You are here: Match Reports / 1st XV / Selkirk16th September 2006
| “THE FIRST LEAGUE VICTORY “ HILLHEAD JORDANHILL 17pts SELKIRK 14pts In a game full of unforced errors and few attacking plays from the home team, the “Hills” triumphed over their Border visitors by two goals and a penalty goal to two goals. Yet, it seemed as if the visitors would cruise to victory scoring only in 65 seconds when from an attacking scrum in the Selkirk half, possession was lost by “Hills” at the scrum base, and after some continuity play, former pro’ Alistair Dickson linking well with Fraser Harkness stormed to the posts to leave the conversion a formality. The few home spectators present seemed resigned to another afternoon’s torture, but the “Hills” captain, Cammy Kerr, by dint of an outstanding personal display had other ideas, and he proceeded to give a performance which inspired all round about him. Certainly, the “Hills” competed throughout and made their visitors work hard for every first phase ball with ultimately Stuart Rose’s contribution at the line out tail being decisive. Also very effective throughout was Ross Curle, who played at stand off and always attempted to take the game to the opposition. Andrew “Snow” Cameron made an effective contribution on his return to 1st XV rugby. Half time was reached with Selkirk 7 pts to 3 ahead, Curle kicking an easy penalty. The second half had “Hills” playing to the Gartnaval end of the ground, and despite all Selkirk’s inventiveness with the ball in hand, the visitors were unable to mount any sort of attacking platform. It was “Hills”, however, who fought their way back into the game with their forwards starting to drive the mauls and were more prominent. Following a concerted spell of pressure in the visitors twenty two, the “Hills” drove over the line with left winger, David Mitchell, being credited with the score. Better was to follow when Ross Curle, from the acutest of angles, kicked to goal. The “Hills” were now in front but were still sticking to a simple game plan, seemingly content to allow Selkirk to do all the running and make the mistakes. And some four minutes later, a chance came the “Hills” way when on their twenty five the ball squirmed out of a Selkirk ruck, and obligingly bounced David Mitchell’s way. There followed an 80 metre dash to the line, with the winger being chased by four of the Selkirk team. Much to everyone’s relief, the score was achieved almost exactly in the same position as the first try, with Curle again bringing out full points with the conversion. This saw the “Hills” 17 pts to 7 ahead with only 10 minutes left. Ross Curle then missed a penalty from 40 metres, which would have sealed the game. As in all league games, the most dangerous ( and exciting ) period is the closing minutes, and it proved no exception here. “Hills” for once showed some enterprise and ran the ball at their opposition only to kick it against them with the ricochet bouncing nicely for their left winger, who romped upfield , kicked over David Frame’s head and won the race for the touchdown. The kick went over, leaving the game tantalisingly poised with the home team three points ahead. Fortunately for the nervous home support ( the “faithful few” ) there were no further alarms, and the game was concluded with the first league victory of the 2006/7 Season secured. “Hills” 1st XV –David Frame, Stuart Todd, Andy Milligan, Will Marshall, David Mitchell, Ross Curle, Andrew Cameron, Willie Brown, Stewart McMillan (Nico Nyemba), Douglas Walker ( Bobby Agnew ), Stuart Rose, Chris Tulloch, Murray Allan ( Stuart Ross ) Campbell Rae, Cameron Kerr ( C ) Subs – Scott Weston Next Saturday (23rd September) Hills travel to Stirling County |
