Last Saturday was tough to take, but here is a reason to rejoice: TARTAN TOUCH resumes at Hughenden this Friday 6.30pm!
Very casual, really fun, open to all level, new bees to Rugby warriors
All details: Tartan Touch
#hjrfc, #tartantouch
Category: Women’s 1st XV News
Sarah Beaney Cup Build-up
5.45pm Sarah Beaney Cup – Hillhead Jordanhill RFC v Watsonian FC
WE ARE DELIGHTED to have reached the final and the fact that this is the 5th consecutive final for the girls shows the incredible efforts that they have put in to maintain such a high standard for so long.
It was a great confidence boost to be going into the final with the impressive performance in the penultimate round against Ayr RFC. We have a really close and tight-knit squad, that is ready to relish the challenge that is ahead! We really feel like we’re ready to perform at BT Murrayfield and are up for the final challenge of facing Watsonians FC this Saturday!
This season has had many different highs throughout it. One of the obvious highs was the girls retaining the women’s premiership league title. However, there has been some lows through the season as well as it has been a year that has been tormented by injuries. In total we have over 25 different injuries happen through the year for major injuries in the likes of Siobhan McMillan and Sophie Anderson to have smaller injuries that have players out for just a couple games. This however does make what we have achieved this year even greater. As we haven’t had it easy and the girls have had to really work hard for everything they have got this year as well. With obviously loosing quite a few seniors players last year due to them finishing up there time playing there wasn’t as many leaders within the group as I previous years. However, this gave some girls a real opportunity and chance to rise up to the challenge and we have no got a team with a real cohesion and a group of different leaders all in their own way.
The international girls have accomplished so much this year both with Scotland 15’s, 7’s and hills. What they have achieved is down to the extensive hard work they have all individually put in behind the scenes. They have always had a great attitude as well when returning back to hills after being away with Scotland. An example of this was when Hannah Smith was not even home 24 hours from Hong and played in the cup quarter final against Stirling. It was great to see Sophie Anderson get her first cap as well this year, even though we haven’t seen her in hills colours she has been an incredible support and has carried herself in such a positive light throughout her injury which am sure has rubbed off on some of the other girls when they have short term injuries. Louise our captain as well has been a truly leader of this team on and off the field. She always carries herself with great distinction and has great respect for every player within the team, and thus earns her the respect of everyone else. Louise is another that did have an injury set this year but she showed great character to get herself for again for the Honk Kong 7’s. Abi Evans has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and that is now showing in the international stage. With scoring for the Scotland 15’s on a few occasion as well as having a few brilliant performances out on Hong Kong at the 7’s. Siobhan McMillan has been another player that has been ruled out of playing for a while due to injury. However, Siobhan has an incredible attitude and which is fuelled by at brilliant hunger and desire to become better. She always demands the best out of the girls and herself when she plays and this is a brilliant attribute to have as a player.
In this side of the year we have had a few of the younger girls starting to come up and joining the senior ladies not just in training but in games as well. Of the young girls that has just started coming to senior ladies training is Eve Thomson. Eve was another girl that suffered a unfortunate injury last year, but she is now recovered and back to playing. Eve has a brilliant attitude towards by throwing herself straight into everything. Another under 18 that has stepped up this year is young Aimee Johnstone. Aimee has played a huge part within our cup campaign this year. She has really been a great example for all the younger girls within the club. She carries herself amazingly in every training and match and is truly some with a mature head on young shoulders. Another mention must go out of young Carla Mcdonald who is younger sister of Mairi Mcdonald. Carla has been one of the most regular attendees to the senior ladies training even though she is still and under 15. For someone so young to have the confidence to fit in shows how amazing this young ladies character is. I truly believe Carla has taken huge steps of improving as a player this year due to being exposed to a lot more rugby that is of a higher quality and at a faster pace. She is now starting to also show some great leadership skills within her younger age groups.
As group we are now all really looking forward to the final. We have all worked incredibly hard to get to where we are and we are determined not to take the foot of the pedal now. We have got two weeks of training ahead and we going to make the most of it. The ladies are excited to showoff what they are capable of on the big day.
