You are here: Match Reports / 1st XV / GHA 26th August 2006
| Hills v GHA 26th August 2006 A BAD DAY OUT IN THE SOUTH SIDE GHA 51pts HILLHEAD/JORDANHILL 6pts This was a game where the opening 15 minutes play, which the “Hills” dominated, unfortunately did not set the pattern for the remaining 65 minutes game time. In truth, the “Hills” body language throughout betrayed a lack of confidence with few players demonstrating their real potential. Yet, half time was reached with the visitors only 6pts –13 down, Ross Curle having converted two well struck penalties, but GHA’s scoring one goal and two Noonan penalties. The second half started disastrously with the GHA kick off failing to be secured, leading to a sustained spell of home pressure with a try being all too easily conceded. Further tries took the game away from the “Hills”, with any hope the visitors had of restoring any parity in the scoring disappearing with principal line out provider, Marty Lane, having to retire with a damaged thumb. At times, GHA ran a master class in continuity rugby with returning centre, Iain Kennedy, causing disarray in the visitors ranks with his clever angles of running and change of pace making room constantly for his team mates round about him. Given all of this, the “Hills” were almost exclusively involved in the second half in defensive chores, but occasionally had a period of pressure when they visited the GHA twenty two. But even in a five minute spell late in the final quarter of the game, when the “Hills” hammered the homeline, there was no way through and the GHA stand off, Noonan, somewhat disdainfully drove the final nail in the “Hills” coffin with a clearing kick from his goal line which found touch at half-way. Despite all Cammy Kerr’s fine driving play and David Frame’s exhortations, this was a poor start for the “Hills”, conceding seven tries in this opening league game. Perhaps, the surroundings of Raeburn Place next Saturday, where in Season 2005/6, they recorded a fine away victory may inspire the “Hills” to an improved performance. “Hills” 1st XV – Ross Curle, David Mitchell, David Frame, Will Marshall, Stuart Todd, Scott Weston, Jamie Hunter ( Cammy McCulloch ), Cammy Kerr ( C ), Stewart McMillan, Joe Stafford, Marty Lane ( “Vince” McAuley ), David Fisken, Stuart Ross, Campbell Rae, Fraser Murray. Subs Nico Nyemba, Andy Milligan . On the adjoining pitch, some pride was restored for the Hughenden faithful with the “Hills” 2nd XV overpowering a weakened GHA 2nd XV by 45 pts to nil. Scores & Scorers: 8min Penalty Hills - Ross Curle - 0-3 10min Penalty GHA - Jim Noonan - 3-3 18min Try GHA - Rory Watson (con Noonan) - 10-3 30min Penalty GHA - Noonan - 13-3 36min Penalty Hills - Curle - 13-6 Half Time 13-6 41min Try GHA - Andrew Rushforth (con Noonan) - 18-6 44min Try GHA - Niall Cassie - 25-6 52min Try GHA - Des Ziolo - 30-6 62min Try GHA - Cassie (con Noonan) - 37-6 75min Try GHA - Ian Kennedy (con Noonan) - 44-6 82min Try GHA - Cassie (con Noonan) - 51-6 Full Time 51-6 Next Saturday Hills travel to Edinburgh Accies on Saturday 2nd September for a double header with Hills 1st & 2nd XV playing Accies 1st & 2nd XV. |
