BIRKMYRE picked up a losing bonus point away to Cambuslang.
Trailing 38-10 at the half, they ran in three scores in the second period to add to their first half try with the score finishing 66-25.
Birkmyre got off to a positive start winning a penalty in front of the post 40 metres out four minutes in. Archie Thomson then stepped up to slot the ball over for three points. However, it went downhill for the Kilmacolm side as they shipped three tries in 12 minutes to find themselves trailing 17-3, with poor tackling being a contributing factor.
Cambuslang extended their lead further with a converted try 10 minutes later in monsoon conditions. They all but sealed their win in the 30th minute with their fifth try, turning over a Birkmyre attack and working their way down the pitch to score from inside their half.
Birkmyre still had hope when Finlay Rayner got one back in the 35th minute. Having won a scrum just outside their 22, near the right touchline, quick hands moved the ball across the pitch where Rayner broke a couple of tackles to take it home from 65 metres out. However, the prospect of a comeback was short-lived as Cambuslang went over for their sixth try only minutes later.
The second half was far more balanced for the first 15 minutes. Then, Birkmyre won a scrum seven metres out from the Cambuslang line. Having secured clean ball, they went left for Rayner to dive in at the corner flag.
Five minutes later, the home side got one back. Birkmyre were attacking near the halfway line, however a loose pass from Thomson was intercepted and the opposing centre had a clear run in under the posts. Thomson, however, made amends a few minutes later scoring a try of his own. Ross Moglia crashed a great line to gain valuable yards and popped a pass to Archie who was running in support to flop over from close range.
Cambuslang managed another couple of scores to take their lead to 46 points. However, with the last play of the match, Birkmyre secured the bonus point for four tries when winger, Alex McKay, scored in at the corner. From a tap penalty, the Kilmacolm side created an overlap on the right, which McKay capitalised on to slide in.
Birkmyre now sit sixth in the table. The cup replaces league action this weekend when Birkmyre visit Motherwell to take on Dalziel.
Scorers:- Tries: F Rayner (2), A Thomson, A McKay; Conversion: A Thomson; Penalty: A Thomson
