Cumbernauld 2s 12 - 48 Glasgow Raptors
On Saturday 9th September we travelled up the road to play a friendly against our good friends at Cumbernauld.
As a result of low numbers on the part of the opposition our league match was cancelled and friendly organised in its place, with half a dozen Raptors switching sides to play against their teammates. This gave us an excellent opportunity to get more than 30 Raptors on the pitch throughout the match, including seven debutants: Neil MacDonald, Alan Duncan, Quinn Porter, Ross Laird, Michael Hammil, Daniel Webb and Declan Prosser. Congratulations to all seven of them for excellent first appearances across the board.
Raptors started superbly, with the first score coming in the opening couple of minutes. The attack continued in this vein for most of the match, with the team’s new offensive system showing signs of continued improvement. The forwards did an excellent job of denting and bending the defensive line before the ball was moved quickly out into the wide channels, where the backs made the most of the space created; eight tries in all being demonstrative of an attacking display to be proud of.
Out of possession, this match marked an improvement from our two preseason matches, with the defensive being much more proactive in putting significant pressure on the Cumbernauld playmakers and regularly forcing errors and turnovers.
The Raptors player of the day was Neil MacDonald for a rampaging performance at hooker, while a special mention goes to outside centre Stiofan McAreavey for his hattrick. Thanks to Cumbernauld for their always-sterling hospitality, to our supporters who once again came out in force, and to the referee for facilitating an excellent game of rugby.
Our next league match is away against Lomond & Helensburgh on the 23rd September.