GHK made the long trip to one of the Borders’ top clubs for the first time since 2017 when Kelso had made a brief appearance in National Two before quickly rebounding to National One where they have been since.
GHK were largely clear of injuries but gone are the days – did they ever really exist as some of us seem to think? – when that would mean a full squad for the coaches to pick from. So it was that a combination of work, family commitments and holidays (yes – in September) left the visitors shorn of several who would have have come into contention.
Starting debuts then for Callum Moglia in the back row, Mike Hill at centre and Alex Hastings on the wing with Martin Whyte moving from front to second row.
The game was, of course, preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of her Majesty the Queen.
Any thoughts of GHK having time to settle were quickly dispelled when, from a scrum close to half way in the opening minutes, Kelso created space for their winger who fed inside to the supporting full back for a straightforward score. It was duly converted for an early seven-point advantage.
GHK did though, begin to play their way into the game and a well-timed pass from standoff Owen McLeish to Gus North allowed the centre, who had picked a great line, to speed over with McLeish adding the extras.
This allowed your correspondent to Tweet one of our newly created ‘Try’ images – which we make no apology for including here. A thing of beauty much like the try itself!
With the scores tied moving into the second quarter of the game, neither side was able to dominate territory or possession. It’s fair to say that the GHK scrum and line out more than held their own not only in this period but throughout the match with forwards often getting a nudge in the scrum and doing some damage to the home side’s lineout although not securing quite as much clean ball as they would have liked.
Kelso’s second score came from a well-worked break out of their own 22 which they finished neatly. The only other score before the half ended coming from a penalty which, given the tight score line, it was no surprise to see Kelso opting to kick to secure an 8-point lead at the break – 15-7.
No doubt both coaching teams would have emphasised the importance of securing the crucial first try after the restart, although there wouldn’t be any way of telling what was said to the Kelso team as they decided to spend the break in their changing rooms, despite the very pleasant weather conditions.
Maybe that did the trick as the hosts were the ones to make the breakthrough with a smartly worked move from a scrum just four minutes in which saw their talented stand off go over. Converted again to make their lead a much more comfortable 22-7.
GHK were by no means out of it and they were awarded a number of penalties in the opposition’s 22 but were unable to turn pressure into points. Having worked their way upfield, a clever chip ahead allowed the hosts to secure their bonus point try as we approached the hour mark. 29-7
GHK’s response was almost immediate with that man North making another excellent break with his namesake – of the Troop variety offering himself in support to go over to give the visitors some hope of at least a losing bonus point. Another try, another excuse to use our graphic:
No further scoring until the closing minutes when a controlled line out drive gave the home side’s scrum half an opportunity to dive over to bring the final score to 34-14, despite some late pressure from GHK.
The home side definitely deserved their victory but there were a good number of encouraging signs from the relatively inexperienced GHK team. As stated, the forwards more than held their own in the tight, the defence largely stood up well and there were promising emphases of attack. Stand-off Owen McLeish kicked well and created opportunities for those outside him.
Kelso were more clinical when they had their chances and they had a wily operator in player-coach Bruce McNeill at no.8, his ability to be in the right place and do the right thing demonstrating that age (38 being the rumoured number!) is no barrier to performance.
Well done to the GHK debutants and to those starting or coming on from the bench who are close to half that age. There was no lack of effort or commitment from the starting XV or replacements.
Kelso selected Gus North as their GHK Player of the day and we would heartily agree that his performance is fully deserving of the GHK Edinburgh Gin Man of the Match award for this week.
Many thanks to Kelso President Neil Hastie and his committee for their welcome and hospitality – extending to allowing a GHK past president to win the big raffle prize. We can confirm the winnings were suitably ‘invested‘ on the trip home! We look forward to a strong away contingent being in attendance at our Christmas Lunch for the return fixture on 17th December.