Match Report v Cumbernauld

Motoring along the unfamiliar landscape around the newly opened section of the M80 there were nervous moments as without Sat Nav or maps the disparate car loads navigated the diversions and roundabouts with an uncanny sense of direction that took us all (well nearly all - good effort RG) directly (well almost directly) to the home of Cumbernauld RFC.

The team showed the same confidence and sense of direction on the field, finding the opposition try line with increasing regularity, to run out very worthy winners 50 - 20 (or was it 52 - 20 - Hawks web, or 50 - 23, Presi message GHK web). Whatever - a big win. I will stick with the "scribes" scoreline for present purposes. Hopefully the ref got it right for the League table.
Apologies to our reader(s)for this unaccustomed confusion. Your VP( initial scribe) was pressed in to action as ambulance driver for Mikey B who, on the hour, retired from the game and "headed" to the Southern General, for a bunch of stitches to his bonce. His good looks remain intact although he was quickly donning a beanie to cover the surgically induced bald patch which may necessitate a visit to the hair replacement clinic pre Denver tour! Otherwise A-ok. Score at that point 38 - 8.

GHK started brightly but only had a couple of Flem penalties to show for some very good driving and handling by the forwards and ambitious expansive running from the backs, 6 - 0 up after 15 mins. Inevitably Cumbernauld came in to the game and enjoyed a period of pressure in GHK's 22 until Darcy stole the ball in a maul 5 metres from the GHK line, fed to close support, linking with Mikey Aird who kicked clear. The bounce eluded the full back and sat up nicely for the alert Rory L who had read it well, sprinting away from half way for the score. Flem converted. 13 - 0 after 25 mins.

GHK looked very impressive with some great running and passing but from a loose kick, Cumbernauld got possession and evaded a couple of poor tackles before winning a clever kick and chase to score in the corner. 13 - 5 to GHK in 35 mins.

A quick reshuffle by GHK saw Finn C take a breather with Mikey A moving to scrum half and Scot Robertson on at centre. A lovely score followed when Robbie Shedden picked up at No 8 and fed Mikey A who produced a nicely timed pass to Tony H coming up the blind side. Tony beat the first man and went through the last tackle to score in the corner. 18 - 5 to GHK on 36 mins.

GHK had their tails up. A great break by Danny H from the kick off take by Fergus L had Mikey B stretching to take the pass. However the ref awarded a penalty to GHK which Flem popped over to make it 21 - 5 at half time. Cumbernauld had their moments in the first half and could have scored a couple of tries but GHK defended well and looked the more dangerous with ball in hand.

Cumbernauld started the 2nd half with a penalty and made it 21 - 8 on 46 mins but GHK kept the pressure on Cumbernauld and when their stand off was forced to try and run out of trouble the ball was stolen and quickly moved to Rory L who scored in the corner. 26 - 8 in 50 mins.

At this point, Ronnie Gourley arrived from his wanders around Cumbernauld and district!

Tony H who showed great form throughout ran in for another converted score to make it 33 - 8. Ronnie G took over as "scribe" on 60 mins as your VP and Mikey B headed off back along the M80.
A nice break and mazy run from Flem produced an unconverted try for 38 - 8 on 65 mins with Cumbernauld responding with a good catch and drive from a penalty to touch to make it 38 - 13.

GHK threatened every time they got the ball and a lovely move from a scrum put Tony H in space which he exploited at pace to go over for his hat trick. 43 - 13 in 75 mins. Another conceded penalty led to Cumbernauld's third try on 76 mins and a good conversion made it 43 - 20.

A lineout take by Alan Tilston against the throw with good support and handling saw Tony H through for his 4th try! Converted to hit 50 - 20.
With the ref having declared the kick off the last play, GHK promptly secured turn over ball and looked to have scored a final try only for the ref to blow for a forward pass. Our replacement correspondent judged this to be marginal at best but wonders whether Rory L was on the jugs(or dress)for that one?

Another very good performance and a great brand of rugby. Tough early exchanges in the forwards but able to cut loose with excellent running, support and pace throughout the team, creating space for well taken scores.

Let's keep the momentum going!!

VP(with thanks to VP Elect)

This article was posted on 30-Mar-2011, 18:29 by Hugh Barrow.