Kinross R.F.C.

Saturday’s loss to Strathmore has seen Kinross’s title chances all but evaporate.

A lack of penetration coupled with an inability to secure the ball saw Kinross slump to one of their heaviest defeats in recent memory. Although Kinross had their fair share of possession the failure to record any points speaks volumes about our attacking prowess on the day. By half time Kinross were two tries and a man down, George Smith having been yellow carded for an infringement at a ruck. It could have been any number of Kinross players who were shown the card, after giving away a number of penalties whilst defending our line the referee probably had his mind made up someone was going and George was just the unlucky one who the ref (allegedly) spotted bending the rules.

The second half saw Strathmore rack up another three tries of which one was converted. Kinross had a few spells in their opponents half but again lack that cutting edge. One of the few positives to come from the game was the return of Euan Fraser after his recent knee troubles although the hand injury to Ross Campbell, which will see him out for six weeks, is another blow to an already depleted team and means the return of Tom Coll will be even more eagerly anticipated. Coupled with the loss of Euan Goudie to Police training and Ally Wood boozing in Australia, the rest of the season could be tough. In saying this, hopefully the next three games can prove to be the kick-start to the season. Stobswell away in the cup is followed by home games against St. Andrews Uni and Crieff. Wins in these games could put Kinross right back in the mix.

Team: I Harley, K Tolson, G Queen, I Barnett, A Wood, D Lamont, S Mullan (c), G Smith, C Carragher, A Fraser, I Buchanan, I Spence, C Tees, K Bird, R Campbell. Subs: (all used) A Caldwell, A Dryburgh, E Fraser