Hillhead Jordanhill 1st XV 25 points Boroughmuir 1st XV 14 points
On a perfect day for running rugby on a good Hughenden pitch, both sets of players served up a rousing display of both attacking and defensive skills to keep everyone present entertained for the whole game. Hills opened brightly and were 8 points up after the opening quarter, but ‘Muir came back strongly in the second quarter of a “neverendum” of a first half to lead by 14-8 at the interval. In a thrilling second half, Hills attacked constantly to run in 17 unanswered points, the last try being scored just prior to the final whistle to bag the try bonus.
Playing up the Hughenden slope, Hills, through their talismanic stand-off and captain, Rory Harte, dominated the early stages. There was some direct ball carrying from in particular no. 8 Milan Markinovic, but the rest of the home pack were no slouches either in undertaking the hard yards of the modern game. Just when it looked like the visitors’ defence was standing firm, Rory Harte chipped their rush defence to collect the ball on the bounce and cross the visitors’ line unopposed. He then added a penalty goal to move the scoreboard on, but that was the catalyst for ‘Muir to up their game. During the onslaught, Markinovic failed an HIA to be replaced by the returning Giacomo Sanders after a season’s lay off from injury. Hills were put through the wringer for a full 25 minutes and their defence was strongly stress tested during this period. The commitment from both sides respectively to defence and attack was commendable, but Hills eventually succumbed to pressure from ‘Muir, conceding their first try after some 12 phases of play. The visitors continued their relentless attack and scored just before the whistle for half time. The first period of play ran for some 55 minutes due to the frequent stoppages. Both tries were converted.
The second half found Hills mostly in the ascendancy with this time ‘Muir being stretched in their defensive chores to keep the hosts out. After a pounding, the visitors’ defence was stretched wafer thin, allowing scrum half, Fraser Ebbit, to run through a gap to score at the posts. Hills were now a point ahead at 15-14 with some 20 minutes left to play. Jaysen Denley, who throughout the game showcased his line out skills along with second rower, Dougie Price, showed great anticipation and strength to follow up a break from the veteran centre, Scott Halliday, to crash over the line. The visitors had no real respite from Hills in the second half, as even on the rare occasions they made it across the half way line, Rory Harte immediately, following good work at the breakdown, retuned the ball deep into their defensive areas, asking them to build again.
It was “breathless stuff” in the stadium and Matt Murray, who sparkled all game on the right wing beat, was over the line but just lost control before putting the ball down, But “Plod” was not to denied when Hills opened up again from the wide channel to allow him room on the outside to round his opposite number and touch down in the corner. The conversion was missed, but that was of no consequence, as the last minute try secured Hills a bonus point.
The 23/24 National League season then finished with Hills achieving the “double” over an excellent Boroughmuir squad. There was little between the Clubs over their 2 fixtures other than Hills sharper ability at finishing when in the opposition zone. The final league positions remain uncertain as other Clubs, notably Allan Glen’s, still have a fixture to play.
However this 18th and final game of the season proved that, given suitable playing conditions, a dry ball and a firm surface, Hills can be a match for anyone at this level of the Scottish domestic game.
The National Cup now starts and Hills travel to Cupar on Saturday March 9 for their 1st round tie vs Howe of Fife. This will be another close game. KO at Duffus Park is 15.00.
