Despite the miserable weather in Cardonald and inexperienced players all four teams played committed and enthusiastic rugby, just about keeping the crowd distracted from their sodden clothes and numb feet.
As the only team that regularly play and train together Cumbernauld were expected to emerge victorious, and their first-round results merited their favourites tag as they beat Strathclyde University 20 - 0, Glasgow Caledonian University 26 - 0 and the University of the West of Scotland 30 - 0.
Scotland under-18 winger Daryl Love was particularly impressive with his allusive side-steps and devastating pace. His return of six tries in three matches was due reward for his excellent performances.
Cumbernauld put down an early marker by flying into the opening game against Strathclyde. The College looked much happier with ball in hand and were much more forceful running forward. Strathclyde's attack was comparatively timid and never really looked like breaking down the aggressive Cumbernauld defence.
Glasgow Caledonian suffered a similar fate to Strathclyde, with Daryl Love opening the scoring through a trademark break down the left.
Caledonian's defence looked more organised than Strathclyde's, and after their initial set-back they held the College at bay. However, a combination of inexperience and the weather conditions resulted in Caledonian attacks regularly breaking down from handling errors.
Cumbernauld vs. UWS was billed as the College's toughest match, as players who regularly train together or compete at club level lined up for both teams. Sure enough the game started fiercely, with both teams flying into contact areas.
Before long though the crowd was treated to the familiar site of Daryl Love finding space down the left, and once they had taken the lead Cumbernauld never looked like losing it. UWS never quite managed to make the most of their superior size in the pack, and by the end they looked as if the day's rugby had taken a lot more out of them than the College.
The most closely contended game of the day was Glasgow Caledonian vs. UWS. The teams made up for their lack of training with a lot of hard work and determination, and a scoreless first half reflected both teams' industriousness.
UWS eventually broke the deadlock with easily the luckiest try of the day. A chip from the right of the pitch into the try area rebounded of the posts and into Marcin Majewski 's hands, who was left with the simple job of stepping over the line.
However, Caledonian quickly responded as Quinn found space on the wing and out-paced the chasing defenders to touch down. Although the conversion looked like it glided wide of the posts the referee deemed it over, and the game ended 6 - 6.
Strathclyde appeared to still be recovering from their beating at the hands of Cumbernauld when they took to the field against UWS, and they quickly fell to an 8 - 0 deficit. Some slick passing and loose UWS defence brought Strathclyde back into the game though, and they eventually won the game 16 - 8 after running home 3 tries.
A battle between two of the Glasgow Universities was always going to be fiery, and sure enough Caledonian vs. Strathclyde was a hotly contested affair. As the two teams were the least experienced in the draw, both defences were lacking in organisation. This was to the games benefit, however, as it made for lots of open, attacking rugby.
Early tries were exchanged before Caledonian took the lead through a lovely passing move finished off by Quinn. But then Strathclyde once again proved themselves to be determined opponents as they ran riot after the break to complete their second come-back of the day. A final score of 24 - 12 was perhaps a touch harsh on Caledonian overall, but demonstrated Strathclyde's second-half dominance.
So after a hard (and wet) day of rugby Cumbernauld take maximum points going into the next round in February, whilst Caledonian, UWS and Strathclyde will look to stay positive after an encouraging start and hope to build before round two.
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