The last of our three away games against the teams from the south west of the country gave GHK the opportunity to visit Burns country in the week before the bard’s celebrations (with the highlight being the annual GHK Burns’ lunch, of course). It was also the last of the season’s road trips more of which later.

The very heavy underfoot conditions which visibly deteriorated as the match progressed, together with the strong and blustery wind and occasional rain showers made handling and kicking difficult for both teams but, for large parts of the game, it was Stewartry’s simpler, more direct approach which held the upper hand and threatened to bring GHK’s long unbeaten run to an end.

GHK started the game in a manner which belied the conditions with 2 minutes of efficient, effective and entertaining rugby. Straight from the kick off the forwards drove, recycled and offloaded at just the right times and the backs with Danny Hoffmann and Tony Herron both to the fore, linked beautifully to send Andy Fleming in at the corner. Two valuable extra points were added from near the touchline by stand off David Reed.

This was as good as it got, however, with the forwards involved in attritional battles with a succession of penalties being awarded, the majority against the visitors who were repeatedly penalised at the breakdown. Despite playing with the wind GHK seldom came near the Stewartry line with only a solitary penalty added to their score before halftime.

Stewartry’s bigger pack was causing problems for GHK, particularly in the scrums and it was no real surprise when they drove over from a scrum five to bring the halftime score to 5-10.

A huge effort was going to be needed if GHK were to defend this lead playing into the conditions in the second half and, yet again, GHK did not disappoint. Stubborn gritty, tenacious and dogged as ever, GHK’s defensive efforts were again sufficient to hold on to their lead and keep their line intact for the entire second half.

With GHK eventually breaking upfield, they were awarded a couple of penalties in the home 22, the ball was moved to Andy Fleming who perfectly timed an inIside pop pass to Gregg Woolard to go in for the clinching score.

Another enormously hard earned win with all 18 players contributing to the team effort needed to narrowly see off the challenge of a spirited and effective home team.

Despite the difficult season which their first XV is having on the pitch, the buzz about their clubhouse and reports of the developments they have in place indicates a bright future. Many thanks to their president, committee and supporters for all hospitality.

This article was posted on 25-Jan-2012, 10:02 by Hugh Barrow.