THE young players of Lomond Helensburgh Youth Rugby all enjoyed successful outings as they stormed to victory at the weekend.

Leading the way on September 3 was the under-18 side, as they chalked up an impressive 40-17 victory over Cumnock.

The side travelled to Ayrshire for their first conference match with an air of quiet confidence following a good pre-season. In the first ten minutes the under-18s were 14 points up and although Cumnock were stuffy opposition, their attacks were largely snuffed out by a resolute defence. By half-time the score had been extended to 33-0 for the away side.

Early in the second half, the under-18s grabbed another converted score. However, that was their last of the match. After completely dominating for three-quarters of the match the under-18s conceded 17 unanswered points in a 15-minute slump and the match finished Cumnock 17 Lomond and Helensburgh 40.

Against St Columba’s next week, it will be necessary to keep focus for the whole match – after all, many rugby matches are won or lost in the last five minutes.

Special mentions are due to Walker and Kennedy who put in a creditable shift playing for Cumnock. It’s a sign of the times that all teams are not blessed with large squads.

Meanwhile, there was success for the under-16 side, which came out 66-38 winners against their Cumnock opposition. Lomond Helensburgh were playing with bare numbers and no subs, which saw the game reduced to 14-a-side.

That did not phase the 16s, having spent a few weeks being drilled in high intensity fast training, and Ewan, Harris and Shaun crossed the whitewash within the opening ten minutes.

Cumnock were a little stunned and hit back with three tries of their own with some good straight line running and ill-discipline from Lomond Helensburgh at the breakdown. Another exchange of tries between both teams saw the half-time score 26-34.

Also, the sight of scrum-half Gibson packing down at number 8 for Cumnock was a sight to behold. Finally, the lid of the week goes to Martin, whose try saving tackle was worthy of his blond bombshell look.

Meanwhile, there was success for the under-16 side, which came out 66-38 winners against their Cumnock opposition. Lomond and Helensburgh were playing with bare numbers and no subs, which saw the game reduced to 14-a-side.

This did not phase the 16s, having spent a few weeks being drilled in high intensity fast training, and Ewan, Harris and Shaun crossed the whitewash within the opening ten minutes.

Cumnock were a little stunned and hit back with three tries of their own with some good straight line running and ill-discipline from Lomond Helensburgh at the breakdown. Another exchange of tries between both teams saw the half-time saw 26-34.

In the second half, Lomond Helensburgh conceded two very quick tries as Cumnock stretched the defenced the width of the field, both well worked scores. Lomond Helensburgh hit back with Kyle finding space in the open and sprinting clear. It was then 38-39, an incredibly close game.

Cumnock, with the bigger squad, rang the changes in order to inflict maximum damage. However the under-16s demonstrated the fire in their bellies and, stepping up to the challenge, they found another gear. Fitness.

The discipline that had cost in the first half was improved, zero penalties conceded in the second half, Lomond Helensburgh playing to the full width of the pitch. Having the confidence to run from behind their own posts, line speed and rush defence saw Lomond Helensburgh finish the game 28 points ahead.

Mentions must go to Harry Kemp who led from the front, not missing a tackle, and Solomon Blake for ensuring a ruck never went backwards; Alex Brown for not listening when it was suggested to clear lines and setting up a brilliant a counter-attack that cleared the side further than a kick would have done.

Ethan Talbot and Mace Paterson deserve praise for their work rate around the field from the front row, as does Gethin Davies, who is becoming a natural scrum half who gave his opposite number a torrid day and delivered sterling service to Tom McClearn at stand-off which enabled Tom to boss his back line. Those guys didn’t get on the score sheet, but without them it would have been a much closer game.

With boys moving up from mini to midi rugby, the under-13 squad has had an influx of new players, so it was decided to have a warm-up touch game against Cumnock where James, Luke, Rory B, Kian and Oliver made their debut.

After that, they got into contact rugby where Lomond Helensburgh took an early lead with some strong running and offloading from Harry and Rory. Young Lewis on the wing made life very difficult for Cumnock with his agile footwork.

Strong defensive tackles and rucking from Adam and William made a huge difference where they turned over the ball many times. A special mention is due for Ryan, who drove the team forward and scored a hat trick of tries after realising how strong and difficult it was to tackle him.

Captain fantastic Ruaridh led from the front, playing at scrum half with some blistering runs and inspired the team to a 33-26 win. A great start for a great team and they are looking forward to welcoming back the boys who couldn’t make it for the away game next weekend.

Looking ahead, Helensburgh RFC will have a stall on September 10 at the local market. During the day all ages will be represented. The first XV will be there while 16s and 18s play home fixtures, with a 9.30am kick-off.

After their game the 16sand 18s will swap with the first XV so they can play their home fixture. After lunch and through the afternoon the 15s, 14s and 13s will be on hand to speak to people about joining the club as a player or member.

Helensburgh RFC is a club that invests in players and coaches. Opportunities are available to feature on the under-18 side’s new shirt for the 2022/23 season as sponsorship is now available.