Hillfoots 36-28 Dundee University
Hillfoots maintained their unbeaten start to the season but not before being severely tested by a very good student side. Hillfoots kicked off downhill with the wind behind them and soon had the visitors pinned back in their ’22.The forwards were putting their opposite numbers under severe pressure in the scrum but lack of composure saw several chances go a begging.Gradually the visitors pulled themselves back into the game and after working their way back up field, forced ‘Foots to stray offside and give the students their first chance of points.Hillfoots were let off the hook with a poor attempt at goal,dropping short and allowing the homeside to clear.Hillfoots took the lead shortly after with a Gregor Manson penalty, quickly followed by Keith Slade touching down after a catch and drive from the lineout. The Uni pulled a score back, catching ‘Foots out with a quick tap penalty, allowing their flanker to run in under the posts unchecked. Hillfoots were making the visitors work hard in defence and it was clear that this young Dundee weren’t going to lie down. Nik Binning was next to score after captain for the day Mark Hunter rumbled up just short of the line before off loading to the ever present Binning.Hillfoots tried to put some distance between themselves and their visitors but the Uni held out till half time.
Half time 15-7
Dundee drew first blood in the second half, again catching Hillfoots out with a tap penalty, reducing the deficit to one point. The next period of play saw Hillfoots secure the game.’Foots were forcing their opposition into making errors and starting to take control of the breakdown area. With ‘Foots dominating the scrum it was left Chris Beetham to pick up from no8 and give Hillfoots some breathing space. 5 mins later and the bonus point was secure. The students were trying to attack at every opportunity, but the midfield of Nicolson and Paterson was solid. A dropped ball on the halfway was hacked through. Nik Binning was quickest to react, scooping the ball up on the ’22 and scoring under the posts.At this point the students looked down and out. Although still trying to make a game of it, the Hillfoots defence was ferocious and the visitors were being forced into attemting to run the ball from anywhere. Another crunching tackle in the midfield saw the ball again turned over and once again it was Binning that was quickest to react and collect his third of the day. This should have signalled an avalanche of tries, however, ‘Foots took their foot off the gas and allowed the students back into the game and a bonus point with 2 converted scores. It was a nervy end to the game but Hillfoots finished the stronger, not allowing Dundee to get that elusive losing bonus point.A well deserved Man of the Match went to Chris Beetham.Although not playing to their full potential, this was a very good performance against a well drilled student outfit.
Kevin Manson
