GHK 19-0 Strathendrick

GHK’s home fixture was moved to Balgray playing fields for the visit of Strathendrick in the third round of league matches in National 5. Many involved with both clubs eagerly awaited this contest with former ‘Endrick player David Ross now head coach at GHK and four of six former ‘Endrick players in the starting XV for GHK on Saturday.

GHK were dealt a massive blow just before kick off when captain Olly Jones was summoned along to Old Anniesland to start at full back for Hawks 1st XV. Hawks had lost Colin Shaw to the Glasgow Warriors, a move that shows that what happens at the top end of Scottish rugby can have an effect lower down the leagues too. That along with influential forward Colin Donald not available through illness left GHK without two of their most experienced players but such as the quality of the squad they brought in Gillon Rand and Dave Fearnley, two players that any other first XV would have started anyway.

GHK knew the opposition would be up for the game and as they kicked off into a strong breeze the first few minutes of the game set the tone for a good hard game where both sides played good XV man rugby. GHK’s forwards took an early advantage with some very strong picking and driving which was creating good ball for the backline where Ali Smeaton and Rory Love were making good breaks but were halted by some good defence by the opposition.

‘Endrick too were playing some good stuff and some early pressure told when they were awarded two close range penalties but were missed by Bruce Duncan. GHK went back on the attack and once again the forwards were pushing hard and but for a couple of spilled balls at the base of the ruck close to the ‘Endrick line, GHK may have turned the pressure into points.

A score did not take long though when a kick return by Gillon Rand was set up by Andy McTavish, two former ‘Endrick players. The ruck was won by the forwards and a lovely pass by Chas McFarlane through his legs to Stuart Pollok who burst two tackles from Greg Leishman and Stuart Campbell and sped off down the line. He then stepped past the fullback to go over for a try, converted by Jamie Millan.

The game went backwards and forwards with Duncan’s boot clearing the visitors out of danger on many occasions. Ryan Welsh and Ali Forbes were carrying good ball for the home side but with no other chances, the half finished 7-0 to GHK.

The start of the 2nd half went the same way as the end of the first with both teams looking for gaps. GHK were looking the more dangerous with breaks from Stuart Hunter and McTavish. The home pack was dominating and sustained pressure led to a break by Smeaton supported well by Rand and Love, the ruck close to the line was picked up and driven over by Pollok for his brace. The conversion slide narrowly wide.

With time running out and GHK still dominating, the crowd wondered if the bonus point would come then off a solid scrum, Smeaton came on a nice angle back in and danced his way around a couple of tackles, rounded the fullback for a score at the posts, converted by Millan. Five minutes left and the home side went all out for the bonus point but simple errors and good defence held them out and the referee blew time with the score 19-0 to GHK.

Three wins from three games leaves GHK joint top of National 5 with Oban Lorne. GHK travel the short distance to Clydebank for next weeks game looking to get another victory and this time the bonus point. 3pm kick off, support always welcome.

This article was posted on 19-Sep-2005, 11:46 by Hugh Barrow.