You are here: Match Reports/2007-08/1st XV/Hamilton 15th September 2007
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Click here for the Hamilton view
Click here for printable version of the report
Click here for the Hamilton view
| “HILLS” NARROW LOSS Hillhead Jordanhill RFC 6pts Hamilton RFC 7pts This was a game in which mistakes proliferated with neither side able to string together much in the way of continuity rugby. Yet, the “Hills” will feel aggrieved that their first half territorial dominance did not produce a greater return than their half time lead of six points, Cammy McCulloch dropping a goal after 29 minutes and Andy Gilman adding a penalty goal after 35 minutes. It seemed as if two try scoring opportunities went a begging with Will Marshall through with a two to one overlap available on the left, and Stuart Rose, “Hills” best player on the day, clean through at the posts, but electing to pass with the try line in sight. The movement which “Hills” had enjoyed in the first half evaporated as Hamilton took more of the play, but fine defensive work in which Stuart Ross excelled kept the hungry visitors out. The turning point in the game occurred in exactly the same way as a fortnight previously when the “Hills” were reduced to fourteen men, when loose head prop, Gavin Blackburn, incurred the touch judge’s displeasure for some illegal action at the breakdown. Some untidy work in the home twenty two allowed Hamilton to work their way towards the try line. A five metre scrummage could not be resisted, allowing the visitor’s scrum half, Strydom to touch down for the only try of the game. Crucially, stand off Diffenthal converted from wide out on the right hand touchline, his only successful goal kick of the day, to edge Hamilton one point ahead. With Blackburn now restored, there was still time for “Hills” to work their way into the Hamilton danger areas, but their passing and work at the breakdown was all too frantic to allow any clear cut scoring opportunities to materialise. Certainly, referee David Walker played sufficient added time, but the drama was left to the last play, when “Hills” had a chance to snatch victory with the very last kick of the game. Desperate defence at a breakdown resulted in Hamilton conceding a penalty some thirty metres out and to the right of the posts. After much debate on the pitch, Cammy McCulloch was entrusted with the kick, which was well enough struck but just missed to the right of the posts. So ended the game, and with it “Hills” chance to record their first league victory of the 2007-2008 season. “We have now had two narrow defeats at home, with both games providing losing bonus points. We need to learn to finish better and take our chances, but we have a young squad with three teenagers in our backs. Their play is improving. Our overall game plan remains sound, and we look forward to our first trip to the Borders next Saturday to play Selkirk” said “Hills” head coach, Keith Robertson “Hills” 1st XV – David Mitchell, Gavin Mahindru , Dan Witko ( David Paterson ), Will Marshall, Hamish Locke, Cammy McCulloch, Andrew Gilman, Gavin Blackburn ( Calum McConachie ) , Ewen Weir , Douglas Walker , Douglas Wood , James Howarth ( Douglas Crichton ) , Stuart Ross, Cammy Kerr ( C ) and Stuart Rose. Sub Stuart Todd |
