Gordonians v GHK 16 November 2019

GHK secured what, in the end, was a comfortable win against a spirited, competitive Gordonians side who had started proceedings in a very positive frame of mind. However, in the opening quarter of an hour the GHK defence was set to unforgiving mode and tackles were made and no ground conceded. When GHK got their hands on the ball for the first time, after a couple of positive drives, Danny Campbell created a gap for Angus Lindsay to power through.

In addition to structured and focussed defence, in this period GHK were stringing together some of the best rugby, in terms of continuity, that they had served up for quite some time. With the home defence being tested and stretched almost to breaking point, it was no great surprise when Danny Campbell touched down in the left corner, having been put through by Ben Frame who squeezed the scoring pass through the narrowest of spaces. It was a perfect start for the visitors who were not suffering any ill effects from the journey north.

Ben Hutton added try three touching down after a simple move from a GHK scrum. Gordonians stuck to the task and they demonstrated a level of fitness that allowed them to compete with GHK. However, on a couple of occasions when they were in the GHK twenty two, the Glasgow defence was up to it. Before GHK added their next try, in an attempt to halt a powerful driving run by GHK number eight Hugh Parker, home stand off William Parker came off second best in that collision and had to leave the field.

The visitors continued to threaten and, before the half came to an end, further scores from skipper Cammy Hughes and the only remaining Parker on the field, Hugh, took GHK past the thirty points and secured the bonus. The number eight’s score was a real team effort with forwards and backs involved, great support and offloads.

Half time: Gordonians 0  GHK 33

Gordonians started the second half really brightly and GHK appeared to be taking a moment or two to get their game heads back on. By the time they did, the home side had claimed two scores of their own. The first was courtesy of powerful left wing Jamie Wills who looked threatening but who had not seen the ball in the first period. The second home try was from a series of drives close to the line. Spirits were clearly rising in the home camp. Twelve points reclaimed in the first ten minutes of the half.

Thankfully for the GHK contingent, the ship was steadied, and whilst the slick form of the first period did not reappear completely, the level was raised enough to gain a degree of control on proceedings. Ben Hutton was given space and did the rest crossing out wide but dotting down near the posts. He is a winger in very fine form.

GHK made a few changes with Niall Hall, Blair Hastie and Blair Forsyth all getting a run out. They joined Kyle Henderson who had replaced winger Gavin McKirdy at half time. Despite not being among the scores, winger McKirdy had an influential forty minutes with several breaks and good carries.  The scoring was completed with further tries from Cammy Hughes, who sailed through when the defence parted in front of him, and Jack Cuthbert who ran through a tiring defensive line.

Full time score  Gordonians 12  GHK 50

Thanks to all at the Aberdeen club for the game, their warm welcome and hospitality back at Aberdeenshire Cricket Club. Good luck for the rest of the season. There were signs that their young group of players are coming to terms with National Two.

A good bonus point win for GHK. Many excellent performances. Behind the scrum there was another composed performance from Ben Frame who managed proceedings well. The back three of McKirdy, Hutton and Campbell got involved regularly and were happy to roam from their designated positions from time to time. Up front the bespoke second row pairing of Walter Gilbert and Feargus Haston were in fine form. Angus Lindsay and Hugh Parker made a ton of tackles and carried for many metres. The scrum had the edge all day and one of their number is the GHK Edinburgh Gin Man of the Match – step forward Kieren Boles. A cracking shift in the tight as well as some powerful tackling and a few examples of safe hands when carrying and protecting the ball. Well done that man!

Onward to Friday night lights at OA on 22November against Glasgow Accies, kick off 8 pm. What better way to start the weekend? Pre match curry orders to Mr Wood at a.wood720@ntlworld.com. Better be quick, numbers are rising fast.