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Strathendrick 13-33 GHK


The first league game of the new 06/07 season took place at Ruth Menzies field in Fintry on Saturday as Strathendrick took on GHK, 2teams that have a lot of history between them. GHK defeated Endrick twice last season and the Old Anniesland men were hoping for a similar result going into the game.


GHK had a settled look to the team with a core squad of players now settling into the side, no doubt this will change in the next couple of weeks with students both coming and going around Anniesland. Olly Jones captained the side, which included 18year old Aubery Horton at flyhalf and ‘veteran’ Cammy Little at fullback. In the pack, player coach Ryan Welsh won his battle with injury to anchor the scrum as did Colin Donald who packed down at 8.


There was a shock from the kickoff when Endrick scored a converted try after a kick to the corner, which would be Strathendrick’s only weapon all day, was dropped and knocked over the line and the home winger won the chase to touchdown on the right which was converted nicely by Bruce Duncan. GHK hardly had the chance to get their hands on the ball for the opening 20 mins as it was always kicked out of the pitch by McGrandles the endrick flyhalf but when GHK did have the chance to attack a lovely move to the right flank involving Jones and Ali Smeaton was recycled quickly and after Horton was cut down inches from the line, Pete Broadbent was on hand to crash over from short range, Horton converted.


GHK were trying to force the game too much and their own mistakes kept the home team in touch along with some excellent kicking by home favourite Bruce Duncan who added a penalty and a superb drop goal from 40m which put Strathendrick 13-7 up at the half. Unfortunately Endrick no 8 Ewan McKay took a head knock and was taken to hospital as a precaution and everyone at both clubs hope he will be back in action soon.

GHK used their bench well with all replacements making the desired impact and the GHK performance in the second half was superb. GHK played all the rugby with the forwards dominating and the backs cutting Endricks defence open at will. One supporter noted that Endricks wingers did not touch the ball all game (apart from that opening touch down within 30seconds) and with Endricks flyhalf kicking the ball every time he got it, the wingers must be hoping for some gloves for Christmas to keep them warm over the winter if these tactics are to be continued.


Olly Jones scored an intercept try from his own 22 after sloppy play by Endrick and managed to out sprint Bruce Duncan to the corner for the try that Horton converted. A catch and drive by the forwards on the right hand corner was driven close to the line and moved quickly to Jones in midfield who used the threat of other runners around him to show and go through the middle of the defence for his brace which was again converted by Horton.

Endrick just kept on kicking the ball to GHK to attack with and some excellent runs by Smeaton and Andy McTavish were putting the home team under enormous pressure. Another excellent lineout from the GHK pack was moved wide to McTavish who beat 2men on his way to the line but just got stopped short but managed to offload beautifully to Little who supported well to dot down for the bonus point score.


The GHK forwards were dominating the opposition pack with some great mauling and rucking that was giving the GHK backs a great platform to work from. Another score was on the cards and it did not take long for the skipper to complete his hatrick after a midfield break by Neil Mitchell who took an inside ball from Jones and headed downfield at a rate of knots and just before he got to the fullback he flipped the ball inside to Jones on the shoulder to stroll in to the posts for the score, Horton again added the extras.


The game finished with GHK camped in the home 22 and another score close but GHK were extremely happy with their 2nd half performance. That tough away fixture resulting in a bonus point win will set up the Old Anniesland men nicely for their first home game of the season against the improved Oban Lorne. Oban has recruited a former international coach and have had a solid pre season so a very tough encounter is expected.


The game will be played at Balgray playing fields, kick off 3pm, support welcomed.


GHK team: Little, Hunter, Smeaton, Jones, McTavish, Horton, McFarlane, McDonald, Lohar, Welsh, Cram, Gribben, Roti, Broadbent, Donald, Nokes, Mitchell, Barthe

Man of the Match: Pete Broadbent

This article was originally posted on 4-Sep-2006, 10:51 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 4-Sep-2006, 21:48.