BIRKMYRE suffered a defeat at home in their penultimate league fixture.
In a match that saw five yellow cards, and could and should have seen more, Cumbernauld were able to see out the game with 13 on the pitch to secure the 31-15 win.
Cumbernauld drew first blood. Having enjoyed some sustained pressure early on, they touched down in the fifth minute for a converted try. However, Birkmyre got one back 10 minutes later from a tap-and-go penalty 10 metres out. Lucas Reid and Louis Hoodless both carried to set up the backs. The call came for the ball to go wide, and it made its way to centre Ross Moglia. Five metres out, he twisted and turned before stretching over the line for the score.
On 21 minutes, Birkmyre took the lead. Cumbernauld were a player down from their first yellow card. The ball was worked wide and winger Jamie Haran was able to force his way over the line to score near the corner.
Birkmyre held the lead for 10 minutes before the visitors scored their second converted try to lead by two points. However, there was controversy just before the half when Cumbernauld scored again. From a succession of rucks close to the Birkmyre line, the ball was carried across. The referee clearly signalled the ball had been held up but then reversed his own decision for the score. Birkmyre’s Liam Nicholas saw yellow in the process. This gave Cumbernauld a lead of 21-10 at the half-time whistle.
Only two minutes into the second half, Cumbernauld received their second yellow card. However, even with reduced numbers, they extended their lead 10 minutes into the half. On the 56th minute, they then slotted over a penalty to give them a 21-point advantage.
Shortly after, Cumbernauld could easily have seen red for a reckless high clear out. However, it was completely missed by the referee despite being highlighted by the players and the crowd. That could have been game-changing as Cumbernauld continued to infringe at every opportunity.
The final 20 minutes were even, in terms of play and possession. However, in the dying minutes, the referee finally lost patience with Cumbernauld and issued two late yellow cards. It was well overdue but too little too late for The Myre, however Ross Moglia was able to score a late consolation try as the clock went red.
Birkmyre now travel to Lochgilphead this Saturday for their final league match against Mid Argyll. A bonus-point win would see them secure fourth spot in the league.
