Hillhead Jordanhill 1st XV 45 points Orkney 1st XV 24 points
Bernie Mitchell
In a game never lacking in intensity or commitment, Hills overcame a shaky start to reach the mid point at 19-7 ahead ; and then accelerated through the gears hitting down the Hughenden slope in the second half to move onto a 45 – 12 lead with 10 minutes to play. All credit then to the visitors who dug deep to stretch the host’s defence to run in 2 late tries, and thereby gather a try scoring bonus against Hills’s 5 points.
The bias in tries scored – Hills 7 to Orkneys 4 – might suggest a fairly one sided game, but the visitors had parity in first phase possession, both in the scrum and line out, which allowed their bulky, well nourished ball carriers plenty ammunition to test the hosts’ defensive qualities. The outcome reinforced the battle cry “ they shall not pass”, as the copy book tackling of Hills centres , Andrew Brown and Scott Halliday, and the Ulster back row “ twins”, James Agnew and Jayson Denley, stopped the Orcadians in their tracks. All the Hills players were fearless in their wish to win the ball, and at any opportunity attack the visitors, either out wide from first phase ball and/or then attacking from broken play at the breakdown.
First half scorers were Jayson Denley from a fierce close range drive, Andrew Brown from a mesmerizing passing interchange with his fellow three-quarters and then the “ Exocet” Liam Liam Tighe again from close range. Rory Harte converted 2 off the kicking tee.
In the second half, Calum Griffiths the Hills aggressive no.8, running silent and deep, in the visitors 22 was unstoppable in crossing the line. Then scrum half, Craig Colvin, the younger of the brothers, backed up well to touch down. Not to be outdone, the elder Colvin, captain Blair, with hair like a lion’s mane and always a crowd pleaser for his touchline support, battled his way over the white wash to score the 6th try. The admirable Andrew Brown, showing the family footballing skills possessed by younger brother, Gregor, the Scotland cap, finished off the hills scoring with his 2nd try of the afternoon. This after super sub, Fionn Whyte, picked up a Harte kick pass to the right wing to sail over unopposed, only to drop the ball instead of touching down. Rory Harte converted 4 of these.
This was a good club game with Hills showing a welcome improvement in some core skills. A recent lineout master class from former Scotland hooker, Douglas Hall, has brought dividends. Jayson Denley – see image – was very prominent in his touchline work with Blair
Colvin and James Agnew not far behind. However, the set scrum remains a work in progress.
All roads now lead to Burnbrae for the next CUP TIE for Hills on Saturday February 15 KO 14.00 against the young West of Scotland side. There can be no slacking now in the quest to top National league 3. ALL SUPPORT WELCOME
In the other games on Saturday, the women continued their fine start to the Sarah Beaney Cup by beating Heriots at Hughenden 45-7. In a tough game at West of Scotland, the mens 2XV prevailed 30-19 whilst GU Hills also got a big 41-15 win against Greenock Wanderers 2XV. A very good day for all things Hills!
