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| “DOWN BUT NOT OUT” West of Scotland FC 24pts Hillhead/Jordanhill 3pts By losing to “West” by two goals and two tries to one penalty goal at a windswept Burnbrae, “Hills” lost their place in SHE Premier 2 division, and will therefore play in P3 in season 2008/9. Yet the margin of victory flattered “West” for there were periods in the game when the “Hills” belied their lowly league position to place their hosts under considerable pressure. But the inability to play the game consistently in the opponent’s danger areas was ultimately the undoing of “Hills”, as the season long’s problems in translating hard won possession into points were manifest again. The advantage in having the prevailing wind in the first half was nullified by West’s fierce engagement in the tackle area, and their ability to run the ball back at the “Hills” from deep positions. The only score of a closely contested first half came from a well placed box kick from scrum half O’Donnell which the “Hills” defence failed to secure. There was some hope when following a good piece of play in which David Paterson was obstructed, Gus Twaddle kicked a penalty. But “West” soon returned to the attack, scoring from a rolling maul with the try converted. The score remained at 10pts to 3 until the 65th minute when “Hills” gifted a soft score trying to counterattack from turnover ball in their twenty two. With the prospect of an overlap out wide the ball was, however, kicked but fell to an onrushing “West” player who accepted the chance to score with ease at the posts. The margin was now too much even for a battling “Hills” side to claw back, and “West” scored their fourth and bonus point try again from a maul close to the line. There was no further scoring although the “Hills” competed well and never stopped trying to score. Best for the spirited “Hills” were scrum half Armstrong, who for a 17year old played with exceptional courage, and the back row of Ross, Kerr and Rose who were the equal of their opponents in tackle and supporting play. “Hills” head coach, Keith Robertson, said after the game: “ There was not a lot between the teams but West made and took their chances more than we did. We now have three league games remaining, and I know the players are determined to try to finish with three wins from three.” “Hills” XV – Angus Twaddle, Donald Robertson, David Paterson , Dan Witko, David Mitchell( c ), Cammy McCulloch, David Armstrong , Douglas Walker, Stewart McMillan, Nick McAulay ( Blair McKenzie ) Duncan McCartney ( Douglas Wood ) , Martin Lane ( Murray Bell ) , Stuart Ross , Cameron Kerr and Stuart Rose . Subs. Chris Jubb |
