GHK v Gordonians 13 March 2020

For the second time in six days there was last minute drama at Old Anniesland and for the second time it was the home side that was left feeling somewhat miserable as they were on the wrong end of another three point defeat.

It had started quite well with GHK taking the lead after five minutes by way of a Ben Frame try. The scrum half had broken the defensive line some distance out and had the pace and strength to get to the line. Within the first quarter that score had been supplemented by a Hugh Parker try that came from a drive over from short range after a fine Scott Davidson break had set up the field position.

It was not one way traffic by any means and Gordonians played with a degree of pace and intensity that suggested that they carried a try scoring threat. The visitors were rewarded for some lively back play with a good score wide out right. A score of 12-5 in favour of GHK was probably about right given the balance of play. Despite some decent territory, GHK could not add to their points tally even when their cause was aided when one of the Gordonians back row was yellow carded for a second high-ish tackle.

Shortly after the break the numbers were balanced up as Neil Callander was given ten minutes compulsory rest for a breakdown offence. A Gordonians penalty brought them within five points of the hosts. The visitors were now restored to a full compliment. However, as seems to happen frequently, it was the team that was a man short who took the initiative. Having got in to another good attacking position it was that man Parker who forced his way over for a well worked score. 19-8 to GHK with about twenty five minutes remaining.

If GHK thought that, having come through the ‘man down’ period in credit in terms of points, Gordonians were done, then they were wrong. The lively Aberdeen backs asked questions of the home defence all night. In many ways it was no great surprise when, with just under twenty minutes to go, they got themselves right back in to the contest with another well worked try. The touchdown was converted and the GHK lead was a mere four points.

With Kevin Bryce restored to the front row after a brief absence from the fray, GHK did get themselves in to some very promising attacking positions in the visitors’ twenty two. However, a lack of patience and some dogged defence meant that the line was not crossed. In open play GHK looked to have created a couple of decent overlap opportunities but again blanks were drawn.

Gordonians hung in there and continued to look dangerous from time to time. A penalty in midfield was kicked to the corner but went dead. GHK looked to have got off that particular hook. However, from the resulting scrum back in midfield the visitors’ pack made a bit of a mess of the set play and eventually possession was restored to the side from Aberdeen. A few phases later referee Ramsay blew for a penalty to Gordonians. Advantage was played and good ground made down the GHK left. When the ball came back inside the supporting runner was off. Next stop touch down under the posts. Whether or not the Gordonians kicker had spoken to the referee about the time remaining is not clear. However, he quite rightly took his time with the simple conversion and when the ball sailed between the posts the final whistle blew. Cue much joy on the part of the players and support group who had made the long trip from the north east.

GHK 19  Gordonians 22

For hanging in there and making the most of the opportunities that they created, no-one could grudge Gordonians their victory in what might be the last game of competitive rugby played at OA for a while. The bus journey back to the Granite City would be enjoyable, loud and liquid. Like all good tourists they had secured a suitable stock of provisions to sustain them on their drive home. Enjoy!

Despite getting in to a pretty decent position early in the second half, GHK never really looked completely comfortable all evening and were never really in control. Personnel changes pre and during the match did not aid the GHK cause, but by all accounts the visitors were minus a few regular as well. Maybe it was just one of those nights?

Calum Woolard was thrust in to the starting line up as a result of a late call off. He acquitted himself well in the front row even surviving a short stint at tight head. It’s a learning curve and the young man got stuck in. Niall Hall had another powerful eighty minutes. In addition to his two tries Hugh Parker carried well and kept order at the rear of the scrum. Ben Frame kept GHK going forward and Scott Davidson was prominent with a few cracking breaks as well as some sound tackling. However, the GHK Edinburgh Gin player of the match is Danny Campbell. Perhaps more than anyone he tried to breach a stubborn Gordonians defence with the instantly recognisable DC style of guile and power. He was close on a few occasions. Well done Danny.

Well, this might well be your rugby for the season. Who knows what the next few weeks and months hold for rugby and everything else. Decisions will be made and we shall be informed. There is more to life than rugby (it is just that it is hard to get your head round that come Saturday afternoon). In the meantime, stay safe.