GHK Twos took centre stage for club rugby at Old Anniesland this weekend when

they entertained Marr in a rearranged Tennent’s West Reserve League One fixture

under the lights on Friday. In the reverse fixture earlier in the season down the South

Ayrshire coast, the home side had secured a comprehensive victory. The impression

given by the sizeable and vocal Marr contingent present at OA on Friday night was

that they were perhaps anticipating a repeat dose of their October success. As the

night unfolded, that was not to be.

Psychologically, and in simple rugby terms, it’s never that easy fronting up against a

side that has turned you over in the recent past. However, from the first minute GHK

played with great enthusiasm, structure and focus, taking the game to Marr when the

opportunity arose as well as standing firm in defence when called upon. The lively

visiting backs were kept in check and indeed were required to preform their own

defensive chores especially when centres North and McKirdy were in possession.

Midway through the half GHK took a deserved lead through a Blair Forsyth penalty.

Even at that point in proceedings it did have the feel of a lowish scoring game. Marr

responded and their pressure was rewarded with the opening try of the night after

some neat combinations out on their right flank. The unconverted try took the score to

5-3 in favour of the visitors and that was how it stood at the break.

Both sides kept up the pace and pressure in the second period. Very few tackles were

missed and ground gained was hard earned. With about twelve minutes to go GHK

scored a try after a spell of pressure and a number of patient, controlled forward

drives. Michael Hill touched down and critically Blair Forsyth converted.

Back came Marr throwing everything they had and more at the GHK defence. The

home side repelled most of what was coming their way, but with a couple of minutes

to go Marr claimed an equalising try far out on the right touch line. Ten points apiece

with the conversion to come. The kick was well wide of the mark.

In the remaining couple of minutes no real chances were created and the referee blew

for no side with the scores still tied at ten all.

A fine performance (best of the season?) and very important result for GHK. The

improvement in recent weeks is testament to the hard work of the players and input

from all of the coaches, Messrs Boyle, Breckenridge, Wallace and Smith. The group is

looking really tight and together. Well done all.

Some great performances on the night. Cairns Wallace led from the front. Mattie

Cairns and his front row colleagues were impressive all around the park as well as in

the tight. The back three were solid under the high ball and as stated barely missed a

tackle. The replacements too added extra zip when it was required. A great team/squad

effort. A well earned draw against highly fancied opposition. On to the next challenge.

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