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| “HILLS” DESERVED VICTORY Hillhead Jordanhill 17pts Jed-Forest 8pts In a fast, free flowing game, played on a pitch which had recovered well from the recent monsoon rains, the “Hills” recorded their second league victory of the Season, defeating their Border visitors by one goal and two tries to one try and one penalty goal. The game began with both sides seeming to run ball at will with “Jed” always looking lively via the promptings of Laidlaw at stand–off , while “Hills” played more of a 15 man game than had been the case in previous weeks with good interplay between backs and forwards. The opening try when it came was something of a surprise as Cammy Kerr’s no.8 pick up and blind side move from 35 metres out did not seem particularly threatening until scrum half Stuart Torbett appeared in space to run round the “Jed” left flank to touch down. The conversion was missed, but “Hills” were playing with spirit and were not overawed by their opponents. The try galvanised Jedforest somewhat as for the next ten minutes they enjoyed their best spell in the game when they won some possession on the touchline, while “Hills” incurred referee Hepburn’s displeasure at the breakdown. The visitor’s driving maul splintered “Hills” defence while some penetrating running was halted only by desperate defence. Eventually, “Jed” broke through with their burly scrum half, Goodfellow, burrowing over from a rolling maul. The conversion from wide out was missed, and “Hills” attacked again, but soon found themselves behind when Grieve kicked a 40metre penalty to take “Jed” 8 points to five up. From that point in the game, however, “Hills” began to dominate the touchline and develop their dynamic approach. After 35 minutes, an excellent line-out take by Stuart Todd allowed quick hands to make room for David Paterson to find space in the midfield and allow his fellow centre, Ally Wright, to score beneath the posts. Angus Twaddle converted to take the “Hills” to a 12 points to 8 margin at the interval. For the next 35minutes, there was no further scoring with the bulk of the play taking place in the “Jed” half of the field. While Laidlaw and Goodfellow tried to make the most of limited opportunity, the “Hills” defence, in which the back row of Ross, Kerr and Todd were outstanding, were more than equal to keeping them at bay. There was intense commitment all round and none more so than from Stuart Todd who put in a massive hard but fair hit on a rampaging visiting three quarter to bring a move to a shuddering conclusion. Two prone bodies resulted, with Stuart having to be carried off and taken to hospital with what was confirmed later as a fractured fibula. “Hills” ascendancy continued and two penalty kicks at goal were missed, but still “Jed” could not raise the siege. There then followed as an intense period of play in the “Jed” twenty two, as “Hills” have manufactured all season. Wave after wave of phased possession with some fourteen “pick and drive” moves were repulsed, but still possession was retained until second rower Stuart Rose, ably assisted by replacement prop Nick McAulay, plunged over the line. This took the “Hills” more than one score ahead of their visitors and the sense of relief in the home support was palpable. The excitement continued and “Hills” should have added to their tally, but some poor finishing and frantic “Jed” defence denied them. The “Hills” continued to pressurise “Jed” at every opportunity and the game finished with the most accomplished player on the field Clark Laidlaw having to find touch, as there were no attacking options available to his team. A delighted “Hills” Head Coach, Keith Robertson, finally found his breath and noted : “ We are beginning to learn how to hold onto the ball a bit more, and our patience was rewarded with the final try. I was delighted with the outcome. The boys must keep training so we are able to compete in our next three games, all away to Cartha, Musselburgh and Kelso. It will be some ask to continue where we left off to-day, but we will certainly be up for it.” Hills 1st XV – Angus Twaddle (Hamish Locke), David Mitchell ( c ), David Paterson ( Hamish Locke), Ally Wright, Ally Jamieson, Cammy McCulloch, Stuart Torbett ( Angus Twaddle ), Douglas Walker, Stewart McMillan , Calum McConnachie ( Nick McAulay ), Stuart Rose, Duncan McCartney ( Chris Tulloch ) , Stuart Ross, Cammy Kerr and Stuart Todd ( Martin Lane ) . Subs. All used |
