With Dundee having recorded two wins in their most recent games, they travelled to Glasgow on Saturday with the spectre of relegation having been removed. GHK, on the other hand, were still very much in the mix with league reconstruction meaning that three teams will drop out of National League One this season so the home side were understandably focused on taking the maximum number of points possible from this fixture. They were well aware, however, that Dundee had been comfortable winners in the reverse fixture and that their recent form has been impressive.
The game had been in some doubt due to the recent overnight frosts but, thankfully, the ground had thawed sufficiently to allow the game to take place on the main pitch rather than being switched to a back pitch or postponed.
Sadly, the game was preceded by a minute’s silence to mark the passing of former GHK player and Scottish Schools and age group internationalist Graeme ‘Jabba’ McKee at the age of only 53. Jabba was a huge character, a tremendously gifted rugby player with a keen intelligence and blessed with the sharpest of wits. Those of us lucky enough to have spent time in his company will remember Jabba fondly.
GHK’s greater need for the points at stake was, perhaps, the telling factor over the course of the afternoon as they set about with purpose and no little threat from the first kick off.
Danny Campbell, whose pace, ability to beat defenders and strength in breaking tackles was evident throughout, got the home side off to a quick start running in the first of his team’s tries after just 5 minutes.
Dundee were quick to respond with a converted try to take the lead for what would turn out to be the only time. 5-7 after 8 minutes.
Both teams showed a willingness to move the ball in the very good conditions and it wasn’t long before GHK prop Paul Henderson, prominent as usual in the tight and loose, dotted down to restore GHK’s lead which , whilst threatened, would not be relinquished for the remainder of the match. Grant Anderson converted both this and the next try from GHK captain Ben Frame – a particularly good team try with backs and forwards both involved in the lead up.
GHK’s lead was again pegged back to just seven points when Dundee scored on the half-hour mark to tighten things up at 19-12.
The ten minutes remaining in the first half were to prove decisive as GHK scored a further two tries. The first again showed backs and forwards in harmony as Paul Henderson turned provider to set James Hulme into space to allow the winger to squeeze into the corner.
The bonus point having been secured, GHK set about making the result safe and with their scrum proving increasingly dominant it allowed no 8 Joe Stafford to pick up and drive over from short range to give GHK a 29-12 lead at the interval.
GHK’s scrum provided the impetus for the first try of the second period with Ben Frame grabbing his brace. A very good conversion by Grant Anderson stretched the home side’s lead to 36-12.
Further scores followed from hooker Angus Cooper, who was prominent in the loose throughout. and Danny Campbell with a characteristic solo effort to extend the lead to a very comfortable 46-19, with Dundee having notched their third try in between these scores.
Campbell turned provider as he made another incisive break and fed the supporting Hugh Parker who touched don for GHK’s ninth and final try.
Dundee were to have the last word, however, as they took a deserved bonus point with almost the last move of the match to bring the final score to GHK 53 Dundee 26.
Overall, a very satisfying performance and result for the home side as they secured the maximum five points in some style. Their position in the league is not secure as yet, with various permutations possible in the remaining fixtures although, with three games remaining, it seems that securing one more point will do the necessary. This will be far from straightforward with title chasing Kelso to visit Old Anniesland and tricky visits to Stirling County and Biggar to follow.
There were plenty of positives on Saturday. The home pack kept up scrum and line out pressure throughout and individual forwards showed up well in the loose. GHK will also know that they are still guilty of giving away some soft scores which have proved more costly in other games.
The backs linked well with Grant Anderson often keeping the team in the right areas of the pitch with some astute kicking, centre Angus North having his customary strong game in attack and defence and the back three all looking dangerous with ball in hand. At scrum half, Ben Frame kept the opposition guessing with well-timed runs of his own to complement his passing and kicking game.
For his excellent work in the loose and very positive driving from the back of the scrum this week’s Edinburgh Gin Player of the Match was Joe Stafford.
No games next week as it’s Super Saturday with the next home fixture due to be the Scottish Cup tied against Stirling County on 25th March before the final home match on Saturday 1st April against Kelso.