Apologies for both the brevity (may be welcome!) and lateness of this report as I have only just been reunited with my (now dried out) notes for Saturday.

Anyway to our tale...

Conditions, both underfoot - long grass, fairly slippy and overhead - blustery wind and intermittent rain, made it difficult for both sides and certainly GHK found it much harder to play their desired expansive game. Newton Stewart also put in a much improved performance from the Shield tie earlier in the season.

The first half was evenly contested with both teams having spells of possession, Newton Stewart forcing GHK into some sterling defensive work It was a key feature of the entire game that GHK defended enthusiastically and with determination. The only score of the half was an early penalty from Andy Fleming with NS missing a chance to equalise shortly before the break.

GHK had a good spell of pressure at the beginning of the second half during which their first try was scored from scrum ball with Ross Murphy on the end of a well executed move, the try being converted and added to by two further penalties from Andy Fleming.

Shortly after, GHK were able to put together some decent handling, which they remained committed to whenever the opportunity arose, this time with Mikey Borthwick handing off on his way over the line. Again converted for 0-23.

NS had a bright spell after this, testing GHK's defence with strong forward drives and breaks around the fringes but were only able to breach the line on one occasion, following a succession of pick and drives.

GHK's final try resulted from patient play and building of phases to create an overlap for Adam McLay.

Although NS exerted more pressure GHK defence was again resolute and the game ended with GHK pressing unsuccessfully for the bonus point try.

Overall a good win against a determined side who seem sure to cause problems for other teams, with GHK showing commendable team spirit and a collective resolve that should stand them in good stead in the tougher conditions that will lie ahead.

With Glasgow Accies beating Irvine on Saturday, GHK are now 4 points clear at the top of the league, with a home game against Stewartry this Saturday at OA Kick off 3pm.

This article was originally posted on 7-Oct-2011, 12:13 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 7-Oct-2011, 12:48.