In a magnificent setting used to hosting international matches where the Glendale club have the only purpose built rugby stadium in the USA previously having hosted the Churchill Cup and other high profile matches, the scene was set for the final and most demanding game of the tour.

The teams had their names read out, with accompanying images on the giant Megatron screen as they warmed up and were then piped onto the park by coach Kenny and the tour's silent assassin, Mr Ross Murphy, for the introductory line up, with flag bearers, full 'Honor Guard' and a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland in front of the main stand.

A crowd of over 2,200, basking in strong early evening sunshine, with the application of sunscreen being a vital part of the pre-match routine, settled to watch what was to turn out to be a high quality match full of excellent handling, big hits and beautifully worked tries.

Glendale employed a full camera crew to record the game, once we work out the technology a copy may be available via the our club website…….

The match started far from auspiciously for GHK as Glendale's huge outside centre brushed off some weak tackles to score inside the first two minutes with an easy conversion following for 7-0 to the hosts. If GHK had, perhaps understandably, been caught up in the atmosphere of this marvelous occasion, their response was immediate and effective.

GHK were quickly back on level terms, Andy Fleming kicked a penalty to touch 10 metres from the Glandale line. The forwards produced a great take and drive which was stopped close to the line, recycled possession then released the ball out to the backs where Captain Danny came in on the switch and angled to score under the posts. Converted by Andy Fleming. Glendale continued to run strongly but GHK’s tackling was solid and with quick ruck ball GHK’s expansive handling game entertained the crowd and paid dividends with further tries by Andy Fleming, Danny Hoffman and Rory Love on 20, 25 & 30 minutes taking the score to 7 – 22 at half time.

Andy Fleming stroked over a penalty 2 minutes into the second half to increase the score to 7 – 25. GHK kept the tempo of the game high, bringing on fresh legs and lungs, scoring a further 4 quality tries trough Andy Fleming, Mike Aird, Mike Borthwick and Rory McCormick with 3 conversions from Andy Fleming to take the score to 7 – 51.

The scoreline suggest that play was all one way traffic but this was not the case. Glendale had periods of pressure and continuously ran hard and tackled strongly but GHK were playing some of their best rugby of the season with speed on and off the ball that was a real handful for the home side. Inevitably gaps began to appear in the GHK defence as the game moved into the last quarter and Glendale’s efforts were rewarded with 3 tries and 2 conversions interspersed with GHK dotting down a further try from a lovely sidestep by Andy Shedden to score under the posts; converted by Danny Campbell.

Final score 26 – 58.

A big crowd witnessed a tremendous performance from the whole GHK squad. A lot of those attending were new to the game and if the number of kids seeking autographs from both sides after the match is anything to go by GHK’s play will hopefully have encouraged some new converts!

Tour manager and coach “piper” Kenny Hamilton piping the kilted team into the Glendale “Try Bar” club room for the post match hospitality got a rousing reception which will live long in the memory as one of the many highlights of what has been a truly memorable tour.

Well done to all concerned – great advert for the club and a good base to build on fior the forthcoming season.

The Pres

This article was posted on 3-Jun-2011, 10:47 by Hugh Barrow.