Practice Match GHK 1st & 2nd xv's at Old Anniesland

Well done Scotty and Jimmy in getting this match up and running. The theory behind it, to keep the guys match fit, to look at any talent in the 2nd xv and above all to keep the lads out the boozers. Sadly, on the latter we had six no shows, suggesting there is a small drink problem with some of the front and back row divisions.

Sometimes these games can be a complete waste of time with players not giving full commitment, this results in injuries and flare ups and nothing much is gained.

This match was the exact opposite and the glaring thing to come out of it was there are very few positions that can be marked down as safe. Robbie Stewart showed at stand off and this should keep Bill Criggie, Tom Smith and the even the old sage Charlie Dunlop (still in Lourdes after being found wearing his wife’s underwear when he dived over the Dumfries line last week ) on their toes.

All the second and back row players put in a good shift with no quarter being given. The young sixteen year old Kris who moved into the front row had several charges with the ball.

Leading by example the great Disco proved why he has never been caught by the doormen out of Vypers. Terrific bursts of speed and a score.

The Hoff got taken out by the dreaded phantom sniper of Anniesland flats; a shoulder injury put him on the touch line. Well done Top Gunn for tightening up his defence as in the last period of play we tried to direct his opposing three quarters through him but he held out.

Having watched this “Trial” match there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind GHK can gain promotion this year with the talent on show on Saturday.

What we need is to harden up in certain areas like set pieces and our commitment to the loose ruck and mauls. When we play Waysiders and Cumbernauld their forwards are a lot more mature and heavier than our lads so we tend to loose the ball. Speed to the break down and then quick distribution is the answer.

Well done Scotty and Jimmy and thanks to Ali McAra for refereeing.

This article was posted on 30-Oct-2007, 08:10 by Hugh Barrow.