Cumbernauld RFC 17 – 17 Wigtownshire RFC
Arnold Clark West Regional League 2

Wigtownshire RFC were left heartbroken as a last-minute try from Cumbernauld saw them snatch a dramatic draw in a bruising contest at Cumbernauld on Saturday.

A Challenging Start for Wigtownshire

It was a difficult week for Wigtownshire, as illness swept through the squad, forcing three late call-offs on Friday night. Among the absentees were ever-present players Mark Pirrie and Angus McClymont, leaving the squad stretched thin. With only one substitute available, captain Jason McKie moved to hooker, and Niall Loughrey was called up from the U18s for his first senior start.

Fast Start Gives Wigtownshire the Edge

Despite their struggles, Wigtownshire burst out of the blocks early. In the second minute, Scott Forsyth made a half-break, allowing Frank Gwynne to provide quick ball to Neil Forsyth, who stormed through Cumbernauld’s weak defense to open the scoring. The conversion was missed, but the visitors led 5-0.

Wigtownshire dominated territory for much of the half, repeatedly pressing into the Cumbernauld 22 but failing to convert pressure into points. Persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Scott Forsyth again sliced through the defense, offloading to winger Andrew McMillan. McMillan found space and passed inside to Jason McKie, who powered over the line for his first try of the match. Blair Forsyth converted to extend the lead to 12-0.

Just before halftime, Wigtownshire struck again. After strong carries from Sam Mitchell and Andrew McAuley, McKie capitalized on a defensive mismatch to score his second of the match. The conversion was missed, but Wigtownshire took a commanding 17-0 lead into the break.

Cumbernauld Fight Back as Illness Takes Its Toll

Cumbernauld responded in the 55th minute after Wigtownshire failed to secure their own lineout near the try line. The home side pounced on the mistake to score, though the missed conversion left them trailing 5-17.

With their limited squad stretched to the limit, Wigtownshire’s players—many of whom were already battling illness—began to struggle physically. The fatigue worsened when Blair Forsyth was shown a yellow card for a high tackle in the 60th minute, reducing the visitors to 14 men.

Cumbernauld sensed weakness and increased their intensity, hammering Wigtownshire’s defensive line. Despite their best efforts, Wigtownshire finally cracked with two minutes to play, as Cumbernauld’s hooker went over in the corner. This time, the conversion was good, narrowing the score to 12-17.

Final-Play Heartbreak

With just a minute left, Wigtownshire looked to hold out. But after regathering possession from the restart, a turnover led to a penalty for Cumbernauld. With players from both teams exhausted and some needing treatment, there was a brief pause before the home side kicked to the corner. From the resulting lineout, Cumbernauld executed a well-drilled catch-and-drive to bundle over for a try, tying the match at 17-17.

The conversion, which would have sealed a dramatic win, drifted just wide, leaving the teams deadlocked at the final whistle.

Coach’s Comments and Next Fixture

Speaking after the game, Wigtownshire coach John Dalrymple praised his side’s resilience:
"A very difficult week for us, with illness spreading throughout the squad, leaving us traveling with a weakened team. I have to give massive credit to the effort the 16 boys put in despite some of their fitness levels. Very disappointed to lose the victory right at the death, but the boys left it all out on the pitch."

Wigtownshire will have a well-earned break next weekend before returning to action at home against Helensburgh Loch Lomond on March 1st.

Wigtownshire Squad

Starting XV: M McColm, A McMillan, S Forsyth, N Forsyth, N Loughrey, B Forsyth, F Gwynne, I Allan, J McKie, A McAuley, B Sharples, S Mitchell, J McConnell, S McCauley, J McGarvie.
Substitutes: A Slavin.