GHK 66 Strathclye Police 10

I awoke on Sunday morning asking myself if yesterday was a dream? But no we truly had humped both the rozzers and Accies side by side on a warm and pleasant afternoon at OA - memorable stuff.

Not quite the explosive start of last week and we had to wait a whole 3 minutes for the first try. A series of penalties deep in the Police 22 led to a determined burst over the line from Stu Hunter with the conversion from Robbie Stewart. 7-0. The Police fought back with a penalty a couple of minutes later.
Dangerous running from Rory Love and Danny Hoffman got a penalty reward duly converted by Robbie S. 10-3.
Not too long to wait for the next score with strong interplay between Danny, Davy Whyte and Rory Love setting Rory free down the wing for try in 13 minutes - converted by Robbie - 17-3.
Pretty much in control by now, the boys enjoyed some excellent handling and a hefty tackle by McT let the everpresent Mike Aird start a handling move that resulted in a great charge down the wing by John Lohar timing his pass beautifully to give Mark Hannah a clear run to the line - Robbie again converted 24-3.
The bonus point was just around the corner and came after great running and handling between Robbie, Davy and Danny with Davy going over - conversion by Robbie. 20 minutes gone and 31-3. Game pretty much over as a contest.
From a Police clearance, Big Calum won good line out ball and the resulting move let McT drive over after a strong charge through the Police defence. Converted again by Robbie 38-3.
The midfield backs were really enjoying themselves and Davy and Danny in particular were playing extremely well, setting up good chances eventually leading to Davy’s second excellent score, again converted by Robbie. 30 minutes gone and 45-3.
A most entertaining triple loop with pike from the ref resulted in an undignified plunge to the deck and physio attendance required . No real damage to anything but ego and we carried on.
Police pressure for a few minutes eventually cleared with a raking touch finder from Robbie. This was followed by a lovely handling move between Danny and Stu letting Rory scorch down the wing and under the posts. Robbie converted - so half time score 52-3 - Fantastic performance!
The second half was a bit of a mess and I suppose coming out with such a comanding lead it is a bit difficult to be completely focussed. The Police took advantage of our loose play and scored a converted try - 52-10.
The assembled multitudes had to wait for about another 10 minutes for a restoration of our supremacy and forwards and backs indulging in some good handling let Rory Love over to bag his hat trick. At this point he must have though himself a cert for the red dress but the young Mike Aird saved Rory’s blushes with a few injudicious words to the ref. 59-10
Disco had a couple of trademark breenges through the middle and we were nearly treated to another try but the final pass just went down.
There were flurries of decent play but the steam had really gone out of the game and careless loss of the ball in the tackle let the Police of the hook several times. A streetwise Police number 7 was making an entirely legitimate nuisance of himself. Not the same in the tight, however, where our forwards frankly had the Police on toast for most of the game.
Order was restored near the end with fluent hands giving Robbie Stewart a well deserved try which, of course, he converted. 66-10 and no more scoring.
Undoubtedly the biggest event of the second half was the unfortunate banjoing of our esteemed Hon President Percy. A stramash near the line and a group of players bundled the unfortunate Percy off his shooting stick onto the grass. Most of the GHK players came over to make sure he was all right. - indeed a true mark of the respect and affection they have for Percy. But Elmbank Street ex internationals are made of stern stuff and Percy dusted himself down and resumed the position - a little shaky though!
Mention must be made of the faultless kicking performance by Robbie Stewart 10 shots at goal (9 conversions and 1 penalty) and 10 scores - well done that man. And well done the whole squad for an entertaining spectacle. Top of the League .
Roll on next Saturday at Wigtownshire.
The Veep.

This article was posted on 22-Sep-2008, 08:07 by Hugh Barrow.