Perthshire 1st XV 7 points
Hillhead Jordanhill 1st XV 41 points
Hills 1st XV recovered well from their disappointing home defeat by Gordonians the previous Saturday to return home from the North Inch with 5 league points, defeating a very spirited Perthshire squad by 4 goals, 2 tries and a penalty goal to a goal. Perthshire were ahead only briefly in the first 10 minutes from an 80 metre dash to the line, following an interception, but thereafter the visitors applied pressure in all phases of the game to move to a half time lead of 17-7, and then by fulltime 41-7.
This comfortable away win was based on a technically sound and combative forward pack in which the front row with the Ulstermen, the very strong Ross Jackson at loose head, and the amply proportioned Adam Eakin on the tight side, and in the middle Harry Perston, the durable hooker, having the measure of their equally big opposition. The piratical looking second rower, Blair Colvin, bossed the lineouts with some devastating ball carrying in the loose, while fellow second rower, Robbie Thomson, did more than his fair share of close quarter work in the tight. The Hills back row also excelled. No.8 Ryan Reilly was strong, both in breaking the line in attack and his defensive chores; Calum Griffiths ran hard and was always powerful in the loose, while open side Preston McGoldrick was a permanent nuisance to Perthshire.
Behind that dominant pack, the Hills backs took a while to make the best of the stream of possession they enjoyed. But after the first 40 minutes where flanker, Calum Griffiths, scored following a thunderous drive to the line, and Michael Thompson, playing in the inside centre role, showed his physical strength to touch down, the passing became crisper , if not always accurate, and the game opened up.
Full back, Sean Black, once again confirmed his immaculate finishing skills to latch onto a difficult pass and swallow dive over the line. Ryan Reilly, showing great resilience, crossed from close range and then the Ginger Fiash ( aka Damien Genocchio) ran round at least 4 of the opposition to deliver a trademark score. Finally super sub, Liam “Biggles” Tighe, supported well and ran hard to score his side’s 6th and final try. Stand off and captain, Rory Harte , had a rewarding game off the kicking tee with 4 conversions and a penalty goal. This was a fine all round team victory with Ruiri Taylor filling in very well at Scrum half and both wingers, Corrie Dicks and Matt Murray, showing up well in both attack and defence.
Weather permitting, Hills now play Royal High at Hughenden on Saturday March 11 with a 15.00 KO. ALL supporters will be made very welcome.
1. The Squad and Coaches at Perthshire (acknowledgements Kenny Campbell)
2. A midfield passing Movement
3. Blair
Colvin towers above the rest (images 2 and 3 Acknowledgements Duncan
Lamont)
