You are here: Match Reports / Sevens/ Newton Stewart 17th May 2008
| Newton Stewart 7s Result: Beaten finalists. Precious: Cheese three ways and a bottle of whisky Team: Armstrong, Bell, Brown, Gibson, Jamieson, Kerr, McNaughton, Stafford, Torbett, Witko Changes: OUT – Cahoon (sore back, age related), Kelly (struggled to make the grade), Martin (weekend curfew), Paterson (sore shoulder, softness related), Walker (sore shoulder, ). IN – Bell, Gibson, Jamieson, McNaughton, Torbett. Bright eyed, bushy tailed and looking forward to an overnight stay in their new tent, Hill’s convened at a ridiculously early hour for their annual trip to Newton Stewart. Indeed the hour was so early that only 7 bothered to turn-up on time. Drawn against Wigtonshire in their opening pool match Hill’s wasted little time in opening their account and easing to a 38 – 5 victory, with Jamieson at fault for the opposition try. Next up were the home team, looking to avenge a semi-final defeat in the previous seasons tournament. Hill’s were now hitting their stride and strolled to a comfortable 52 – 5 victory. Jamieson was again at fault, showing his opponent the touchline and then failing to react when he took it. Seeking a victory to guarantee qualification for the knockout stages, Hill’s faced Edinburgh Agrics in their final pool match. Leaving nothing to chance Hill’s powered to a 53 – 14 victory with Jamieson again at fault for both of the opposition’s tries. The draw for the semi-finals threw up the possibility of a repeat of last years Hill’s versus Badgers final – but only if they could overcome their respective opposition. Hill’s took to the pitch first, facing Dumfries. Between them, Jamieson (who else) and Witko contrived to gift the opposition an opening try. This stung the Hughenden team into action and a quick burst of three tries. Determined to keep things interesting Armstrong received a yellow card for ‘unnecessary roughness’ handing the impetus to Dumfries who were proving worthy adversaries. Both teams traded a succession tries before the final whistle with Hill’s edging the match 38 – 28. On so onto the final and a repeat of 2007 versus the Badgers. Hill’s showed plenty of honest endeavour but lacked a cutting edge and were unable to cope with an aerial bombardment at restarts and succumbed to a 51 – 19 reverse and the runners-up spot for the second year running. For the first time this season, Hill’s missed Fisken, if only to give the opposition a wider object to run around at restarts. Kerr, McNaughton and Stafford gave master-classes in powerful running, Armstrong was again dynamic in all aspects of his play and Gibson showed class aplenty. IBBR: Couldn’t wait to award his kinfolk a 5-star rating Next up, a trip to Kilmarnock. |