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You are here: Match Reports / 1st XV / Hamilton 17th February 2007

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“CAMERONS IN COMMAND”

HILLHEAD JORDANHILL 16pts HAMILTON 0pts

In a game full of honest endeavour from both sides, but which did not at any stage have
too many creative moments, the “Hills” recorded a win against their visitors from Hamilton
by three penalty goals and one goal, and thereby signalled their intent to fight to retain
their status as a Premier 2 Club.

In truth, the main difference between the sides was the home team’s determined efforts
over the full 80 minutes to match their more fancied opponents in all phases of the play.
Yet, after the opening quarter, it would have been a brave “Hills” supporter who would
have put any money on their team triumphing such was the buffeting their forwards were
taking in the tight and maul play. The heavier and bigger Hamilton eight were driving the
home pack back in the scrums and monopolising the touchlines; yet, in attempting to play
a more expansive game than is their norm, the Hamilton midfield found it difficult to
penetrate the home defence. Indeed, the only clear opportunity Hamilton had in the first
half to score was a missed penalty kick at goal from Sangster, which mirrored Cameron
McCulloch’s effort, his opposite number at 10. Despite their scrum slewing constantly,
“Hills”, through the combined efforts of Murray Allan at no. “8” and Sam Muir at scrum half,
worked their way into the Hamilton danger areas often enough for them to concede
kickable penalties, which Cameron McCulloch converted. With half time reached with the
“Hills” only six points to the good, it was clear that the first score of the second half would
be crucial.

But the pattern of the game in the second period did not change much at all with both
sides finding it difficult to set their line breakers running, although Andrew Eggleton at
outside centre for the “Hills” caught the eye, as did both the “Hills” wingers, John Warwick
and David Mitchell, on the odd occasion. The Hamilton tactic of rotating their forwards to
maintain their impetus certainly confirmed their share of first phase ball, but it was
noticeable, also, that the “Hills” seemed to be able to find more energy than their
counterparts and this became reflected in the number of ruck penalties and turnovers
which came their way. In addition, the introduction of Douglas Walker at prop after some
60 minutes had a considerable impact on the proceedings with his dynamic ball carrying
skills adding to the “Hills” play. The only try of the game was worth the wait and was
skilfully achieved. A close range line-out with Marty Lane winning ball at the tail and
thereby allowing fast transfer via Sam Muir and stand off McCulloch found Cameron Kerr
loitering in the inside channel. The “hulk” required no second invitation and found,
unusually for him, a curving run to the Hamilton line with his taking two defenders with him.
Cameron McCulloch converted, but even at 13 pts ahead the “Hills” could not relax, as
Hamilton took the play back to their hosts. It was clear, however, that this was not to be
the visitor’s day as several opportunities were scorned. There remained time, however,
for “Hills” via David Frame’s searching kicks to bring the play back into the Hamilton half,
and McCulloch brought the scoring to an end with his third penalty goal.

It was a relieved, but delighted “Hills” head Coach, Aaron Collins, who noted: “ We are
delighted for the players as they did not give up at all. It was a very hard game as
Hamilton were very strong throughout but our collective will took us through. We have
plenty to work on before the next game at Netherdale in a fortnight’s time”

“Hills” 1st XV –David Frame, John Warwick, Andrew Eggleton, Will Marshall, David Mitchell,
Cameron McCulloch, Sam Muir ( Andrew Cameron ), Willie Brown ( Douglas Walker ),
Stuart Ross, Joe Stafford, Marty Lane, Chris Tulloch ( David Fisken ) , Jeff Wright, Murray
Allan, Cameron Kerr ( C ) ( David Crighton ).