Allan Glens 1st XV 10 points Hillhead Jordanhill 1st XV 7 points
On the basis that the hosts scored 2 tries to the visitors 1 in this closely contested derby match, Glens deserved their narrow victory. But Hills players and their supporters will rue their first half profligacy when they butchered several try scoring opportunities in leading only 7-5 at the mid point after playing with the breeze.
Territorially Hills had the monopoly in the first 40 minutes, but suffered white line fever when trying to capitalize on stand off and captain, Rory Harte’s, attacking ploys. Poor passes, a lack of phase building and an immovable Glens defence neutralized Hills scoring hopes, and it was left to Glens with a more direct thrust from deep in their own half to open the scoring with an unconverted try. Yet Hills were not to be denied when finally they were able to pierce the home lines via a beautifully floated pass from Rory Harte which found Sean Black, intruding from full back, scampering unopposed across the line. The Hills captain, who had a fine game with his kicking from hand, converted well from the right hand side of the field to nudge his side ahead.
However, Glens roared out the traps at the start of the second half to pin HIlls back for large parts of the game with only some last ditch tackling and fierce physicality at the breakdown keeping their line intact. Yet home pressure, with Howarth in their forwards and captain McConnell in their backs both proving influential, saw Glens power across the line.
Although only 3 points adrift, Hills were now chasing the game and fought back well. For a 5 minute spell, they camped on the Glens goal line, but a mixture of their poor decision making and eager engagement and resistance from the home defence snuffed out any Hills recovery.
In Hills credit, there were notable debuts from Jayson Denley in the second row who hinted at considerable lineout prowess, while second half entry, Lewis Lightbody’s 110 Kg frame belied his surname in his scrummaging and ball carrying abilities
With their victory Glens took 4 league points from this round 1 tie and Hills a losing bonus point. Hills will hope for a much more fluent and fluid return to their all round 15 man game when they entertain Dumfries at Hughenden on Saturday 9th September with a 15.00 KO.
