The Glens' squad was large, both in size and number, and was extremely well drilled.
The boggy underfoot conditions were similar to those their senior counterparts had experienced less than 24 hours earlier. Hopes of emulation their victory formed
part of the pre-match 'discussion', as well as the plan to start with purpose from the kick-off, something that Carnoustie sides often struggle to execute.
Within 30 seconds of play starting Carnoustie had a try on the board. Good forward play secured the ball and with the ever alert Matthew BURGESS spotting a slack defensive line, the chip and chase allowed him to outstrip the defence and score before the crowd has settled.
Stung into action the Glenrothes side did well to repulse the attacks of a very motivated home team. The tackling was ferocious from both sides and some of the rucking play could have come straight from the training field. Kevin Rice and Andy Burgess couldn't contain themselves!
The first 20 minutes finished with only one score, but contained a huge amount of excellent rugby. Both sets of coaches were delighted and agreed to retain the 15-a-side format for the remaining two-thirds.
Hard tackling was again a factor in the second period and only sterling defence prevented the Glens boys from grounding the ball. Twice they crossed the line only to be held up for a five-metre scrum. It was the first time that Carnoustie had played with a full eight in the scrum and whilst the 'usual' front five were in place, both Ramsay McGowan and Harry Lobban had superb games, out of position, on the flank.
The soft ground was starting to take its toll on the legs of those on the touchline, but on the field there was no let-up of intensity.
Glenrothes had a larger number of replacements and were using them to good effect in removing some of their battle-weary players. It looked as though the teams had reached a stalemate, with solid defence outweighing attack, when some excellent interplay in the backs allowed Anthony Franco to power through and 'splash down' between the posts. The conversion was added by Connor.
Glenrothes had not crossed the Tay to leave empty-handed, and their forward pressure paid off with a classic, and well deserved, driving try in the far corner. This was quickly followed by another, this time nearer the posts to allow the conversion.
With the game destined for a draw the Carnoustie team dug deep and after a series of rucks which sucked in the opposition, M. BURGESS completed a captain's performance by taking an inside pass and crashing through the defence for a match-winning try.
It is difficult to single out a player in such a well fought contest, however Corey Thoms (a P7 at Carlogie) put in one of the finest displays of tackling Shanwell Road has seen.
