Whitecraigs
5 points Hillhead Jordanhill 14 points
Given the prevailing weather conditions – a continuous drizzle – this was never going to be a classic between two well matched teams. The fact that only 2 tries were scored, 1 by each side, in the 80 minutes reinforces the notion of the difficult playing conditions which saw many attempts to shift the ball wide ultimately thwarted by handing errors.
The main difference between the sides was that Hills, when they had go forward ball, played most of their rugby in the host’s half, particularly close to their twenty two. This pressure yielded 3 penalty chances, 1 in the first half and 2 in the second which Hills captain, Rory Harte, kicked. Whitecraigs for their part did not have a penalty kick at goal in the full 80 minutes.
The visitors were stronger in the set scrummage, occasionally pushing the home pack back, and enjoyed an advantage on the touchlines where Jonny Agnew ruled supreme. Indeed the HIlls 2nd rower had an excellent all round game, both in ball carrying and defensive chores.
If there was a disappointing feature of the Hills play, it was their inability, apart from Calum Griffith’s thundering charges, to play through the phases when in possession. Instead there was almost a constant rushed approach to ball handling and distribution.
At 9-5 with 10 minutes to go, the next score was crucial to the outcome of the game, and it fell to Hills. A kickable penalty was instead piloted safely to touch by Rory Harte. Jonny Agnew secured the line out possession. The first drive for the line with Preston “ The Mighty Atom” McGoldrick in charge was repulsed, but the second with Adam Eakin’s frame prominent succeeded and the Ulsterman touched down. Rory Harte failed surprisingly with the conversion, and the game then drifted to its close with Hills maintaining their winning run to take 4 league points.
Next Saturday, February 25th, sees the game of the season at Hughenden when second placed in the league table, Hills, take on league leaders, Gordonians, It should be a great club game; Kick off 15.00.
