| HUGHENDEN WINTER WONDERLAND Hillhead Jordanhill 13pts Musselburgh 7pts In the 14th league game of their 2007/8 campaign, “Hills” finally recorded their elusive first victory, which their previous home form had suggested was feasible, by defeating Musselburgh by a goal and two penalty goals to a goal. The game began under grey skies in light rain, but quickly worsened to continuous heavy rain which was replaced in the second half by heavy sleet. Despite the inclement conditions, both sides contributed to an exciting game, which was played in good spirit throughout. The first quarter was evenly contested with both sides having chances, most notably for “Hills” by Will Marshall who made a dashing break from his 22metre line, only for the move to fizzle out in the Musselburgh twenty two. It was clear that the touchlines were going to be profitable all afternoon for “Hills” as they took most of the early line out ball but in one “steal”, “Hills” second rower, Marty Lane, fell awkwardly to be replaced by Jamie Howarth. Musselburgh also suffered from disruptions with their “bag” man being busy most of the game with injuries, with the scrummages being uncontested for part of the first half when Musselburgh had lost a player to the “bin”. The scoring was opened by Stuart Torbett who stroked over the fist penalty chance of the game from 38 metres with a fine kick. For all the second quarter, “Hills” were dominant and added to their total when Angus Twaddle, taking over the kicking duties from Torbett who had been replaced by Andrew Gillman, newly recovered from injury, converted a penalty chance from some 35 metres. The field position had been gained by excellent work from Stuart Ross whose recent fine form was continued in this game. Continued pressure in the Musselburgh twenty two led to a series of drives from the “Hills” pack which the visitors had difficulty in countering all game. Eventually the pressure told, and hooker Stewart McMillan was driven over the line to record his first try of the season, Angus Twaddle converting from the touchline to take the “Hills” to 13 points to nil ahead at the break. Both sides retreated to the warmth of the clubhouse for the interval. The second half was more even in terms of possession, although there was still a lack of security on the Musselburgh line-out. The visitors stand-off, Wells, began to shape the game with his deep punting from hand, but in the main “Hills” were able to defend admirably either under the high ball or in running or kicking the ball back to the visitors. The only score of the second half came from a series of Musselburgh attacks which the “Hills” failed to clear, resulting in a try to the left of the posts which Wells converted easily. At this stage, “Hills” required to up their efforts to contain the visitors who looked lively in responding to Wells’s promptings, but the Musselburgh attacks were repulsed due to an outstanding effort from “Hills” whose team contained six teenagers, all in their first season of senior rugby. With the sleet still falling and pools of water beginning to form on the playing surface, referee, David Walker, blew for full time, allowing all 38 players and officials to hurry off for the sanctuary of the clubhouse. “Hills” head Coach Keith Robertson was delighted after the game: “ This was a tremendous reward for all the players who have kept turning up for training despite the run of defeats. I am very pleased for them, and also appreciative of those players whose game was off and turned out to support the boys. We shall keep working very hard at training for the last eight games we have to play in this league. We can’t wait to get to Kelso next Saturday” “Hills” 1st XV – Angus Twaddle, Donald Robertson , Will Marshall , Ally Wright, David Mitchell, Cameron McCulloch, Stuart Torbett ( Andrew Gillman ), Nick McAulay ( Douglas Walker ) , Stewart McMillan , Calum McConnachie ( Steven Longwell ), Martin Lane ( Jamie Howarth ), Stuart Rose , Stuart Ross, Cammy Kerr ( C ) and Stuart Todd Subs. All used. |
