Match report GHK 22 Hillfoots 8

The touchline strained with excitement at the prospect of the first home game since 7 November - either that or to avoid the depression of staying inside the clubhouse after watching the Italy International.

Hillfoots came with a big experienced pack and much of the initial period was spend camped in our own 22. Our backs were as eager as always to run the ball from virtually any position. Davy Whyte missed an early penalty in the visitors 22, however, after almost 20 minutes of play Rory Love used boot on ball to kick through and the ball was siezed on by Drummond to score a fine try which was converted 10 - 0. Some further scrappy play with mistakes by both sides meant the touchline support from both sides spent the remainder of the half endeavouring to stay warm in an icy wind by hurling abuse at almost every move!

Hillfoots kicked a penalty close to half time but Gordy Reid had the last laugh with a fine try off good Drummond linout ball. Score 17 - 3 at the break.

The second half started with a penalty miss in the opposition 22 but no points and then Andy Fleming scored a great try using his pace and determination to cross the line - pity about the hamstring strain! Unconverted and the score remained at 22-3 for much of the second half.

A period of Hillfoot pressure led to a crosskick to their winger (shades of AEC Little!) and the visitors duly scored to add a further 5 points to their tally.

Most of the second half was littered with scrappy possession and some wrong options by both sides, signs of layoff rust and the result of a bitter wind for most of the game. Our forwards should take heart that they stuck at it against a heavier pack but the back line needs to be more direct and ensure that where wingers have both space and the pace to make ground they have the confidence to do so! No bonus points but a good victory, more than can be said for the International team!

Team listed as follows.

D Whyte, C Sorlie, A Fleming, A Shedden, R Love, J Shannon, M Aird, A Forbes (Capt), G Reid, C McLay, H Parker, A Drummond, A McTavish, A Cumming, R McCormack. Subs A Gunning, R Shedden, R Stewart

This article was posted on 1-Mar-2010, 23:40 by Forbes Dunlop.

This article was posted on 2-Mar-2010, 14:59 by Hugh Barrow.