Hillfoots 17-10 Grangemouth
Hillfoots unbeaten start to the season remained intact, but not without a nervy finish to the game. Grangemouth belied their mid table position and played some good rugby. This was a day where both defences were excellent with some big hits going in from both sides. ‘Foots started the stronger and were soon pushing the Grangemouth line but a combination of a greasy ball and some solid tackiling saw the Stags hold out. Gradually the visitors pulled themselves into the game and opened the scoring with a penalty after Hillfoots strayed offside at a ruck. ‘Foots response was swift. The ball was kicked long. Grangemouths forwards secured the ball and took it on on a couple of phases before moving it along their backs. The clearance kick didn’t find touch. Kenny Paterson collected and fed Ian Nicoloson, who’s intrusion into the line opened up the gap for Gavin Paterson. Paterson carried well and offloaded to Alexander Cameron who glided past his man for ‘Foots opening score. Gregor Manson converted. With the pack dominant this should have signalled the floodgates to open. Two forward passes were called by the ref in quick succession with the defence breached. Grangemouth looked impressive in defence, often dislodging the ball in the tackle.
Half time 7-3
Hillfoots started the second half well but were unable to get over the gain line with any kind of momentum. The visitors were begining to put the phases together and took the lead with a well worked try. The ball was carried into the bottom left corner. The visiting forwards had a couple of goes at the line before shipping it along the backs for a try on the right of the posts. Hillfoots now found themselves behind in the second half for the first time this season. ‘Foots gradually worked their way into the Stags territory and it seemed only a matter of time before the try would come. Moving into the last quarter captain Hamilton opted for three points and Manson duly levelled the scores. The game was in ‘Foots hand now. Hillfoots thought they’d scored but Gregor Mcintoshs attempt at the line was deemed a double movement. The visitors cleared but ‘Foots regained the lineout and drove back towards the line. With the ball held up, Hillfoots went for the pushover, with the scrum begining to disintegrate, Gav Spowage had no option but to pick up and secure the ball. Hillfoots retained possession and with the forwards recovering quickly, Chris Beetham took the ball round the side and over for the try. Gregor Manson converted. With 6 minutes remaining Hillfoots dug deep and showed a lot of character. Grangemouth pushed hard for the leveller. The back row of Parry and Binning had tackled themselves into the ground along with Man of the Match Davy Cree. Grangemouth launched one final attack, but a crunching tackle from behind from Andrew Hamilton dislodged the ball. ‘Foots secured possession and from the resultant ruck the visitors conceded the penalty allowing Hamilton to boot the ball into touch and signal the end of the game.
