Pirates overcome Rams to top table

East Kilbride Pirates 35 – Yorkshire Rams 6

Despite a torrential downpour just before the noon kick-off, and intermittent bouts of thunder and lightning throughout Sunday’s fixture, the teams managed to get through this game without getting too wet. The new, improved drainage at Hamilton Rugby Club meant that underfoot conditions were also fine.

East Kilbride received the opening kick-off, but immediately went 3-and-out. They got the ball straight back though as veteran defensive back Ian Nelson picked off a Rams’ pass on their first play from scrimmage. The Pirates capitalised following a short drive, when Ryan Hunter passed to Jimmy McIntosh for a 12-yard touchdown.

Mark Murphy kicked the conversion to give the home side an early 7-0 lead. Perhaps surprisingly, this was to be the only score of the first half. While East Kilbride had territorial advantage, they were unable to add to their points total. A 42-yard field goal attempt fell well short, and a Jamie McLaughlin TD grab was called back on an Offensive Pass Interference call. The teams continued to trade possession back and forward and the half ended with Ivor Clark collecting his seventh interception of the season.

Yorkshire were first on offense in the second half, but failed to convert on a 4th and 1, leaving the Pirates with great field position. Two plays later and Hunter was in the endzone following a 6-yard run. The conversion attempt was blocked but East Kilbride were happy to be 13-0 ahead.

The home side’s next drive was also only two plays long, but this one ended when Hunter was intercepted by Dominic Garnham. The turnover lifted Yorkshire spirits and these got even higher when Adim Irozuru broke free to run the ball home from the 30-yard line. A bad snap on the conversion saw the kick become a 2-point attempt, but the pass fell incomplete. As the game moved into the fourth period, the result, and top spot in the Division, was still on the line.

That situation quickly changed when Hunter found Jamie McLaughlin for a 15-yard TD. Again the conversion failed, but there was now daylight between the sides at 19-6. That gap extended on the next series when defensive lineman Jamie Charles stripped the ball from the Rams running back and returned it 45 yards for another score.

Charles’ joyous dive into the endzone drew an “unsportsmanlike” penalty, but he didn’t care as he headed to the sideline in search of an oxygen mask. The visitors were now starting to tire and another Hunter to McLaughlin completion, this time for 57 yards, along with Murphy’s conversion, pushed the home side’s advantage to 32-6. It was Murphy who added the final points when he slotted over a 22-yard field goal in the dying moments.

The win takes East Kilbride back to the top of their Division, and they will probably need to win all three remaining games to stay there. The first of those comes on Sunday 24 July, when they face Manchester Titans at Hamilton Rugby Club. Kick-off is at 14:30.

Entry to the game is £3, with under 16s free, and fans will be able to enjoy half-time entertainment from the Pirates’ Signature Cheerleaders, commentary and a free programme. Plus, there’ll be a chance to win a £30 voucher from Frankie & Benny’s, sponsor of Quarterback Neil Baptie.

Game report by Bill Campbell

Pics C/O EK Pirates