GHK welcomed Preston Lodge to Old Anniesland for the first home league business of season 2024/25. Last season was the first for a while when the clubs have not been battling for league points against one another. Traditionally, encounters have been hard fought with not much in it in terms of scoring. Those who dared forecast Saturday’s outcome seemed to be thinking along similar lines. Coming to OA as the champions of National Three, PL would be keen to demonstrate that they could hold their own in the higher league. For GHK, after last week’s narrow defeat in Edinburgh, they were hoping to kick start the season with a win on home soil.

Saturday was also GHK’s Family Fun Day. There was much activity around as well as on the main pitch with family members of all ages generally getting stuck in to what was on offer. Photo opportunities with the URC trophy and a few Warriors who had given generously of their time were among many highlights. Congratulations and thanks to all who helped make the day such a success.

To the game. GHK attacked the pavilion end in the first half. As would have been expected, they started off at a lively pace and had PL on the back foot. Dominating possession and territory in the opening minutes, it was no great surprise when Paul Henderson barged over from a quickly taken tap penalty. The conversion was pushed wide.

The visitors came more into the game making use of two hard driving, off loading centres. They gained ground and were well supported by a mobile back row. From one such surge GHK were penalised and from the resulting penalty the deficit was reduced to two points. GHK 5 – PL 3.

GHK continued to threaten and Ross Darroch came close on a couple of occasions. All they had to show for some promising play was another Charlie Greaves penalty. The home side would have hoped to add further to their lead whilst having the advantage of the elements in the first period. However, it was PL who rather bossed the latter stages of the first half and they nudged ahead on the scoreboard thanks to a converted try. It was very much out of the PL play book with centres making hard yards creating gaps round the fringes. Half time GHK 8 – PL 10

As frequently happens, playing in to the wind, GHK played some of their best rugby in the opening ten/fifteen minutes of that second spell. It was rather against the run of play that Preston Lodge increased their lead via another penalty. The home side continued to try and play expansive rugby in worsening conditions. Spurred on by the persistent probing of half backs Greig and Busby as well as centres Greaves and McKirdy, they came close on a number of occasions. At this stage they certainly looked the more likely to score a try.

Eventually GHK got their reward when Rory Campbell dived over for a try to draw the scores level at thirteen all. Into the gale and driving rain Charlie Greaves’ conversion didn’t quite make it.

There followed a tension filled last ten minutes. Both sides had chances to win the game. Gavin McKirdy looked to be through but didn’t make the line. PL enjoyed a series of scrums close to the GHK line, but the home defence was rock solid (as it had been for most of the day). GHK hearts were beating a little bit faster when the visitors were awarded a penalty about thirty metres out and fifteen metres in from the right touch line. A well struck kick rebounded from the cross bar and the danger was cleared. Much relief for the home support. Fine margins and all that.

In the remaining couple of minutes there were a few flutters for both sets of supporters to endure. However, there was no further scoring and the match ended thirteen points a piece.

GHK can take a lot of heart from this performance. In demanding conditions they played a lot of good rugby and with a bit of good fortune, and maybe a bit more patience, they might have had a couple more scores. There were plenty line breaks. Superior fitness gave an edge in the critical moments. The defensive shift from the entire squad was really impressive. Make no mistake, had GHK not brought their best defensive effort to the table, it would have been a different outcome. Everyone stood up individually as well as helping one another particularly when repelling that late PL onslaught.

Ross Darroch and Gavin McKirdy were perhaps the pick of the GHK backs. The tries will come. Up front, Blair Hastie got through a power of work and found his jumpers well in the line out. The back row of Sykes, Moglia and Campbell covered every blade of grass on the perfect Anniesland turf and really fronted up (as did the whole squad in fairness). The player of the match award was given to Rory Campbell. That seems like a good shout. Well done Rory.

Next week it’s away to Lasswade. Another challenge, but the boys will be up for it I am sure.