Stubborn Pirates Come Up Short
July 31st, 2026
East Kilbride Pirates 16 Manchester Titans 32
With their narrow Play-Off hopes on the line, East Kilbride knew that not only did they have to conquer the thus far undefeated Manchester Titans, but also hope that Coventry slipped up in their tie against Merseyside.
The home side had Cammy Dunn at Quarterback for the first time this season, and got off to a promising start, moving the ball quickly into the Titans’ Red Zone before Dunn had a pass picked off at the 3-yard line. EK were then caught with a sucker punch as Manchester went deep on their first play from scrimmage. A long Josh Mills pass found Bradley Temple in behind the Pirates’ back line, and he sped home for an 87 yard TD. The normally reliable Kicker, Alex Lenkowski pushed the PAT wide right and left the lead at 6-0. Manchester’s second possession was similarly fruitful. Mills again found an open Receiver on their left flank, with Sam Wilson being the beneficiary this time around, his TD covering a mere 47 yards before Lenkowski added the Extra Point, having now found his range. The Pirates again moved the ball well, once more reaching the Red Zone before stalling on a 4th Down run. Rob Hayes subsequently took advantage of the field position, sacking Mills in the Endzone for a Safety. Later in the Period, Hayes also recovered a Titans’ Fumble, and a short drive ended with Mike Curtis Sop running in from the 4-yard line for an unconverted TD, leaving the Pirates trailing 8-13 going into the Second Quarter.
EK were more than holding their own at this stage, and the teams traded punts. On their second Drive of the Period, the Pirates moved the ball all the way to the 1-yard line, but despite two attempts to run the ball home, eventually came up short. Manchester tried to pass their way out and paid the price when Mo Khan picked off a Mills throw and returned it 32 yards to the Endzone. Dunn also passed to Arran McDonald to add on the 2PAT and take a 16-13 lead. Manchester then showed their resilience by bouncing straight back, and a strong 5-play Drive was capped with a 6-yard run around right end by Bisiriyu Abdhulhafeez, taking advantage of an uncalled hold by one of his team mates. Lenkowski again converted to leave the score at 16-20 going into half Time.
The Titans received the ball at the restart and immediately set about extending their lead. They quickly moved the ball downfield before Mills scored on a 1-yard keeper. This time Lenkowski’s PAT attempt was blocked. EK continued to move the ball into dangerous positions, but just couldn’t get it into the Endzone, with consecutive Interceptions at the 1-yard line and then in the Endzone itself. Eventually Manchester padded their advantage, with Mills again finding an open Receiver. This time it was Connor Greenhalgh, who beat one defender before heading to paydirt on a 53-yard TD, but the 2-Point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
The game continued to be competitive in the 4th Quarter but there was to be no further scoring. The Titans came closest, but a Ryan Miller Interception in the Endzone ended that particular threat. So the result means no post-season action for the Pirates this year. Coventry also won their game, so neither of the necessary options came to pass.
The Buffalo Trace Bourbon Gameday MVP Award was again presented to lineman Michael Girvan. He was rarely off the field of play, taking up a position on both Offensive and Defensive Lines, and making significant contributions to each.
East Kilbride return to GHA Rugby Club in Giffnock for their final Home game of the season on August 2nd. They face Nottingham Caesars and will be desperate to avenge their narrow loss in the reverse fixture. Kick off at 2pm.
Report by Bill Campbell
Photos by Duncolm Sports Photography – full gallery here
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