Cumbernauld 10-22 GHK

GHK came up against a stuffy Cumbernauld team away on Saturday in their 2nd league game of the season. GHK were forced into a couple of changes from the previous week with Captain Olly Jones on compassionate leave replaced in midfield by David Ross, Neil Gilmartin came into the 2nd row which allowed Stuart Pollok to move back to number 8.

GHK received the kick off against the wind and up a slight hill and from the off it was clear who would be the dominating factor in the game, the referee. With nearly every breakdown or tackle situation coming with a whistle, their was no real flow to the game and with GHK being penalised early, Cumbernauld kick repeatedly to the corner and from the lineouts, mauled their way up the field.

GHK did not see the ball in the early periods and it was no surprise that one of the Cumbernauld driving mauls resulted in the biggest player on the field falling over for a try in the corner. This spurred GHK into some action and the first time they managed into the home 22 they scored. A lineout was overthrown and first to react was Nick Cram who headed for the line but tackled short before offloading to Peter Broadbent who in turn fed Stuart Pollok to dive over for a try converted by Jamie Millan.

GHK in the lead with their first entry into the 22 but from the kick off, the trend of the first 20 minutes continued with the referee penalising every ruck or maul and wanting to talk to the offending player every time thus bring the game to a stand still on many occasions.

The half finished 5-7 to Cumbernauld.

GHK made two changes at the half with Fergus Wallace and Fraser McKinven coming on and the message from the coaches to up the tempo and start playing GHK’s game plan instead of the oppositions.

The first ten minutes of the 2nd half was played at a tremendous pace with GHK putting the frighteners into the home team with some really slick running rugby. Rory Love, Andy McTavish and Ali Smeaton were all making breaks and the forwards were creating some really quick ball for the backs. The quality turned into points when a well rehearsed scrum move put through the hands of Wallace, McFarlane and Smeaton put Rory Love in for a try in the corner, converted by Millan.

GHK then seemed to turn off again and dropped the pace of the game slightly but still had the lions share of possession. Millan kicked a penalty goal from inside the 22 to make it 5-17 and then a lovely inside break by Hunter was supported by Ross to go over at the posts but the familiar sound of the referees whistle brought play back for a forward pass but how the referee saw from 20 yards off the pace had the visitors perplexed.

It did not take long for justice to be done as a win against the head at a scrum moved wide by Wallace and Hunter to McTavish who bulldozed his way over for a score in the corner.
With the game winding down, GHK pressed for the bouns point but found no joy. It was the home side who had the delight of scoring the last try of the game with a expansive catch and drive which resulted in a try in the corner.

Final score 10-22.

The failure to get the 4th try and bonus points leaves GHK joint top of National 5 West with Loch Lomond and Oban Lorne. Next week sees relegated Strathendrick visit GHK but the game is not at Old Anniesland, the game will be played at Balgray Playing fields, kick off 3pm. All support is welcome

This article was posted on 12-Sep-2005, 11:19 by Hugh Barrow.