Hillhead Jordanhill 72 points Cartha Queens Park 22 points
Bernie Mitchell
Despite the early encouragement of a converted try which saw the south side visitors lead Hills by 7 pts-5, Cartha had few consistent answers thereafter to the incessant running and handling skills of their hosts who in the first half scored 8 tries to lead 46-7 at the interval. The second period of play moved the Hills further ahead scoring 4 tries against their spirited opponents who, however, dug deep in the final quarter through a forceful scrummage against a home forward pack, somewhat inconvenienced by yellow cards and injury. The 3 tries Cartha scored secured them, by no side, a try bonus point. Hills for their part took 5 league points from this fixture, 4 for the win and 1 for the try bonus.
Clearly the visitors were suffering from a loss of confidence, given their lack of form coming into the game. But while there was reasonable parity in first phase possession, both in the scums and touchline battles between the sides, Hills were quicker in thought and action in ball distribution and the use of breakdown possession throughout the game. The only aspect of their play which was disappointing was the low rate of try conversions, only 4 of the 12 tries scored being successfully kicked.
Nine of the Hills squad scored tries : captain Rory Harte, the lively scrum half, Angus “ Ginger” Rutter, winger Damien Genocchio, another member of the Hills red headed squad, the Ulster back row forwards, Jaysen Denley ( 1 ) and James Agnew ( 2 ) , captain Blair Colvin ( 2 ), Matt “ Plod” Murray, the live wire full back, Liam Tighe, the dynamic tight head prop, and Andrew Brown, a double. Stand-off Rory Harte managed 3 conversions, a poor return from such a gifted goal kicker, and backs replacement, Blair Forsyth, who knocked one over.
Hills now travel to Duffus Park, Cupar, on Saturday December 7 for what can be correctly termed “ match of the day “ in NL 3, following Howe of Fife’s upset 40-19 win at Allan Glens . Will there be “dancing in the streets of Hillhead “ on the evening of Saturday December 7 ? Come along to Cupar, KO 14.00, to find out.
The 2s lost a very tight game at Hughenden against a strong GHK2XV squad, succumbing 10-6. They look to get back to winning ways this Saturday away to Lenzie 2XV.