Hills shine to book Silver Saturday place
Ayr Ladies 0 points | Hillhead Jordanhill Ladies 70 points
UNLIKE THEIR QUARTER FINAL CUP TIE against Stirling County where they started slowly, Hills Ladies were on the front foot from the kick off in the semi final tie of the Sarah Beaney Cup at Millbrae. Despite playing against a bitingly cold east wind in the first half, Hills Ladies dominated most of the first and second phase possession and little was seen of the their hosts in attack. Ayr held out bravely for most of the first quarter, but when Hills’ scrum half Mhairi McDonald darted through from fifteen metres out to score, it seemed likely that the hosts would struggle to contain their visitors. That was proved with further first half scores being recorded by Emma Barlow with a trademark powerful run down the left flank, then Phillipene Mias from close range and just before the end of the first half from the tireless Hannah Telling. Mhairi McDonald converted one to leave the score at Hills twenty two points ahead.
Hills were bigger and stronger, and the tiring Ayr Ladies experienced considerable difficulty in their first time tackling, particularly when Louise McMillan and Flic Syfert were ball carrying at speed. Distribution from the eventual breakdowns was very effective with both Hills half backs, Mhari McDonald and Phillipene Mias, being exemplary in their passing and continuity play. Tries came at regular intervals in the second forty minutes with Abi Evans touching down twice and Lucy Mills, Hannah Telling, Amy Watkins, captain Louise McMillan, Jemma Forsyth and Hannah McHugh all adding to the score with tries. With the wind now at her back, scrum half Mhairi McDonald added a further four conversions.
Hills victory margin of seventy points was well deserved and was built on a solid all round team performance with each member of the squad of twenty one ladies making an effective contribution. This win takes the Hills to the Cup Final at BT Murrayfield on Saturday the 27th April with a 17.15 KO when they will play Watsonians. Ticketing details will be posted on all social media sites when available.
Head Coach Aird Jardine now has the unenviable task of selecting the starting fifteen for the final. With Hannah Smith hopefully returning to fitness, competition for places will be fierce. Certainly given the occasion and the fact Watsons play in a similar way to Hills always seeking to move the ball at every opportunity, a full squad of players will be required for what promises to be an outstanding final. 6 Nations referee Holly Davidson will be in charge and that also adds to the occasion.
HJRFC AGM 2019
HJRFC’s AGM will be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 7th May 2019 at Hillhead Sports Club
Nominations are requested for those wishing to be officiate in leading roles in the Committee. In particular nominations are being sought for the positions of President, Treasurer and Secretary. Nominations should be sent to the Club Secretary, Hunter Kirkpatrick by email to h.kirkpatrick@armour.co.uk no later than Tuesday 30th April.
HillJills win cup tie after early fright
Hillhead Jordanhill Ladies 54 points | Stirling County Ladies 22 points
IT WAS AN INAUSPICIOUS START by Hills in this Sarah Beaney Quarter Final cup tie at Hughenden. After some twelve minutes of play, Stirling County were already seventeen points up and showing considerable enterprise in their running and handling skills to score three tries. Hills, for their part, looked nervous and sluggish and made many uncharacteristic errors. Head Coach Aird Jardine reacted accordingly and brought on three bench replacements, one of whom was the returning Hannah Smith from the International 7’s in Hong Kong. The remainder of the first half saw Hills inching their way back slowly into the game against the well organised and lively visitors. Hills scored three tries in the second quarter of the game with Stella Kyalikunda, the feisty Dani Cormier and the pugnacious Emma Barlow each touching down.
With Hills now playing down the slope in the second half, the score began to rise inexorably for the home side with tries from Hannah Smith (two), Emma Barlow and Jemma Forsyth, one of which was converted by Mairi McDonald. More tries came from Amy Watkins, Lucy Mills and finally Mairi McDonald. The last score from the Hills’ elfin scrum half showcased some wonderful rugby skills: a fast pick up from the base of the scrum, a break into open field and dummy with a swerve to score between the posts. For good measure, Mairi converted her own try. Stirling were mostly on the back foot for most of the second half, but they did recover temporarily to record a good try. Hills ran out deserved winners by fifty four points to twenty two, but they were made to work hard for their victory. Hills’ forwards were well served by the tireless Hannah Telling at open side wing forward and props, the experienced veteran Heather Lockhart and youngster Aimee Johnston who scrummaged powerfully and carried effectively in the loose.
