The U16s were on the road again in the league, this time travelling west to take on Cambuslang for the first time. It turned out to be a tough afternoon for the lads though, as the game eventually ran away from them in the second half and the hosts ended up comfortable winners.

We couldn't have wished for a worse start, with Cambuslang dotting down inside the first minute to take an early 5-0 lead. It was to be the first of fifteen tries shared between the sides on the day. Not to be deterred, the boys bounced back well and were soon level, with Kaiden finishing an excellent team move that swung from one edge to the other, and back again, before scoring in the corner.

Cambuslang responded well and nudged themselves back in front before Euan scored, after some quick thinking in their 22 to level the scores at 12-12. The first half continued at a relentless pace, a further six tries scored in total, with Archie A and Matthew touching down for Dundee. The hosts grabbed a score in the final play of the first half to give themselves some breathing room and go in at the break 36-22 in front.

The second half, much like the first, was a high scoring, physical contest. The teams shared two yellow cards (one each) and another five tries but, unfortunately, it was Cambuslang and their fresh legs from the bench who dominated the scoring, as our lads started to tire. A devastating ten minute spell early in the second half, in which the hosts scored three converted, unanswered tries, ultimately put the game beyond reach. The home side then scored again shortly after Dundee were reduced to 14, after Matthew was shown a yellow card for a high tackle.

It was Dundee that scored last though, and the boys showed tremendous spirit and courage to rally themselves and grab a well deserved score at the end, again through Kaiden and some quick thinking in their 22 with Euan slotting the extras.

Full time: Cambuslang 62-29 Dundee.

"A tough afternoon for the lads but we were excellent for long periods of this game and I'm so proud of the boys. Cambuslang were deserved winners in the end, but I don't think the score line tells the full story of the game.

The boys are disappointed, and rightly so, but there is still so much to be positive and encouraged about. I thought we were excellent with the ball in hand, looked dangerous every time we attacked and scored some excellent tries. Our work at the breakdown, on both sides of the ball, was superb and our scrum was dominant all day. Unfortunately though, we just missed too many tackles in the midfield and Cambuslang took advantage and were very clinical with their chances.

We faced some tough moments throughout the match but I am so proud of how the boys stuck together, continued to work hard for each other and got their rewards at the end with the score their play deserved.

The games continue to come thick and fast, so we'll dust ourselves down, take the positives and the work-ons into training, and turn our attention to next weekend when we host Orkney in the National Youth Cup."

Graeme Craig, Head Coach.