Auchinleck Rugby has been busy over the past few weeks. Our U15 7s squad reached the semi-final of the Carrick 7s showing some great character to stay competitive in all games. The following week our U16 7s squad got to the semi-final of the Ayrshire 7s narrowly losing out to eventual winners Marr College in a close three tries to two game. Both teams played open attacking 7s with some impressive tackling taking place.

The big one, however was on Wednesday 21st March when our U16 National Bowl Champions travelled down to Rozelle Park in Ayr to take on a strong and physical Belmont side in the final of the Ayrshire Cup. Belmont were dominant in possession in the first half but Auchinleck defended their line with aggression and passion and held Belmont to 5-0 at the break. Half time instructions were to keep doing the same hard work in defence and use the ball more in attack. Some expansive rugby in the wet conditions stretched the Belmont defence and Auchinleck took the lead 7-5. When more pressure from Auchinleck allowed winger William Prince to slip a neat inside pass to Kevin Van Deer Leest the score took the game to 12-5. Further pressure on the Belmont line followed and after a series of penalties captain Andy Houston scythed his way through the defence to take the game to 17-5. Belmont fought back and scored a consolation try to finish the game 17-12 to the Double National and Ayrshire Champions – Auchinleck Rugby.