This very narrow Hills win helped equalize bragging rights between the Clubs, given hosts Glens last minute victory at Hughenden away back in October 2022. And yet Hills could have put this game well out of sight by the end of the first half, considering their early dominance.
Hills Stand -off Rory Harte exposed some early Glens defensive frailty by jinking through on the blindside of a breakdown to score a try which he converted well from far out on the right flank. Anxious not to be left out of the running rugby, full back, Conor Kelly, joined the attack via the 13 channel from some 40 metres out. He then proceeded to cut a diagonal swathe through the opposition to touch down in the right hand corner. Rory Harte followed up by drilling a breakdown penalty kick through the posts and Hills were 15 points up with 18 minutes played. But then unwisely a straightforward kick in front of the posts was turned down in favour of a quick tap which Glens defended well to clear their lines. However some 2 minutes later Glens centre pairing of Ekevati and McConnell exploded into action with the latter touching down easily. While Rory Harte kicked another penalty to take HIlls to 18-7 at the mid point of the game, the home forward pack was beginning to rumble ominously. Unfortunately Hills flanker, Paddy “ Sawbones” Nicholas got caught up in the arm wrestle, and was yellow carded.
His 10 minute absence combined with the opposition coach’s , Bill MacDonald’s fiery half time team talk, did for Hills from the start of the 2nd period. Glens ran in 2 quick tries, and, but for poor work off the kicking tee, should have been ahead. Hills were up against it, but managed to escape from their half briefly to set up a series of close range attacks on the home line. Hooker, Harry Perston, eventually crossed the line to touch down, but the award of the try was met by disbelief from one of the Glens players who saw “ red” on the basis of his advice to the match referee. Hills must have felt that being 23- 17 up and playing against 14 men would see them come home safely.
The abbreviated Allan Glens squad saw matters slightly differently, however, and began a furious series of attacks in the Hills twenty two. Some four kickable penalties were awarded to the home side but they managed to convert only one. The pressure continued to mount when Hills no. 8 Ryan Reilly, incurred the referees disapproval and Hills were now down to 14. Still Glens pressed and, given the weight of their attacks, a try was inevitable. The kick was converted , and Glens were 2 points ahead at 25-23 with some 6 minutes left.
Somehow against the odds Hills began to build some resilience to take the game back to the rampant Glens. Conor Kelly put substitute winger, Fionn Whyte away but he was hauled down some 5 metres short. Finally, after a series of short range rucks. the ball emerged well on the Hills side to the formidable presence of the “ Bearsden Lighthouse”, Jonny Agnew. There were 3 defenders and 7 metres to overcome to reach the try line but Agnew’s 1.90 metre frame triumphed and the winning score was achieved. 28-27 and 5 league points to the Hills, and the weary but victorious visitors soaked up the plaudits from their supporters.
Saturday February 4th sees Hills visit the leafy suburbs of Barton in the west end of Edinburgh to play Royal High school with a 13.00 KO.
