Lancashire Wolverines...7 East Kilbride Pirates...34
By Bill Campbell
Having secured their place in the play-offs last week, East Kilbride needed a win to also secure the NFC 1 North title, along with a home game in the first knockout round.
And they did just that on their trip to Lancashire Wolverines on Sunday.
EK were quickly out of the blocks in this encounter and, after forcing a quick punt from the home side, EK put together a faultless first possession.
An 8-play drive was rounded off by a 7-yard run from QB Neil Baptie to open the scoring followed by a successful PAT by Scott McDonald. An Aaron Callaghan interception immediately put the Offence back onto the field, and this time Baptie passed to Struan Bailey for an 8-yard TD before McDonald kicked the extra point for a 14-0 lead.
Not long into Q2 Baptie again found an open receiver, with Fraser McDonald scoring on a 31-yard reception which his namesake converted.
As in the first period, a Pirates’ interception brought the Wolverines’ progress to a sudden halt, Ker Stuart nabbing the ball out of his opposite number’s hands this time around.
It was running back Greg Black’s turn to capitalise, breaking several tackles on his way to a 31-yard TD.
Unfortunately, Scott McDonald’s PAT hit the post with a resounding clunk. He did get the chance to redeem himself just before the interval, but a 40-yard field goal attempt drifted wide.
With a 27-0 lead in place, it was perhaps understandable that EK’s foot would come off the gas, although the coaching staff were less than happy with a scoreless third quarter.
Their dismay was compounded when the home side scored early in the final period.
A 45-yard catch and run took them deep into Pirates’ territory before QB Josh Mills found James Schofield from 7-yards and a successful PAT narrowed the deficit to 7-27
Unfortunately for Lancs, this shook EK out of their lethargy, and a crisp, 8-play drive ended with a 16-yard scoring pass from Scott McDonald to Malcolm Fore, which McDonald also converted to conclude the scoring.
At the end of the game, Lancashire very sportingly formed a guard of honour to congratulate East Kilbride on their success. A gesture which was greatly appreciated and reciprocated by the Pirates’ players.
The Distell International Game MVP award went to Defensive Lineman Andy Meechan for a strong overall performance.
The Pirates will now face divisional rivals, Northumberland Vikings, in the play-off quarter-finals next week.
With the Vikings being the only team to defeat EK so far this season, a close encounter should be assured as the two sides compete for the right to meet the NFC 1 South representatives in the next round.
The game at GHA Rugby Club in Giffnock kicks off at 2:30pm on Sunday, August 14.
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