Hillfoots 48 – 24 Stirling University
Hillfoots continued their winning start to the season with another bonus point win over near neighbours Stirling University.
Although outscoring the University by 8 tries to 3, the visitors made Hillfoots fight all the way for this victory. ‘Foots started well, receiving the kick and were soon putting some good phases of play together. The scrum was solid and the forwards were supplying the backs with some quality ball. With 5 mins on the clock Gavin Paterson opened the scoring after a powerful mazy run left the visiting defence trailing. The same player picked up his second shortly afterwards, again powering his way over. This should have opened the floodgates but what followed was a scrappy 20 minute period with neither side able to put any constructive phases of play together. Ian Nicolson replaced Stuart McIntosh because of injury and shortly after ‘Foots were reduced to 14 after Nik Binning was sent to the sin bin. Stirling pulled a penalty back but it was ‘Foots who finished on the front foot with Ian Nicolson scampering over to put Hillfoots 17 – 3 up at half time.
Half time 17-3
Kicking off downhill, it didn’t take long for Hillfoots to secure the bonus point. With the forwards supplying a stream of steady ball Andrew Hamilton was next to cross the line, bursting through from 5 meters out. The visitors pulled a score back after a spell of pressure saw them score close to the posts. From the kick off the visitors attacked but Gavin Paterson intercepted on the half way line and outstripped the University defence. Nik Binning made up for his yellow card and kept the forwards in the scoring with a powerful run from 15 metres out, smashing his way through some weak defence. The homeside were firing on all cylinders now and from a scrum 10 meters out Andrew Hamilton collected his second of the day with a beautifully angled run, putting him in under the posts. Alex Cameron got ‘Foots final score, showing a clean pair heels to go over in the corner.
At 48 – 10, Hillfoots took their foot off the gas. The visitors were eager to run the ball and with the homeside starting to give away penalties they were putting ‘Foots under pressure. A couple of quick tap penalties produced 2 converted scores which was disappointing from a Hillfoots point of view. Man of the Match Calum Mcgee was the pick of the backs, with some lovely angles and some quality off loads. The front row of Hewitt, Slade and Hunter put in a good shift with young Hewitt looking good for the future.
There’s still a lot of work to do and a long way to go, but so far things are looking good and the team are looking forward to next weeks away trip to St Andrews to face Madras.
Kevin Manson
