Hillfoots 20-7 Alloa
Hillfoots maintained their unbeaten run with a hard fought victory over near neighbours Alloa.It was never a classic but both sides played some good rugby. Hillfoots kicked off uphill and were soon pushing for the opening score. The visitors defence held firm and it was left to Gregor Manson to open the scoring with a penalty.’Foots dominated the scrummage and gave Alloa very little clean ball to play with, however failed to turn this to their advantage.The lineouts were scrappy with neither side getting on top. Jamie Murchie collected the first try of the game, chipping the ball through before collecting it to touchdown. Manson converted before adding another penalty. Hillfoots pushed for another score but the visiting defence managed to hold out, turning the ball over on a couple of occasions.
Half time 13-0
With the slope in their favor, ‘Foots started the second half with a bang. The forwards took the ball into the Alloa half before Jamie Doyle released Gavin Paterson Paterson who brushed aside several would be tacklers to touchdown under the posts, leaving Manson with his easiest kick of the day.This should have signaled the flood gates to open, however the homeside sat back and let the work rate drop. The rest of the game was a pretty dour affair. Both sides made changes but this failed to spark any life into the game. A mix up between the Hillfoots back three allowed a high kick to bounce among them. Alloa winger Alan Keir was quickest to react, hacking the ball through and winning the race to touchdown. Keir converted. A couple of flash points threaten to boil over but were quickly dealt with by the referee and the game fizzled out.
Hillfoots travel to Dundee Uni next week and face a difficult game against a side that had just beaten Grangemouth 39-28 showing that they won’t be pushovers.
Kevin Manson
