Dumfries Saints 17 Hillhead Jordanhill 24 ( after extra time )
Bernie Mitchell
A rugby coaching mantra frequently heard is : “ we’re always looking for an 80 minute performance” from the team. Here at Park Farm, Dumfries, Hills Head Coach, Tonci Buzov managed to squeeze a 100 minute output from his squad of 22 to pip the combative Saints by 24-17 at the end of a pulsating game.
There was little light between the two well matched and coached sides. A frantic first quarter saw Dumfries edge ahead after a fine backs’ attack opened up the Hills defence. The second quarter Hills initially dominated with a fine team try where the ball passed through numerous pairs of hands with open side flanker Jaysen Denley very prominent on 2 occasions, along with Calum Weir, the dynamic hooker. No. 8, Milan Marinkovic, completed the move by forcing his way over , allowing Rory Harte an easy conversion. But the resilient Saints stormed back with a try originating from powerful running in broken play from their back 3. The mid point score of 10-7 for the Saints was just about right on the balance of play.
The forward and midfield battle and collisions continued unabated in the 3rd quarter, and, given the intensity of the contest, casualties occurred. First to leave with a concussion was second rower lighthouse and captain, Blair Colvin. Hills enhanced squad size of 22 players for the cup began to prove invaluable with “ Plod” McKelrick moving into the boilerhouse. Hills began to win more battles and responded with once again a wonderful team try. The catalyst was winger, George Gornall, who broke into midfield to set up no. 8 Marinkovic on a typical bullocking run. Quick transfers from successive breakdowns found Scott Halliday making a half break up the left flank, and feeding replacement flying winger, Fionn Whyte, who squeezed home in the left hand corner. Advantage Hills 12-10.
The noise of battle continued to roll into the final quarter. Second rower, Lewis Lightbody, was next to exit the fray with a concussion, being replaced by “ Toby” Brainwood. But the Saints used the pace and direction of their back 3 to again pierce the Hills defensive shape to score next to the posts. With the conversion a formality, Dumfries were ahead at 17-12 with only minutes left of real time. However Hills dug deep, and none more so than open side flanker, Denley, who was a constant thorn in the Dumfries ranks the whole game. His dynamic charge up the middle of the field spawned a series of breakdown with quick recycling. From the 4th phase Marinkovic found space to dip his shoulder and crash over the line. 17-17; and the conversion to come. But Rory Harte’s radar was not as finely tuned as in previous games and the kick was missed. And then new territory for both teams.
Referee, Sean Niven, ordered 2 periods of extra time, 10 minutes each, and the battle was rejoined with enthusiasm by both squads, albeit some of them looking very “ wabbit”. Casualties continued to befall Hills. Winger George Gornall , in a brave defensive tackle, sustained serious shoulder damage and he was led from the field. Ryan Reilly, newly returned from a fractured thumb, broke a finger but stayed on for the denouement. During this extra time period, the Hills bench had resembled a rotating door with players moving on and off with regularity but with no lessening of intensity.
The last act came from midfield pressure from Hills centres, who had provided stout defence all day. Their rushing up unsettled their opposite numbers and the Saints fumbled the ball. Andrew Brown, the elder of the Rugby playing brothers, picked it up and hared for the line to touch down with the Saints defence in a despairing chase. Rory Harte converted the try scored in the 98th minute of play, and 120 seconds later, he obliged by hoofing the ball sideways in touch. The referee blew for no side and all the players and spectators present were aware they had just respectively played in and watched a fine advert for Cup and Arnold Clark National League 3 rugby. Hills now proceed to the National Cup semi-final where they will travel to either Kirkcaldy or Berwick.
