Greenock Wanderers 1st XV 0 points Hillhead Jordanhill 1st XV 81 points
On a day which confirmed the arrival of Spring – a blue, cloudless sky, albeit with a stiff easterly breeze blowing – Hills concluded their 2022-2023 season in style. Playing with the wind and towards the clubhouse in the first half, Hills moved through their gears effectively to reach 51 points by the mid point of the game and then 81 at its conclusion. In total there were 13 tries scored, 1 a penalty try and of these 7 converted by stand-off and captain, Rory Harte.
The Greenock hosts have had a difficult season having won only one of their previous 19 National League 3 games, and were understandably unable to match their visitors in any aspect of the play. Hills operated with a freedom and energy, befitting a squad which had worked hard all winter in honing their all round skills under the direction of Head Coach, Tonci Buzov and his assistant, Craig Colvin.
The front row, Ross Jackson, Harry Perston and Liam Tighe, were immovable in the tight and dynamic in the loose ; second rowers, Jonny Agnew and Blair Colvin , provided a shoal of line out ball and some heavy ball carrying in the midfield ; and back rowers, Calum Griffiths, Ryan Reilly and Preston McGoldrick were prominent both in linkage and defensive chores.
Scrum half, Andy Scott jnr, distributed effectively, and, on occasion, broke well and his half back partner, Rory Harte, kicked beautifully from hand and was his usual elusive self in broken play. Centres, Scott Halliday and Damien Genocchio, were fast and direct and unyielding in defensive chores. Ayrton To, in a rare excursion for the Hills 1st XV, took his chance to show off his finishing prowess while Corrie Dicks continued to impress as an allrounder. At the back, Sean Black, again showed his all round footballing and try scoring skills. The replacements, Robbie Thomson, Fionn Whyte, George Gornall and Jonathan Newton, each also took their chance to impress in the Greenock sunshine.
For the record : try scorers were Ayrton To 3 , Corrie Dicks 2, Ryan Reilly 1, Calum Griffiths 2, Scott Halliday 1, Damien Genocchio 1, Sean Back 1, Rory Harte 1 and the penalty try. Rory Harte 7 conversions.
A second place finish in a highly competitive National 3 league is to be commended. Here’s to further wins and success in season 2023 2024. First league game SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2 .
Many thanks to all our Sponsors and supporters for all their assistance over the winter of 2022-2023.