Hills now have an away semi-final tie at Millbrae against Ayr on SUNDAY the 14th April, 14.00 KO. Captain Hannah McHugh will require to organise her team to play on the front foot and get in their stride quickly from the first whistle if they are to have any hope of reaching another cup final on Silver Saturday at BT Murrayfield on the 27th April 2019.
HillJills Battle Hard for Victory on the Road
Stirling County Women 28 – Hillhead Jordanhill Women 48
Aird Jardine, assisted by Rory Harte, travelled with their squad to Stirling County’s picturesque grounds, Bridehaugh.
Prior to the match Stirling were sat level with Hills having won all four of their opening matches, and as such the game was always going to be fierce test. True to their form, Stirling opened the scoring by crossing the whitewash in the first five minutes. The flow of the game soon changed and Hills began to assert their dominance, with physicality from the forwards and dynamic runs from the backs. Stirling weren’t completely out of the picture, scoring two tries to Hills’ four by the end of the first half.
Heather Lockhart really came into her stride during the second half, her trustworthy hands and big tackles saw her awarded Aird’s player of the match. The McMillan sisters, Louise (Captain) and Siobhan brought their A-game with clinical big hits, strong carries and troubled Stirling in the rucks. Centre duo, Hannah Smith and Abi Evans ran some greatly effective lines that had the Stirling defence working overtime, earning themselves a lion’s share of the tries. Mairi McDonald had a flawless game at Scrum Half, supplying the ball with clinical precision. Starting wings, Emma Barlow and Lucy Mills enjoyed their day, recording a try each – Emma continuing her impressive form having made the transition from Hockey to Rugby last season. Emma’s second half replacement, Juliet Ross also made an impression as a safe pair of hands and held the defensive line well. Lucy and Juliet have both recently made the seamless transition from age-grade rugby to senior rugby in the Scottish Premiership, with their performances justifying their place in the 1st XV squad.
Stand-Off, Phillipene Mias is new to the club, joining us from FC Grenoble Rugby. She’s made her name a top priority for Aird’s selection process, demonstrating this by controlling play with a calm and cool head, key attributes of a great 10. Later in the game Aimee Watson made some great tackles, hitting Stirling’s attack low and hard. Full back Amanda Jane had solid game managing the back 3 with experience and efficiency. Forwards, Hannah Telling and Kirsty McConnell brought their usual energy to pack, quick off the line in defence they ensured that Stirling were under constant pressure, hampering their attempts at progress. Stella Kyalikunda, Fiona Dorman, Kirsty Reid and Rachel Kerr all played their part in the success with their work rate and resolve. In summary, a great team effort all round by Hills!
Tries: Abi Evans (5), Hannah Smith, Lucy Mills, Emma Barlow
Conversions: Amanda Jane (4)
Hilljills with Scotland 7s
HJRFC is proud to have several members of our women’s squad representing Scotland during a magnificent summer of sevens.
Our girls Ellie Burr, Eve Thomson and Zoe Toner have been working hard over the summer break as they train with the U18 Scotland 7s squad, coached by our own Graeme Blackhall.
Eve Thomson was selected to play in two Home Nations U18 tournaments in July – the first one was at Peffermill, Edinburgh on 7th/8th and second one in Birmingham on 21st/22nd.
After two days of tough competition and finishing 4th overall, Coach Graeme said “The girls have learnt a huge amount from their experiences this weekend and I can only praise them for their attitude and determination. Although the scoreboard didn’t always reflect their efforts, they should take massive confidence from how far they have come as a squad.”
The club stands behind the girls as they prepare for an internal exhibition match at BT Murrayfield this Sunday 12th August.
We are also proud to stand behind several members of our senior women’s team who have been named in the Scotland 7s training squad ahead of the second and final leg of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series in Kazan, Russia (Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd September). Hannah Smith, Abi Evans, Mairi McDonald and Louise McMillan have been training hard during the summer months as they hope to secure a top-ten overall spot to guarantee a spot in next year’s Grand Prix Series.
All the best ladies! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments!
Pictures: Estelle Rodden
Hills Women Appoint Fresh Coaching Team
Hills Women are delighted to announce the appointment of Aird Jardine as Head Coach for Women’s Rugby for Season 2018/19. Aird joins us from Biggar RFC where he was the Women’s Head Coach, Under 18 Girls Coach, Under 16 Boys Coach and Coach at the Biggar Academy.
