Hillfoots took the long bus journey north this week to take on Caithness in Thurso. Leaving on the Friday, with conditions rumoured to be good for the following morning, spirits were high and players were eager.
The ‘Foots squad was almost at full strength with only Keith Slade unable to make the trip due to a prior family engagement. Gavin Paterson returns to the side after work commitments have seen the powerful winger miss most of the season. Calum McGee also returns after injury, with Andrew Hamilton moving to full back. The pack shows two changes. Gregor McIntosh returning at hooker in place of Keith Slade and Nik Binning retains his place at loosehead.
The weather the following morning dampened the mood slightly with gale force winds, snow, rain and hail stones battering the northern coast. Hillfoots kicked off into the wind and the heavy pitch showed from the start, this was clearly going to be a game for the forwards. Both teams started well and let little through the defences. An infringement at a ruck gave Caithness a chance at goal which they gladly converted taking a 3-0 lead early on. Hillfoots started gaining momentum from this point and began a relentless attack on the home-sides line. Good forwards play saw the ball get picked and driven to within 5 metres of the line. A quick shout from unmarked winger Gavin Paterson alerted Gregor Manson to pass to him on the blind side and score in the corner. Unfortunately Manson failed with the conversion, which was acceptable in the conditions. Both defences proved impenetrable for the rest of the first half and it played out 5-3 in favour of the visiting side.
Half Time: Hillfoots 5 – 3 Caithness
After stern words to pick up the spirit and fire up the boys, Hillfoots needed to dig deep for the rest of the game. The second period began much like how the first ended with both defences solid. A few good lines from the backs especially Andrew Hamilton and Calum McGee, working hard to break the line, saw Foots gain good yards up the pitch. After more rumbling from the forwards towards the line, a pick and go saw Sandy Penman crash over for ‘Foots second try of the day. This seemed to lift the squad and they were now running hard yards against a tiring Caithness side. More backs moves broke the line and a couple of passes wide got ‘Foots in the red zone again. Play switched back across the pitch and was once again being driven forward by the pack. Another pick and go round the fringe this time by Chris Beetham, saw him dive for the line, only to be tackled inches short. He managed to recover the ball and get it back to Penman, who crashed over the line for his, 2nd of the day and 11th of the season. Andrew Hamilton stepped up and slotted the kick for the extras. A couple of plays later, the ref blew for full-time. A huge victory for Hillfoots on their travels and a good step towards catching league leaders, Aberdeenshire.
Full Time: Hillfoots 17 – 3 Caithness
Hillfoots travel north again this coming weekend, to face Aberdeen University. A bus will be travelling from the club and support is more than welcome.
