HJRFC Men 1st XV vs Strathmore RFC 1 XV

Recap

Hillhead Jordanhill RFC 38 points Strathmore RFC 14 points

There was much to admire for both sides and sets of supporters present at this fine advert for National League 3 rugby under the floodlights on the damp but wonderfully manicured sward at Hughenden. The Hills for their part were first phase dominant with a powerful scrummage, ; touchline superiority thanks to Jonny Agnew ; and at times unstoppable finishing due to the fast, tricky feet of their three quarters for whom Damien “ The Ginger Flash” Genocchio was outstanding throughout. Strathmore were full of rugged resistance and resilience but with more control and poise might have caused their hosts more problems at both 19-7 and then 24-14 in the second half.

Hills reached the interval 19 points up thanks to opportunism from Kieran Callaghan on the left wing channel following upon Ross Robertson’s harassment of the visitors defence; Ruariri Taylor’s weaving run in the Strathmore 22 and then Damien Genocchio’s scalding pace in the 13 channel. Stand off Rory Harte added two conversions. The third quarter found Hills in one of their dozy periods, assisted by Rory “Goldenballs” Harte’s obligatory 10 minute spell in the sin bin. The visitors were gaining ascendancy only to be hit by a sucker punch Kieran Callaghan break away try, but still Strathmore came back to make it 24-14.  But Hills and importantly Damien Genocchio were finally up to the challenge. He broke from some 30 metres out from his goal line, rapidly moving through all his gears and looked unstoppable, until he was illegally impeded just short off the visitors line. The penalty try was awarded and that effectively took all the sting out of any Strathmore fight back.  Sub Oliver Nash then showed his class by adding to the Hills try list with his own virtuoso try. Rory Harte converted to leave his side winners at 38-14 and with 5 league points to show for their evenings work.

The Hills now entertain Greenock Wanderers at Hughenden on Saturday September 25 with a 15.00 KO.