Another 1st XV victory on Saturday 3 March!
Hillfoots make one change to the squad that won away at Aberdeen University last week. Jamie Murchie makes his debut for the 1st XV in place of Gavin Paterson, whose work commitments mean that unfortunately he’ll miss the rest of the league campaign. A home game at last, the first since November, see ‘Foots welcome Gordonians to Tillicoultry. Both teams had to settle for a draw in the first game, however Hillfoots were keen to get a victory to keep the pressure on league leaders Aberdeenshire, who visit Tillicoultry the following week.
Hillfoots RFC 31 – 3 Gordonians RFC
Hillfoots welcomed Aberdeen based, Gordonians on Saturday in their first home game since November. With the league drawing to a close, ‘Foots were looking to keep a tight chase on the top of the league. Saturday’s game was sponsored by The Weir Group.
Gordonians are a fast paced side with a powerful forwards unit and would put up a good fight throughout. The game was quick paced from the start and Hillfoots dominated almost immediately, the backs were running fluent lines and syncing well. A brilliant break from debutant Jamie Murchie, leads to an early try from Robbie Hogg, converted by Andrew Hamilton to give Hillfoots the upper hand. The home-side’s forwards gained momentum after the impressive opening from the backs and drove the opposition up the park to within scoring distance. ‘Foots were awarded a scrum 5 metres out and drove the away pack over the line however, Gordonians scrum-half fouled to prevent the score, giving Hillfoots a penalty advantage, which was quickly taken by Iain Nicolson who dropped over the line for the 2nd try of the day. Hamilton slotted the extras for a 14 point lead with half-time approaching. The visitors picked their game up and gave a good attack at the Hillfoots line, but as in previous games, ‘Foots stood strong and allowed nothing across their line. Hillfoots defence was a bit too keen and by rushing up found themselves in an offside position, giving the opposition and chance to kick for 3 points, which they converted. Taking the game in 14-3 at half-time.
Hillfoots 14 – 3 Gordonians (Half-Time)
Although ‘Foots lead comfortably in the first half, the coaches thought they had a lot more to give and let them know in the half-time talk. This seemed to be what Hillfoots needed to hit that next gear and they came flying out the blocks in the second period. Blistering runs from all the backs and forwards covering every inch of ground soon saw the locals deep in the visitors half. Talisman prop Sandy Penman showed great skill with a winding, weaving run, fending off at least three players to score just outside the posts. Gregor Manson was now on the park and slotted the conversion to take Hillfoots to 21 points. The game wasn’t over there and with forwards displaying prowess, a scrum was driven clear over the Gordonians line for Captain Gavin Spowage to drop on top of for the bonus point try, unfortunately Hamilton couldn’t reach with the kick from out wide. With the game all but over Hillfoots went on a last ditch attack and impressive handling skills from Murchie and a good line on the outside of his opposite wing put Hamilton in clear for the 5th try of the day. Not long after the restart the ref blew for full-time and Hillfoots took a step closer to catching the league title.
Well done to Jamie Murchie, who put in an excellent performance on the wing in his first game and earned a well deserved player’s Man of the Match. A second man of the match was given by the day’s sponsors and it went to open-side flanker, Craig Scott. Well done Craig!
An all round excellent performance gave ‘Foots a massive boost ahead of the season’s biggest game this coming Saturday. They take on league leaders Aberdeenshire at Tillicoultry. We hope for a big turnout and massive support as the players thrive on the sideline support. Kick Off will be at 3pm.
FOOTS., 2nd XV HAVE TOUGH BATTLE TO WIN AT GLENROTHES
Travelling to Glenrothes Foots., came up against a big ,‘experienced , street wise‘ team and had to dig deep to steal a win.
Once again Foots., travelled with a much changed team with no less than 9 changes which doesn’t lead to the most cohesive of play.
Once again Foots., were fortunate to be able to welcome a new player to senior rugby in Ben Harrison who slotted into centre very well .
Foots., started off at a fast pace and an early Glens., early attack was stifled with Paul Bowyer and then Graham Cree putting in heavy tackles.
Although playing well Foots., found difficulty in making progress due to a continuous stream of penalties.
Foots., did manage one scintillating passage of play after about 10 mins., when a scrum ball was quickly slipped by Euan Jamieson to Mark Johnston who in turn fed Paul Bowyer, Paul ’stepped’ his man and gave to Jack Wilson who entered the line at pace from fullback , Jack managed to feed Ben Harrison who looped Alex Cameron beautifully to go close but although .the ball was recycled quickly Glens deliberately knocked on to deny Foots.
From the scrum Paul Bowyer put in a good cross field chip which allowed Alex Cameron to outstrip the opposition and touch down for an excellent try which was converted by Paul Bowyer.
Foots., next score was a beauty , Ian Kelley and the front row took a ball against the head and the ball was transferred speedily by Euan Jamieson, Paul Bowyer, Kenneth McVey and Ben Harrison who put Davy Dempster through and Davy duly ran in for a try again converted by Paul Bowyer.
Just before half time Glens., managed to assert a bit of pressure forcing another penalty close in which they duly kicked.
Half time Glens., 3 – Foots., 14
The second half was a dour battle with the big ,streetwise Glens., forwards , ( assisted by numerous penalties ), stifled any rugby Foots., tried to play and it wasn’t long before they ran in a try when their big No 10 rumbled over for a try which they were unable to convert.
Glens., suddenly found a supply of useful subs., and continued to batter away at the Foots., line but Foots., tackled heroically to a man to deny them.
The Foots., line was finally breached about 10 mins., later when shear weight carried them over this time converted.
Glens began to tire and Foots., began a series of attacks but had to wait until a few minutes before the final whistle to go in front when Paul Bowyer put in a fine cross kick which Alex Cameron took at full pace and ran in almost under the posts, again converted by Paul Bowyer.
Final score Glens., 15 – Foots., 21
Make no mistake this was a very good win with many heroic performances.
The whole team are to be congratulated for the way they battled throughout, but special mention goes to Alex Cameron for his two tries and to Derek Paterson, who because we were short, played his first game at prop at senior level and made such a good fist of it despite a heavy , experienced opposition.
This week the 2nds., are having an inaugural get together in the clubhouse so thereby sponsoring the 1st XV . Please let Davy Stirrat know if you are attending. Meal approximately £10 , drink free.
By Alan Aaron
