East Kilbride boss admits rugby rhythm hard to find amid disrupted schedule

East Kilbride Rugby Club coach Alan Steel is frustrated over his side’s inability to get a consistent run of games going.

EK beat Lenzie 7-0 in a tight West Region League Division 1 match in their last outing on January 29, played in torrential conditions with wind causing havoc for the players.

Now, because of Scotland’s Six Nations tournament, EK aren’t back in action until February 19 against Allan Glens. Their next match after that isn’t until March 19th versus Annan.

On top of a month-long break over the Christmas period, Steel says it’s been bordering on impossible to get any sort of rhythm in their results. It’s also led to squad fatigue in matches, leaving the Torrance House boss concerned.

He admits it’s been a source of frustration that international rugby has put a stop to his side’s plans over the next six weeks.

And Steel said: “It’s a couple of weeks before we play again which isn’t ideal. Coming in from Christmas where we had a month off then, we had one game cancelled and then we played.

“Then it’s another game before another break. The players’ match fitness isn’t quite getting up to speed where it normally is. It’s not ideal. Guys are rusty and are struggling a bit more because of game fitness.

“That isn’t quite there because we aren’t getting a steady run of games. Now that there are internationals, they are breaking up our run over the next couple of months.

“It’s really disappointing for the guys as you just want to get playing and keep improving. If you are playing, then match sharpness is able to get up.

“We then start to see the best of us. But right now we aren’t getting to see that, due to Covid and everything else.”

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