GHK 2nd XV diary,18 march 2006


Dear diary, before the season started what odds would have been given that on the very afternoon there were three Six Nations matches live on television, including Scotland in Rome, I would have travelled to Fintry to watch the 2nd XV have a 3.00 p.m. kick-off against Strathendrick? I still can’t believe I went; only two-thirds of the team did! I must see my doctor for a check-up.


I wonder who was responsible for this folly? I interrogated many persons, and no-one claimed to know who was in charge, never mind admit it themselves. That big guy, the champion mechanic, I believe he’s President, watched at least part of the match (self-flagellation, not that I know much about that, the 1st XV touch-judge told me). Maybe he had a guilty conscience? However, it wasn’t long before he realised that a scratch side with forwards on both wings and at centre, a wing at full back, the other wing at centre and the scrum-half at stand-off-half were not about to imitate the Barbarians, and he sloped off to watch the 1st XV. To be fair Kyle White stuck to the task and fielded two difficult balls well, and Fraser Johnston, after an early wobble, looked as if he could play on the other wing every week. Unfortunately the early wobble was crucial, with both him and Christie appearing to believe the other had covered a simple kick through, only for the Strathendrick winger to pick it up and stroll over for the opening score.


GHK never recovered from this setback, and despite stern defence through most of the game, lost out to two further tries, one converted and two penalties. The forwards struggled long and hard against a pack who seemed to have little respect for off-side lines or allowing release in the tackle. Unfortunately the referee shared their view and this issue is one for which the coaches must formulate a strategy. Russell Johnston played well at stand off, making many yards and putting in many tackles. With a little passing practice he could become a regular there.


Late in the game the backs pounced on a dropped ball in the GHK ‘22’ and quickly despatched it to Liam McDermid who scored a trademark try under the posts, rounding the opposition backs before he reached the 10-metre line, and scuttling down the wing with that deceptive stride of his that tempts defenders to pursue, but always leaves them floundering. Conversion was by Christie with a massive toe-poke which he claimed was a refined kicking action; at least it went over.


Other issues of note were the fine play of Mike Marlow at centre (I don’t know where he came from but he can stay for as long as he likes), the holes in the opposition defence bored by Beverley and the new blonde look of Bryce Constable to match his partner Jen (I believe narcissistic images is the term). If Joe Fuchs doesn’t find a cook book soon I would recommend he plays blind-side, except we seem to have more back row than the remaining players combined.


The team was Christie, Kyle White, McDermid, Mike Marlow, F Johnston, R Johnston, Taylor, Gribben, Constable, Siddell, Fuchs, O'Callaghan, McLeod, Nielson, Beverley. Touch judge and substitute McNair. Man of the match Russell Johnston.


Final score 7-18. Played 17 won 10. Next week, Lenzie at home, Kick-off 3.00 p.m. all supporters welcome for this last home match of the season before we embark on the sevens circuit. I hope we find nice places to go to this year. As for the players, I understand training is on Thursday night at 7.00 p.m.

This article was posted on 20-Mar-2006, 20:57 by Hugh Barrow.