GHK 59-17 Oban

GHK hoped to continue their stunning home form of no defeats since October 2004 with a win against what was a big and aggressive Oban team at Balgray on Saturday. GHK suffered a blow with captain Olly Jones pulling out with a suspected fractured leg but thankfully Xrays confirmed no break in the bone. Jason Carlin came into the front row to replace the ill Ewan McDonald and Colin Donald came back onto the bench after his time abroad.

In the first 20 minutes, GHK were not up to their usual standards and went down to an early penalty kicked by the visiting flyhalf. Handling errors and poor intensity lead to attacks breaking down and with the first quarter down, the home coaches were looking less than impressed but suddenly GHK sprang into life and some good forward drives were getting the home team going. Cammy Little fielded a kick and beat the first man, quick hands by Fearnley and Smeaton let Andy McTavish stretch his legs and powered through the last man to score a try in the corner.

GHK forwards were starting to create good ball for the exciting backs and a solid off the top lineout was moved wide to McTavish who once again barged through a couple of tackles to score his double which was converted by Jaimie Millan. Then with the last play of the half, Dave Fearnley set up good ball in midfield and the first man their was captain Fraser McKinven to pick up and speed over for another converted try. The half finished19-3 which slightly flattered the home side but they went onto prove that it was no mistake with a stunning 2nd half performance.

A scrum 5m from the Oban line was driven by Fergus Wallace and Gillon Rand set up the ruck, the ball was moved wide where Smeaton picked a lovely angle to go over unopposed at the posts to allow an easy kick for Millan. Colin Donald then made a big hit on the Oban fly half then turned over the ball, it was moved wide and Rory Love sped over for a try only a couple of hours after stepping of a return flight from Canada.

Oban then came back into game with a very good catch and drive which allowed their forwards to dive over for a converted try. GHK replied straight away when Little exchanged passes with Fearnley and McIllroy before chipping and chasing to touch down on the right hand side. Dave Fearnley was next on the score sheet when good quick ball by the forwards was moved wide, a lovely break by Smeaton was supported well by Fearnley to collect the pass to sprint in, converted by Millan.

Once again Oban used their forwards to good advantage to pick and go near the GHK line and again get on the score sheet with the visiting hooker going over for a converted try. GHK had the last word McIllroy kept his try scoring form with a good finished after some impressive offloading in the tackle, converted by Millan with Colin Donald supporting Cammy Little to power over for another try which was the last move of the game, Millan with the extras.

The win leaves GHK top of the league and next week they travel to Paisley. GHK will be up for the game as last years fixture was a loss for GHK and as it turned out was one of the reasons they did not get crowned champions. Kick off 3pm

On Saturday evening, Old Anniesland was packed to the rafters with the first social event of the season with a Cocktail night. Some interesting outfits ranging from smart tuxedos and evening dresses mixed with clothes stolen straight out the movie ‘Cocktail’ brightened up the night as did the flow of exotic drinks that flowed from the hired professional cocktail makers. Old Anniesland has rarely been busier and special mention to Jake Love, Olly Jones and Gillon Rand for creating a night that will live long in the memory for all who attended.


This article was posted on 25-Oct-2005, 15:43 by Gordi Reid.

This article was posted on 25-Oct-2005, 22:51 by Hugh Barrow.