Hillhead Jordanhill 1st XV 41 points Dumfries Saints 1st XV 23 points
Bernie Mitchell
This Arnold Clark National League 3 fixture, played on a firm Hughenden surface, saw Hills win, defeating Dumfries Saints, their tenacious opponents by 6 tries, I penalty goal and 4 conversions to 3 tries, 2 penalty goals and 1 conversion. Hills therefore added 5 points to their league tally, while Dumfries returned home empty handed, despite their dominance at times during the fixture.
Indeed in the opening 10 minutes of the game, the visitors had such a stranglehold on possession and territory that the likelihood of a Hills win seemed remote. But Hills defensive qualities all round the field this season have proved crucial ; Dumfries line breaks did not materialize, and the scoreboard recorded only 6 points, coming from 2 penalty goals. Hills eventually were able to lift the Dumfries lockdown, thanks to some opportunistic play from their stand-off and captain, Rory Harte. His first try was fortuitous coming from a chip and chase, the bounce of which eluded the visitors defence, allowing the Hills captain to touch down. His second try showcased his running skills and his trickery with ball in hand, scoring unopposed. His next activity was to kick a penalty goal, and at the end of the 1st quarter Hills were 15 points – 6 up, thanks to the footballing skills of their stand-off.
The 2nd quarter found Hills opening out up the slope to take the game away seemingly from the visitors. Tight head prop, Liam Tighe, added to his growing reputation as a ball carrying and solid scrummager, with a fine close range try with Callum Weir and Milan Marinkovic assisting in the support play. Flying winger Corrie Dicks reminded spectators of his fine finishing skills by scorching up the left flank to touch down for his side’s 4th and bonus point try. Hills then reached the mid point of the game 29-6 points to the good.
However in the 3rd quarter, Dumfries reminded the good sized crowd of how well they can play with some very solid ball carrying from their forwards and slick handling from their backs. The scores came closer at 29-18. Hills then awoke from their mid-afternoon siesta to score a wonderful try. Some fine driving play up the right hand touch line, initiated by the veteran Centre, Scott Halliday, and pulling in the visitors defence allowed stand off, Rory Harte, to kick pass some 60 metres diagonally across the field to find full back, Matt “Plod” Murray, who gathered the ball without breaking his stride to scamper home unopposed from fully 40 metres out.
That stung Dumfries into action and they came back with a try of their own, but it was too little, too late.
The relentless running and passing of the Hills team, which has become a trademark of their rugby DNA this Season, allowed then to build many phases in attack and their continuity rugby paid off when “Toby” Brainwood, a back 5 scrum replacement , drove over. Another Harte conversion ended the scoring at 41-23 with all present reflecting on what an entertaining game it had been.
Preparations now turn to Friday 5th March with a 19.30 K.O under the Hughenden floodlights against Allan Glen’s who are firmly in the driving seat for promotion from National League 3. Recent games between the 2 Clubs have been very close and this Friday’s will be no exception. All spectators welcome.
