
If I could be given a little latitude for moment I was particularly encouraged to watch my son, Conor step up his game and put in some excellent tackles and present the ball to his team mates in creating a ruck. Others who stood out were Matthew Boyd who was making great inroads with his running, Ryan Truesdale and the usual suspects who began to appreciate the benefit of team work to achieve the ultimate prize.
Andrew MacIntyre was my man of the match with his new dynamic running forward and generally getting more involved and enjoying his rugby and team mates.
As the micro coach and sometimes P6s this was a real move forward in our development as a club with our sporting behaviour and attractive rugby for the travelling and home supporters.
Thanks to Paul and Stuart for their assistance and to the Paisley Boys too for keeping me right.
Play well, enjoy and have fun.
Mark Drummond, Micros & P6 Coach + 'Temporary' Referee (that's what you think)
Next match; 7th October 2007 - Away @ Hillhead/Jordanhill
Arlene Rennie, Micro & Mini Convenor
3rd June 2007 - End of season Fun Day @ Whitecraigs
Today, the Heavens opened and the pitches started to flood, but nevertheless the children and parents turned up.
We had a few games of 'rugby' of sorts, with a taste of Aussie Rules thrown in. The players were a very mixed bunch with all of the Mini and Midi coaches participating along with children from P3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and S1.
The children had a great time rolling in the mud and tackling their coaches. It's amazing that the coaches were still standing by the end as they were certainly targeted.
After the fun in the rain, we moved up to the clubhouse for the presentation of medals, bags, plaques, certificates and trophies. All Whitecraigs players received a royal blue shoe bag. These had been kindly supplied by one of our parents and coach, David McCormick. They also received their skills certificates and all registered players received a certificate and medal for commitment to rugby and the club. All of our P7 players received their trophies for them moving up to the Midi Section and they kindly agreed to pass on a small gift to the coaches for their time and dedication and for putting up with me!
Throughout the season, the coaches keep a mental note of all the children and how they play, support and commit. Therefore we decided to reward these children with plaques. The awards were given out to the following children;
P3: Coaches Award - David McCormick; Most Improved Player - Fraser MacDougall; Players Player - Christopher McCormick
P4: Coaches Award - Alexander Croke; Most Improved Player - Kyle McCormick; Players Player - Ewen Rennie
P5: Coaches Award - James Christie; Most Improved Player - Ryan Truesdale; Players Player - Stuart Gormley
P6: Coaches Award - Stuart Murchie; Most Improved Player - Michael Owen; Players Player - Kevin Carr
P7: Coaches Award - Jamie Mack; Most Improved Player - Stewart McGillivray; Players Player - Blair Cunningham
Craig McDougall, one of our P7 boys received the Long Term Player's Award of a Crystal Laser block depicting two rugby players and a little thank you poster from the 'Famous' whisky that is behind Scottish Rugby. Well Done Craig and thanks for the time you have dedicated to the Minis and I hope you enjoy your rugby with the Midis.
At the recent Players Dinner, I was awarded 'Sportsman (?) of the Year' from the club. I was presented with the annual awarded silver trophy which has been engraved already!!! Today I was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a chocolate rugby boot and shirt, (Yum! Yum!) from the coaches. Many thanks boys. You are a delightful bunch of hard working, dedicated coaches.
This has been a very mixed season especially with the weather we have been dealt, but I have enjoyed every minute and look forward to the new season starting in September.
Many thanks to all and good luck to the children for the new season.
Arlene Rennie
20th May 2007 - Whitecraigs Tournament
Finally our tournament came round and Cumbernauld, Garnock, Hillhead, Paisley and Waysiders Drumpellier all turned up with loads of support from the families and friends. Whitecraigs were also well supported down on the pitches too. I have so many people to thank and the following are just a few.
We had intended to have some tents down on the pitches but due to the windy conditions we moved everything up to the clubhouse. Special thanks must go to Christine Gillgannon, Maryanne Twaddle, Tony Cocozza and Gerry Brady. They were great, just when more things started to go wrong, they stepped in and pulled everything together and worked fantastically as a team.
Christine, Russell (Rennie) and Borjana Zikic ran a great refreshment area and also looked after the raffle, tombola, tuck shop and sale of kit.
Maryanne along with a few of the 1st XV boys, David, Percy and Cammy, concentrated on greeting and registering the clubs and the boys were our runners bringing the scores up to Maryanne for her to add up.
Gerry organised all the incoming vehicles and made sure everyone arrived and got a parking space. He also kindly made the presentation at the end of the games. Both Gerry and Tony gave me much needed encouragement and support throughout the day.
A couple of children who have brothers that play in the P3 and P5 section sold programs around the grounds.
We had all of our coaches present and as always did a great job which was helped with the good weather. The Rugby Development Officer, Grant Talbot, ran about doing a heap of jobs including coaching, guidance and support. He also observed how the teams played together, their conduct on the pitches and that of the coaches and those on the sidelines which he will report to his line leader.
Angela, our chef, and her staff again fed the children and all the followers. With Sandra McCormick keeping the children hydrated by handing out the juice.
Unfortunately, one of our P5 boys, James Christie, took a knock to his neck and required the assistance of an ambulance which took him to hospital along with his dad. I can confirm that he is doing well and was released from hospital the same day.
All in all, it was a good day. All the children received a shoe bag which were kindly donated by David McCormick of McCormick Printers. They also arranged and supplied our fabulous and informative programs. Donations were received from a few parents and a couple of major companies which enabled us to run the tournament. (Details of these can be found on our volunteers page)
The winning teams received a trophy each which were sponsored by Donaldson Contracts and each player in the winning team received a medal sponsored by Rainbow International. The winners were as follows;
Primary 3: Garnock
Primary 4, 5 & 7 were all won by Hillhead.
Congratulations to the winners as they were well deserved.
Grant Talbot arranged for us to receive a rugby ball signed by the Glasgow Warriors. We raffled this and the winner was Ann McQuiston from Newton Mearns.
The raffle prizes were won by Nikol Zikic from Paisley, Ruth Currie from Barrhead and Sandra McCormick from Newton Mearns.
Thanks also goes to the parents who donated prizes for our tombola and raffle and who also sent in some yummy home baking.
We had a couple of ladies from St. Andrews Ambulance, Irene and Iris, who were absolute stars on the day.
I'm sure I have missed out quite a few other names, apologies for that and many thanks if you helped us throughout the day.
I am now having a very short break from rugby although I will be arranging fixtures for next season and getting ready to start all over again.
Many thanks for making this a successful season and a great finale.
Arlene
