Murrayfield Wanderers FC 1st XV vs HJRFC Men 1st XV

Recap

HILLS HANG ON FOR HARD FOUGHT WIN IN THE CAPITAL

Murrayfield Wanderers 16 points Hillhead Jordanhill 20 points

Fortunately by the time the game started, Pluvius,  who had made his  presence felt at the west end of the M8 corridor,   had diverted elsewhere, allowing the game to proceed with few interruptions on the wonderfully upgraded Roseburn Park turf.  However,    this  was a hard watch for the  faithful few who followed  the Hills to the Capital.    There was little of the champagne rugby,  which had seen off Greenock Wanderers the previous week ; instead it was an 80 minute struggle, full of resilience,  for the callow Hills against the physically more mature Murrayfield side with little, if anything between the squads.  The pattern of scoring across the game  is indicative  of its tight nature : 0-7, 5-7, 8-7, 8-10 ( half time ) , 8-13, 15-13, 15-16, 20-16 ( Hills first ).

Hills had 100% return  on their own line out and parity in the scrum with occasional dominance,  but too often ran laterally  in open field play, except when inside centre, Scott Halliday, crossed the gain line to set up  frontfoot ball.  But continuity rugby was in short supply,  as handling  errors proliferated and water tight defences remained strong.  On the first occasion Hills moved the ball wide into open  field play, right winger Graham Davidson scored a fine try which was disallowed due to a foot in touch.  Other opportunities  were limited,  apart from a try scored by Hills hooker, Harry Perston after a series  of close  range drives.  Rory Harte added a penalty goal, but for such a reliable place kicker, he had a poorish afternoon off the “ tee”.

Hills had  few chances in the second  half to put the outcome of the game beyond doubt.  However  they did become dangerous  when they managed to put some phases together.  Scrum half, Craig Colvin, broke well in the home 22 and after  3 rucks,   sub Preston McGoldrick squeezed over the line for a try which Rory Harte converted. But Murrayfield  would not lie down and it took a fine team try to take Hills  4 points ahead with 10 minutes to go.

A pin point accurate  kick from stand off  Rory Harte in open field to his right winger, Graham  Davidson was gathered  on the full.  His run from half way was just stopped 5 metres short of the home try line, but excellent  follow  up work from Calum Griffiths  and then Harry Perston saw the Hills hooker score his second try of the game.    The final 10 minutes were very nervous and eventful for all involved.  Hills could not lift the Murrayfield pressure  effectively  when they had the chance,   but elsewhere   dug very deep to  keep their line  intact.  They achieved  that thanks  to a fine, spirited  display from all 19 players involved.

Hills next play Perthshire RFC at Hughenden on Saturday October 9^th with a 15.00 KO.

Hills Squad Russell Tong ( Finlay  Keegan ), Graham Davidson, Ciaran Callaghan, Scott Halliday, Ruiri Taylor, Rory Harte ( C ), Craig Colvin, Darry Elvin ( Michael Degnan ), Harry Perston, Ross Jackson, Blair Colvin ( Davide Sanders ) , Fraser Hepburn, Davide Sanders ( Preston McGoldrick ), James Reekie ( Calum Weir ) and Calum Griffiths.