Kilmarnock Rugby Club stunned by defeat

Apr 17 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

ON a dry, windy day Kilmarnock travelled to Tillicoultry to face relegated Hillfoots and came away stunned by an unexpected 10-0 defeat.

Hillfoots kicked off downhill into a strong wind, the ball was fielded by Gareth Rowlands, and stand-off Alan Spiers punted the ball upfield where it was knocked on by the fullback.

The first scrum down saw Kilmarnock pushed backwards off the ball, allowing Hillfoots to mount a couple of backline moves – an early ominous sign which was repeated throughout the game.

Hillfoots had the impetus of home advantage and were clearly determined to belie their foot of the table position.

Hillfoots’ key player was stand-off Hamilton who marshalled his backline and inspired the forwards throughout the game.

Early pressure saw Hillfoots gain a penalty in front of goal with the ball striking the post, giving Kilmarnock an early let-off.

The home defence kept Kilmarnock at bay without too many alarms. The visitors had their moments in attack, but could not find the final pass, or took the wrong option, on a number of occasions.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Hillfoots were given another penalty and from a tap and forward rush they scored a converted try to lead 7-0.

Kilmarnock started the second half strongly with a number of attacks, but failed to create a real scoring opportunity.

They faced a strong wind which played havoc in the lineout, and they could not gain the momentum, even playing downhill.

Eventually forced back into their own half by some deft kicking, Hillfoots narrowly missed a penalty from the halfway line.

Hillfoots played to the whistle and were fortunate not to have a player sin-binned as they killed the ball on several instances.

This apart, Kilmarnock were not as eager as the opposition, and their fate was sealed five minutes from time when a penalty kicked by the stand-off gave the home side a 10-0 lead, denying Killie a bonus point.

This Saturday at 3pm Kilmarnock play their final league game at Bellsland against Forrester who are in the relegation zone with something to prove.

Kilmarnock, currently in fourth position in the league, will hopefully have prepared a game plan and turn on a performance sufficient to please the faithful home crowd.