GHK v STEW. MEL 14 Dec 2019

Pre-match East met West in the form of the entertainment at the legendary GHK Christmas lunch. In that contest some felt that the man from the west might just have edged it from the Edinburgh representative. However, both Craig Docherty and Allan Snedden were in sparkling with their tales of how Glasgow is better, or was it just different, from Edinburgh? Anyway, a very jolly overture to the main event.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, the weather and conditions generally did not help two teams that have played some cracking rugby in recent months turn out their A game. Wet day, wet ball, swirling wind. Despite all that there was some decent stuff without many scoring chances being created. Both defences were well structured and clearly concentrating on the job in hand.

Stew Mel appeared to have the advantage of the conditions and it was the visitors who took the lead just after the twenty minute mark with a straightforward penalty.  GHK responded in kind about ten minutes later and Jack Cuthbert bought the scores level with a penalty that looked simple enough, but in to the wind it needed to be well struck.

Trying to capitalise on the supporting wind, Stew Mel ramped it up as the half came to a close. From a good position, the home line was repeatedly assaulted. The defence held out but in one of the plays a yellow card was shown to GHK number nine Ben Frame possibly for slowing the ball down. The visitors opted for the scrum, looking to force home their advantage. However, the GHK scrum drove the Edinburgh eight off the ball and, as the scrum fragmented, referee Wright blew for a penalty for the hosts. A well merited escape for GHK. Before the half time whistle blew, the sides were reduced to fourteen men a piece as number seven Joe Bailey was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle. The scores were also level at the break at three points all.

GHK turned round with what felt like increased assistance from the elements. The game continued in much the same vein as before with not much in the way of flowing backs moves or chances created. GHK probably had a slight territorial edge and they crept ahead on the score board with another penalty from Jack Cuthbert. As the game entered the last quarter the home number thirteen had another penalty chance but his kick slid wide.

Injuries and fatigue brought about several changes on both sides. The upshot appeared that scrimmage momentum had turned a little in favour of Stew Mel. The Edinburgh side’s pack put together a few phases and for the first time in the second period they managed to spend a prolonged spell in the GHK half. You could almost see the belief growing in them that they could claim the first try of the day. It was GHK’s turn to defend desperately. A few penalties went the way of the visitors and they kept the pressure on. Scrums were chosen and with GHK now retreating, the inevitable penalty try was awarded by referee Wright. With four minutes to go the visitors were four points ahead.

GHK mounted a pretty decent attempt to reclaim the lead and spent much of the closing minutes deep in the Stew Mel twenty two. It was the visitors’ turn to demonstrate that they had lost nothing of their defensive capabilities. They were up to the task and managed to quell the last of the GHK storms. The last couple of plays of the match saw the Stew Mel pack retain possession and when the time came the final ball was hoofed well in to touch. All done.  GHK 6 Stewarts Melville 10

So Stewarts Melville gained revenge for the bonus point victory achieved by GHK at Inverleith earlier in the season and inflict upon GHK their first home defeat of the campaign. They probably just about edged it by virtue of a gritty second half performance. It was however a game that demonstrated that there is indeed very little between the top two sides in Tennent’s National Division 2. Throw in to that mix Kirkcaldy, Dumfries, Peebles and Preston Lodge, it looks like being a grand old scrap at the top of the league.

It was probably the impact of the Stew Mel bench, allied to a couple of untimely injuries to Angus Lindsay and Kyle Henderson, that swayed the outcome in favour of the visitors as the game entered that critical stage. GHK ended up with hooker Feargus Haston packing down in the middle row. It seemed always rather likely that any try scored might come about from something like a penalty try as opposed to a well crafted score such was the calibre of both defences.

Strong performances all round from the GHK pack. Niall Hall just gets better and better. Kevin Bryce and Walter Gilbert got stuck in. James Spalding had a great first outing. Behind the scrum, it was not a day for slick moves but in terms of defensive effort there was hardly a tackle missed and no ground was easily conceded. Skipper Hughes marshalled his line very well indeed. However, the GHK Edinburgh Gin man of the match award goes to Hugh Parker. In a line out that might be fairly described as under resourced in terms of jumpers (and against formidable opponents) HP Jnr commanded a lot of line out ball. In addition he had a few bursts out from defence that rolled the clock back. He too did not miss a tackle. A great effort from a great servant to GHK. Well done and richly deserved.

So GHK end 2019 in pole position in the league. There are of course sides with a game or two in hand, but with top of the table opponents having to face off against one another whatever happens GHK will be in the mix. A great effort and due reward for all the hard work put in by players and coaches over the months. There is still everything to play for.

We now go in to a break and, after that, if you want to see the GHK first fifteen in the flesh then you will have to be prepared to travel in the month of January. Away league fixtures at Kirkcaldy and Newton Stewart are followed by an away cup tie at Hamilton. That is the first month of 2020 taken care of.

Thanks to all our members and supporters for all their encouragement and support for the Club. Thanks to the players and coaches in all the fifteens. It is now time for a break, but be sure to come back ready to recommence battle.

All the best for the festive season and the New Year.

Stay safe.