Hillfoots 27 – 7 Crieff
Hillfoots progressed to the next round of the Bowl with a hard fought victory over Crieff. With Crieff playing in a lower division, the game was played using U-19 law variations, which meant that the scrum was only allowed to be driven a meter and a half. With the ‘Foots scrum dominant this season, one of their main strengths was curtailed. Crieff started the brighter and showed early on that weren’t going to be pushovers. Hillfoots gradually began to take control and after 10 minutes took the lead with Gregor Manson finishing off in the corner. Hillfoots extended their lead shortly after. The forwards gathered from the lineout and from about 10 meteres out drove Crieff back over their line allowing Gregor McIntosh to touch down. Crieff pulled a score back with a dubious penalty try. The scrum half took a quick tap and knocked the ball through the gap into space. The ‘Foots defence seemed to have it covered, but a fumble allowed the 9 to follow up and hack the ball on. With the ball crossing the deadball line the home man ran into a Hillfoots defender and the ref awarded the try but no yellow card, very strange. ‘Foots hit straight back and were soon pressuring the home line. A couple of wrong options delayed the score, before David Mcculloch and Sandy Penman linked to allow Penman to crash over. With half time approaching Andrew Hamilton broke the line with a beatifully timed run and had to much pace and power for the home side. Gregor Manson kicked one conversion.
Half time 22-7
The second half was forgettable with Hillfoots struggling to cope with the refs inconsistency at the breakdown. All too often good play was spoiled with a penalty given away at crucial times. Jamie Murchie made a welcome return and scored the halfs only try, plucking the ball out of the air, much to the disbelief of the home team.
Hillfoots meet Glenrothes in the next round and a much improved performance will be needed if they are to progress to the Final.
