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| “HILLS” DUMBRECK DOWNFALL Cartha QP 27pts Hillhead/Jordanhill 12pts In their final league game of 2007/8 against their city rivals, Cartha QP, “Hills” dominated for large parts of the game but, as has been customary all season, failed to turn pressure into points and were beaten by two goals, two tries and one penalty goal to one goal and a try. Although a fierce easterly wind blew across the Dumbreck pitch throughout the game, the conditions had little influence on the final outcome, although the wind helped when players chose to kick tactically towards the boundary wall at the Pollok park end of the grounds. While the opening minutes were all “Hills” when attacking the clubhouse end by means of their rolling maul and the charges from rampaging prop, Nick McAulay, they had no scores to show for their opening dominance and eventually fell behind to two Cartha QP tries which resulted from their three quarters swift transfer of the ball allied to their direct running. The “Hills” cause was not helped by a shoulder injury sustained by David Paterson which necessitated his removal from the game, being replaced by flanker, Stuart Ross. “Hills” try when it did arrive came courtesy of their most influential player on the day, no. 8 Cammy Kerr, who took advantage of a free kick awarded close to the home line to tap and carry two defenders across the line with him. The half time score of 10-5 to Cartha reflected the home team’s abilities to take their chances, although Cartha had been denied several times in attack by Stuart Rose’s and David Armstrong’s excellent cover tackling. In the third quarter of the game, “Hills” monopolised possession and thanks to Twaddle’s kicking from full back established several good attacking positions in the Cartha QP danger areas. The visitors’ line out was strong, winning some Cartha throws but despite their territorial domination, all the “Hills” had to show for their exertions was another close range Cammy Kerr try, goaled by Gus Twaddle. Eventually, Cartha relieved the siege thanks to good running from Noble, White and Manning in their three quarters. A tight head strike saw the ball being transferred quickly along the line to produce a try on the flank which was converted. Cartha were now 20pts to 12 up, and while never being able to win much ball from the “Hills” forwards were more adept in its use. A quick break out from their own twenty two by the Cartha QP backs saw possession being retained through several phases and another score thanks to quick and accurate ball transfer. The game finished with the “Hills” still attempting to take the play to the home line but being thwarted by the home team’s sound defence. Best for the “Hills” on the day were their back row players and young scrum half, David Armstrong. A disappointed but resilient head coach, Keith Robertson, complimented his players on their efforts: “We tried hard throughout but we did not take our chances. We need to show more patience and tactical awareness when we play close to the opposition try line. Hopefully, our players will have learned from these experiences this season and be more battle hardened when we play in P3 this September”. Hills 1st XV – Angus Twaddle, David Mitchell ( C ), David Paterson ( Stuart Ross ) , Fraser Brown, Ally Jamieson, Dan Witko, David Armstrong ( Stuart Torbett), Douglas Walker, Stewart McMillan , Nick McAulay (Blair McKenzie ) , Douglas Wood ( Martin Lane ), Murray Bell, Stuart Ross ( Douglas Crichton ), Cammy Kerr and Stuart Rose . Subs. All used |
