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“ SO NEAR… YET SO FAR”

HILLHEAD/JORDANHILL 8pts GHA 19pts

This was a game full of energy and commitment from the home team which promised much
for most of the contest, but, cruelly and ultimately, produced nothing by way of a points
return. Ominously, visitors GHA wasted no time in scoring: from the first lineout in the
game, and from fully twenty metres out, the GHA pack rumbled and rolled their way over
the home line with Noonan converting to put the “Hills” seven points behind after only two
minutes play. Yet, such was the determination of the home players, that it would not be
until the 75th minute of play that GHA would be able to add to their opening score.

The reasons for this were to be found in the “Hills” pack taking the game to their
opposition and contesting manfully both first and second phase possession. Equally, the
midfield defence stood firm against some penetrative running. Nothing was yielded at
either scrum or lineout, and the “Hills” pick and drive became an increasing feature of their
attacking plays, aided by sniping runs from Sam Muir at scrum half. Ball retention was
sound, but so was the GHA defence; and the only scoring opportunity, which came the
“Hills” way, was a penalty in front of the visitors posts, which full back David Frame
converted. There was much to be pleased about in the home ranks when half time was
reached with GHA, having benefited from the stiff breeze at their backs, only seven points
to three ahead.

Yet, despite still monopolising most of the possession, the “Hills” continued to find try
scoring elusive. Not only that, “lady luck” did not smile on the home teams attempts to
harness the wind to gain field position, with at least four kicks either finding touch in goal
or falling just over the dead ball line. Nevertheless, the breakthrough came after some
60minutes of play when from a ruck close to the GHA line, Stuart Ross, who was
outstanding all game, picked up and went down the blind side to score. The touch down
was wide on the right and the conversion failed, but “Hills” were now in front.

But the play became increasingly frantic with both sides committing their bench players to
the action. It was noticeable that GHA were now making every effort to move the ball wide
to move the “Hills” pack around the field, as tiredness began to set in. The decisive thrust
from the visitors occurred when play was switched quickly left in midfield, allowing
McClymont to storm away past several desperate “Hills” defenders to touch down to great
cheers and applause from the visiting support. But, Noonan’s conversion cannoned back
from the upright, leaving the visitors only four points ahead and two minutes for the “Hills”
to snatch back the lead. There were to be no fairy stories, however, merely heartaches as
looseness at a breakdown let GHA score again, this being almost a carbon copy of their
second try. This time Noonan did convert, closing firmly the door in the faces of the “Hills”
players. There remained time only for the restart and a small passage of pay before the
excellent match referee, Graham Knox, whistled for full time, confirming GHA’s fifth
successful league win, and “Hills” continuing gloom.

While downcast at the result, “Hills” head coach, Aaron Collins, found plenty of words of
praise for his players. “ I thought the boys were tremendous and I am very disappointed
that for all their effort we achieved nothing. Our Captain, Cammy Kerr, set a tremendous
example throughout, and the whole team responded. We, all of us, have to get on with it,
and we shall prepare for Edinburgh Accies in the hope we can re-ignite our season
against them.”

“Hills” 1st XV – David Frame, Alan Cahoon, Andrew Eggleton, Will Marshall, Stuart Todd,
Cammy McCulloch ( Andrew Cameron ), Sam Muir, Willie Brown, Ewen Weir ( Stewart
McMillan ), Vince McAuley ( Douglas Walker ), Marty Lane ,Chris Tulloch,, Stuart Ross (
Douglas Elder ), Cammy Kerr ( C ), Joe Stafford. Subs – All used

The 2nd XV league game between the Clubs was postponed because of waterlogged
pitches, both at Hughenden and Southbrae Drive.