On a perfect day for rugby the GHK team spirit shone through in a close encounter to win 23 - 17 and remain unbeaten.

A bright day in Bishopbriggs and a bright start by GHK who with the slight breeze at their backs showed their intent and proceeded to monopolise possession and territory for the first 30 mins but made very heavy weather of breaking down a resolute Glens defence.The GHK cause was not helped by a string of uncharacteristic errors, with poor passing,dropped balls,knock ons and penalties/free kicks giving Glens the opportunity to clear the danger on numerous occasions. Despite all this there was general consensus on the touchline that with all the pressure and some excellent intrusions from Andy Fleming at full back, cracks would begin to appear in the Glens defence.

On 9mins David Reed missed a long range penalty but GHK continued to camp around Glens 22. A quick tap penalty on 5 metres by George Oommen set up the ruck for quick ball and good hands to Andy Fleming, in at pace, who threw a nice dummy to slice in for a well taken try. David Reed converted ; 7 - 0 after 21 mins. Andy Fleming struck again after 29 mins to outpace the cover and score in the corner; 12 - 0.

GHK appeared set to keep the scoreboard ticking over but Glens were sticking to their task and GHK were unable to take further advantage.

To put the domination in to perspective. it was 17 mins before Glens got in to the GHK half and then only momentarily as a penalty to GHK put Glens back in to their 22. It was 32 mins before Glens got in to GHK's 22 and on their second visit in 38 mins they pressured the GHK line, coming away with a converted penalty to finish the half 12 - 3.
GHK's error count continued to escalate, when the restart didn't go 10 metres, which gave Glens an attacking platform. A kick through was gathered by Andy Fleming who made a great break from the 22 but from loose ball in the tackle Glens hacked through and the ball was neatly picked up by Glens who ran on to score a converted try. After just 3 mins of the second half it was 12 - 10 and game on. GHK replied immediately with a sortie in to Glens half resulting in a penalty on 35 metres. Andy Fleming converted to make it 15 - 10.

However, Glens tails were up and the game was turning in their favour as they started to dominate possession and GHK had to show their defensive qualities.On 50 mins Glens kicked a penalty to the corner and a well rehearsed take and drive produced another converted try. Glens were now in front 17 - 15.

Subs came on and off but the GHK error count continued. Glens scented the opportunity of an upset and GHK were going to have to dig deep to get back on top. It has been one of the major assets of this GHK team that even when not firing on all cylinders, the self belief and team spirit is exceptional.

GHK started to create some chances. A couple of penalty kicks were missed on 54 and 59 mins and various good breaks came unstuck but a period of pressure around Glen's 22 resulted in a neatly taken drop goal by Andy Fleming which put GHK back in front at 18 - 17 on 70 mins.
A long drop out by Glens was caught by Greg Woolard who passed to Andy Fleming who struck a speculative up and under down the tramlines. The ball found the gap and Andy following up his own kick, gathered the bounce and fed to Gordi Reid who floated an pass inside to Hugh Parker who galloped in to score. 23 - 17 on 76 mins. The conversion was missed, so GHK were still not home and dry. Glens had a couple of late chances but couldn't capitalise.

Final score 23 - 17 to GHK.

Not one of GHK's better days at the office after a very promising first 30 mins. Glens defended well and got stronger as the game went on but GHK's great team spirit won the day,to ultimately produce a well deserved hard earned away win, and remain unbeaten.
An improved performance and more of the same team spirit will be required for next week's top of the table clash against 2nd placed Marr, at Old Anniesland.
NB - Kick Off 3pm.

Two course lunches available from 1.15 pm from Alan James in the Jimmie Ireland Stand for a very reasonable £7.50 . Why not come along to support the team and enjoy lunch along with a pint and some pre-match banter .

EC
Presi.

This article was posted on 15-Nov-2011, 08:18 by Hugh Barrow.