GHK 22 Nov Accies

Under the Friday night lights, a bumper crowd at O A witnessed GHK maintain their one hundred per cent home league record beating their Anniesland rivals in a predictably feisty derby encounter.

The enticing aromas of the excellent pre match curry were still lingering around the pavilion as GHK got the action underway playing towards the New Anniesland end.

The first quarter was combative and confrontational. Accies overstepped the mark when centre Gregor MacEwan, number thirteen and unlucky for some, was yellow carded. GHK did not capitalise on their ten minute numerical advantage despite their backs looking to have the upper hand in this spell.

Having been restored to a full compliment, the Accies’ defence was stretched by virtue of a searing break by Cammy Hughes. The ball was transferred to Ben Hutton in space wide left. His progress to the line was halted by what was deemed to be a high tackle. The grim outcome from the visitors’ point of view was the double whammy of the award of a penalty try to GHK and another yellow card to the offending tackler.

The opening score heralded the start of a very decent period for GHK who clearly had the upper hand in terms of momentum and impetus. Another score looked likely and it duly arrived when last year’s captain Nick Hurn found himself in space in mid field, from which point he had the pace and determination to get in under the posts. Fourteen nil to GHK and that was how it stood at the break.

Towards the end of that first period the visitors had tested the home defence. With the aid of a strengthening breeze, the Accies continued to try to apply pressure to the GHK line. Throughout the night’s proceedings, the GHK tackling and defensive line gave nothing away. The New Anniesland men spent long periods in the GHK twenty two, enjoying the put in at a series of scrums and line outs. The home defence was outstanding. They had the edge in the scrum all evening and even if the Accies did manage the initial catch at line out time, the GHK defence was of the A plus category, disrupting possession and driving the visitors back.

As the Accies’ attacking efforts were snuffed out, the game did become a bit scrappy with several forced and unforced errors. GHK sought to refresh matters and Glen Sutherland and Neil Callendar were introduced to the fray. This seemed to put GHK back on the front foot and give a bit more go forward initiative.

With the visitors wilting slightly and perhaps a little frustrated at their inability to convert their temporary territorial advantage into points, GHK rediscovered their own attacking spirit. Having got in to a great position a few metres out, several drives culminated in Hugh Parker being credited with the touchdown under the posts with five to go. In the time that remained GHK came close to claiming that bonus point try but it was not to be. Final score GHK 21 Glasgow Accies 0

The Dave Gilmore Trophy was presented to the victorious captain Cammy Hughes by Peter Burgon, Glasgow North Regional Director of the SRU.

The GHK Edinburgh Gin man of the match, Niall Hall, received his award from Danielle Murphy of Edinburgh Gin. Thanks to Peter and Danielle for their participation and support.

A deserved and satisfying win for GHK. Accies made life very hard indeed and it is easy to see why they have had some notable victories in the league against the likes of Hamilton and Falkirk. The reverse encounter in April, yes April, will doubtless be another close run thing.

The GHK victory was built on outstanding defence and making better use of the opportunities that they managed to create. Despite a few changes in personnel over the last week or two, the GHK scrum has been rock solid. It has the look of a unit that is working hard in games and in training. The line out did well with Messrs Parker and Hurn claiming a lot of clean ball. The Bens, Frame and Hutton were in fine form. Danny Campbell carried for umpteen plus yards. Everyone tackled their hearts out and remained composed and focused in defence.

The coaches’ call for man of the match was for Niall Hall. All is right in the world if the loose head prop is duly recognised for being the key man. Well done Niall – superb performance and effort.

Next week at home to Hamilton for the first of the reverse league fixtures. GHK lost narrowly away to the Bulls in a high scoring encounter at the beginning of September. There will be points aplenty again I suspect.

Prior to next week’s game, a lunch is being held at OA where Gavin Hastings will be present for some Rugby World Cup chat and more besides. This is an event not to be missed. Bookings are being taken by – guess who? Correct, Woody.  a.wood720@ntlworld.com