GHK v Peebles 2 October 2021

GHK grind out bonus point victory in an intense battle against a resolute Peebles side.

Both sides went into this game in red hot form. Peebles arrived at Old Anniesland having not lost since the opening day of the season. Impressive wins against Newton Stewart at home and Preston Lodge away showed that the borders boys mean business this year. GHK were unbeaten and top of the table but the expectation was that Peebles would be their biggest test yet.

Peebles started the game strongly and dominated possession and territory in the first ten minutes. They were denied the first points of the game when a 40-metre penalty kick rebounded off the upright and into GHK hands.

The following period was mostly spent around the halfway line as neither side could find a way to break down the opposing defence. GHK made a few decent half breaks courtesy of Angus North and Matt Smith but the home side were guilty of forcing the pass after contact a few times and the slippery ball was not sticking as it had been in previous weeks.

Finally, we had our first score as Jordan Kerr nonchalantly knocked over a penalty in front of the posts. This lead did not last long though as Peebles turned their sustained pressure at scrum time into points courtesy of a penalty try. Full back Danny Campbell was shown the cheese and for the first time this season it looked like GHK had their backs against the wall.

To the delight of the raucous home support though, it was the GHK backs that were breaking down the Peebles defensive wall. Probing advances from Gavin Mckirdy and Ben Hutton created the space for Kerr to crash over from short range. He couldn’t add the extras but GHK went in at half time 8-7 up.

The second half started with a bang and Peebles were soon back in front after a penalty in front of the posts put them two points ahead. However, these were to be the last points Peebles would score in the match as they struggled to cope with the increased intensity that GHK were playing at.

Campbell, back from his time in the sin bin and now playing scrum-half, did not take long to make amends for his earlier indiscretion; sniping over from close range.

The foot was kept firmly on the gas by GHK. A huge hit from Hutton and an overturned scrum in front of the appreciative crowd were two statements of intent from a side that were determined not to be bullied by the larger Peebles pack. A string of pick and gos eventually led to tighthead prop Matt Cairns barging over.

The last twenty minutes were fractured due to a host of injuries and replacements on both sides. Most of the game was played in the middle of the pitch as the two defences held firm and the error count escalated. There was time for one more score though as GHK secured their fourth bonus point from five games. Campbell got his second after great breaks from Hutton and North. Kerr missed the tricky conversion and the scoring was completed when GHK , again through Campbell, GHK kicked a final penalty.

Full time GHK 28 – 10 Peebles.

As always, a tough encounter with Peebles which is evidenced by the number of injuries suffered. There will be more than a few sore bodies this week. The Peebles scrum was dominant particularly in the first half but GHK will be pleased with how they achieved parity in this area in the second forty and complete control of the lineout throughout. Peebles were physical but GHK matched this and were able to provide the touches of class behind the scrum that ultimately separated the two teams. A fair result over the course of the 80 minutes but no doubt the trip to the borders will be a similarly tough encounter.

So, to the star performers of the day. Matt Smith showed his class with ball in hand despite the slippery conditions. This game was tailor made for David Patterson who never shies away from a battle. Tommy Spinks got through a mountain of work but it is his partner in the engine room that gets the Edinburgh Gin Man of the Match. Hugh Parker carried well in the loose and bossed the lineout. In truth he is a contender for MOTM most weeks but his performance in this match could not be ignored. Well done D’arcy.

Hugh Parker receives his Edinburgh Gin Man of the March Award from GHK President David Rowand, following his stand out performance against Peebles on Saturday.

It’s a Two for One Man of the Match day as Angus Troop receives his Edinburgh Gin award for the previous week’s match at Whitecraigs.