Newton Stewart v GHK on Saturday 27 August in RBS West Regional Shield Match

Arriving after a slightly longer than expected journey through some picturesque countryside, the long trek didn't seem to adversely affect the team's preparations as they made a bright start (if we ignore the kick off straight to touch!) resulting in an early score for Andy Fleming, following good work by Gordi Reid on the deck. 0-5

From a line out GHK handled well with Rory Taylor finishing the move off with an effective hand off and touch down. 0-10

Andy Fleming then found more space with support coming from Andy Drummond. First conversion for Andy Fleming. 0-17

GHK's defence was proving to be stronger on a more consistent basis than in previous matches and it was a good tackle from Cammy McLay which led to the next try for Mike Aird. 0-24 Mike left the field shortly after this with the versatile Danny Campbell coming on at scrum half.

The last try of the half resulted from scrum pressure from the pack, causing Newton Stewart to rush their clearance kick which was feilded by Tony Herron inside his own half. Tony did what he does better than most by finding gaps which don't appear to be there, cutting his way through the entire Newton Stewart defence to score under the posts. HT 0-31

GHK's second half performance was less convincing with several opportunities spurned due to poor execution or over ambitious options being chosen. Newton Stewart stuck to their task and their direct running was rewarded with a converted try to pull the score back to 7-31.

GHK's next try was somewhat fortuitous as a high ball was well called for but then left, bouncing happily into Tony's hand with the support coming from Danny Campbell. 7-31

Two further scores completed the win, with hard working Mike Borthwick grabbing one and Rory Taylor rounding things off fittingly in what may be his last game for a while as he moves to Dundee for university.

Final score Newton Stewart 7 GHK 48

This was a better all round performance from the GHK team but all will be aware that chances will be in much shorter supply next week in the first league game away at Marr who, coincidentally won their shield match by an identical score away at Waysiders/Drumpellier.

With the draw for the next round of the Shield already having been made GHK have a home tie against Irvine on Saturday 29 October.

Remembering that rugby is a also about enjoying yourself off the park a pleasant journey home was enjoyed by all with some favourites being given a first rendering of the season. Even before this Owen McInroy was awarded with the player of the day shirt - complete with hairs of a feline variety (possibly lion)and he cemented his award by introducing a couple of new songs to the GHK repertoire!

GHK Team

Backs: - Tony Herron, Rory Love, Jamie Fleming, Danny Hoffmann (c), Rory Taylor, Andy Fleming, Mike Aird
Forwards: - Owen McInroy, Gordi Reid, Cammy McLay, Andy Drummond, Hugh Parker, Mike Borthwick, Alan Tilston, Neil Kiltie

Replacements: - Danny Campbell, Craig McPhee and Pete Ritchie.

VP

This article was posted on 1-Sep-2011, 11:54 by Hugh Barrow.