East Kilbride Rugby Club boss Allan Steel insists his side will be able to cope with anyone they come up against in Tennent West Region League Division One.
His side return to action this week at home against Allan Glen’s, following a 7-0 victory over Lenzie in terrible weather conditions in their last outing on January 29.
While the breaks due to the Scotland national team, weather and Covid proved difficult, Steel says the Lenzie battle was a sign of his team’s strength.
They sit fifth in the table before facing third place in the league at home on Saturday.
Ahead of the Torrance House clash, Steel said: “We and Lenzie gave a really good account of themselves and played some good rugby.
“It was a real tough test and the conditions dictated that the best of our rugby was played in midfield.
(Image: East Kilbride News)
“Lenzie are a solid team defensively and they put their bodies on the line. We scored when we needed to in this game and kept them from playing at the other end.
“We kept the ball for 38 of the 40 minutes in the second half and when Lenzie got the ball back we bulldozed them out of a scrum or something.
“It was a very good team performance and I hope conditions improve so we can develop a bit more playing our rugby.
“We just have to play what’s in front of us, whether it’s in terms of the opposition or the weather.”
EK will be looking for revenge against Glens this weekend after a rout was handed to them earlier in the season.
A 53-12 loss was inflicted on Steel’s men and he is confident this weekend will prove a closer affair.
He explained: “We had a few weeks of training.
“It’s high intensity physical training. Glens had a big score against us there at the start of the season.
“We think we are a lot closer to them than that scoreline suggested.
“We will want to give a big account of ourselves against them and really focus on winning the home game.
“Getting the break helps a few guys because last Saturday was a physical battle and hurt a few bodies.
“The rest helps us in that sense but does not help our physical condition.”
(Image: Dumfries and Galloway Standard)
Steel have also been pleased with the volume of young players used in their ranks this season.
While it’s always difficult to play at the top of their game, skill level hasn’t been an issue.
Performances at Lenzie encourage EK boss: “We had a lot of young players involved in this Lenzie game with some experience scattered all over the place.
“We have faced a lot of youngsters this season.
“Consistency is one thing but on Saturday I thought for a man they were excellent.
“A game like the one we had then will really help them in their development. It was really nice and they will get a lot out of it.
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