Aird will be responsible for providing and co-ordinating bi-weekly training sessions for the Women on Wednesdays and Thursday nights at 6:45 for 7pm, player profiling and match analysis. He will also be responsible for the provision of the Hills Junior Girl’s Academy.
Tonci Buzov, the Women’s Strength and Conditioning and Assistant Coach for Season 2017/18, will be retaining his role. Tonci, a capped Croatian International and Head Coach of the Croatian International Mens squad, will also have the responsibility of mentoring our Forwards pack. He will provide weekly strength and conditioning sessions on Monday nights throughout the playing season.
Hills Women are currently recruiting for a third coach. Applications are initially only being accepted from internal candidates – watch this space for more information!
Hills Women train Wednesday and Thursday nights at 6:45 for 7pm. All level of ability is welcome – including those who have never picked up a ball before. Please bring suitable footwear for the hard surface (not trainers) and your own water bottle.
Action Required From All Players
The SRU player registration process and system has changed for this season. Every player, or parent / guardian for players Under 18, has to log into the new SRU registration system, SCRUMS, search for their details and verify them or add their details if not already there.
This is a new requirement in the past these details were entered into the previous registration system by club volunteers.
This link takes you to the login screen for SRU registration system, SCRUMS.
https://scrums.scottishrugby.org/login
The link below takes you to the part of the SRU website where all the training material and guidance for the new SCRUMS system is published.
Please look at either the Registration Guide or the Registration Guide Youth Players (for parents) as appropriate.
http://www.scottishrugby.org/domestic-rugby/club-services/scrums-management-system
Once complete you will receive an automated message from SCRUMS to confirm that the email address provided is a valid one. This email will request the player / parent to click on a link to verify their email address.
Players will be unable to play league or cup fixtures without being first registered as an active player in the SRU registration system SCRUMS and of course be a member of the Club.
Membership of the club is a sperate task from SRU registration. You can join online by following the link below:
http://www.hillheadsportsclub.com/membership/
Please register now
Thanks for your help
Andy Scott
President, Hillhead Jordanhill RFC
Hills Golden Girls Shine on Silver Saturday
Hillhead Jordanhill 68 pts Watsonians 12 pts
By beating their Edinburgh rivals in the Sarah Beaney Cup Final on Silver Saturday at BT Murrayfield, HillJills completed a league and cup double for season 2017/18. A half time score of thirty two points to nil left too much of a gap for the brave Watsons team to make up, although they did cross the victor’s line twice in the second half to bring some respectability to the final score.
The basis of the victory was a superior team performance and four standout players on the day : no. 8 and captain, Louise McMillan, who consistently distributed the ball well from the base of the scrum and also carried well in the loose; Lindsey Smith, at tight head prop, whose scrummaging was too robust for her opposite number ; Abi Evans, at full back, who ran well in open play and whose changes of direction Watsonians could not cope with ; and the player of the match, Hannah Smith, whose beautifully balanced running and physicality in ball carrying caused the Edinburgh side traumas the whole game. Watsons could offer only Lana Skeldon in direct comparison.
HillJills scrummaging was dynamic and kept their opposition on the back foot the whole of the game thereby providing a regular supply of ball. The veteran Rachael Whyte also had a fine game at scrum half and ensured a plentiful flow of ball was moved wide. First half scorers were Erinn Foley who touched down first from close range, followed by Abi Evans (three tries) , Emma “Gary” Barlow (one) and Hannah Smith (one). Uncharacteristically, Ally Cook had an off day with her goal kicking and converted only one of the six first half tries, although she more than made up for these lapses with a fine game in midfield. Second half scores were recorded by Hannah Smith (three), Louise McMillan (one), Lucy Mills (one) and Abi Evans (one). Replacement full back Amanda Moore added two conversions and Sophie Anderson one. Second rower Sophie had to be taken from the field with what looked like a serious leg injury, but she bravely returned on crutches to take her place with the rest of the squad for the medals presentation.
The Golden Girls can then look back on a very successful season, losing only one league game against Wandies away back in November 2017. Their coaching triumvirate of Thomas Davidson, Morgan Martin and Tonci Buzov deserve credit for their professionalism at the many training sessions throughout a long and demanding season.
Words: Bernie Mitchell
Pictures: David Whyte
