Dear Diary,
After a long break over the holiday period and due to adverse weather, it was good to see the 2nd XV return to action, at home against Allan Glens.

The pitch looked decidedly dodgy but in the event stood up well to proceedings. The Glens’ team was virtually unrecognisable from earlier in the season, with many youngsters replacing more experienced but injured players. The GHK line up looked very strong but I was wary as traditionally the players do not perform well after a layoff. Sure enough captain O’Callaghan, having opted to receive kick-off, clumsily dropped the ball from it, Glens attacked from the ensuing scrummage, and soon broke through the midfield backs to score a fine try.

The GHK response was a little while coming, but eventually McDermid finished following a fine flowing move. Soon afterwards Fuchs was held up over the line, but managed to force the ball backwards for the alert Christie to touch down. This was just the first of a number of incidents at or over the Glens’ goal line: Burleigh knocked-on having declined a four-man overlap in reaching it; Lewis tried to run over the dead-ball line; and others, who regretfully through memory loss I cannot name and shame, delivered poor passes close to it.

Eventually MacFarlane, appearing to enjoy playing with a pack of forwards who accepted his instructions in which direction to push, scored, just managing to touch-down as he was tackled at the goal-line. Criggie followed with a skilful chip and gather soon afterwards. At this stage Glens were creaking and a long afternoon for them seemed inevitable. However, Liam McDermid must have said something to upset the other backs, because despite multiple chances to release him, they declined, and many attacks fizzled out in midfield. I wonder if they have forgotten how fast he is, or if they have lost the ability to pass?

The GHK line-out functioned efficiently for once, although time will tell whether or not this was a genuine improvement or weak opposition. Michael Gribben at last delivered an increased number of hits, as one would expect from someone with his physique - perhaps he has been training recently? Adam Reid showed his mettle by returning from injury to participate. Rod MacLeod filled in well at No. 8 following his lengthy lay-off although he would be better advised to release the backs from sloppy kick-offs, rather than take on the whole opposition pack himself.

In the second half, following a spell of sustained pressure, Criggie scored another fine try, dummying the opposition backs to score under the posts. Then substitute Shilladay caught an errant punt forward, again declined the opportunity to pass wide, but displayed speed and power to dash 50 metres, touching down under the posts.

It was nice to see a few temporarily unavailable players, including Jamie McIntyre, amongst the crowd. On the other hand, I did notice that the substitutes displayed curious reluctance to be engaged in water-carrying and touch-judging duties. Surely they must remember it is a team effort, and become more involved in future.

The team was Kennedy, Christie, MacRae, R. Johnston, McDermid, Criggie, MacFarlane, Moscrop, Burleigh, A. Reid, Fuchs, O’Callaghan, Gribben, Watson, MacLeod. Substitutes Shilladay, Taylor, Makusha, Lewis, Nelson. Man of the match was Criggie who dominated midfield and had a 100% kicking return.

The referee was David McNair and although praised by Glens players, there was some evidence of discontent amongst the home players. When I spoke to him about this he cited the position as evidence that only occasionally can referees win.

Played eleven won seven. Next week, Shawlands away (at Cartha), kick-off 14.30 hours. This venue is within easy reach and I hope that many of our supporters will have the stamina to cross the Clyde (maps and guides available on request).

P.S GHK WON 42-5

This article was originally posted on 15-Jan-2006, 17:59 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 15-Jan-2006, 18:01.