Newton Stewart v GHK 18.01.20
GHK took the longer but not so winding road to Bladnoch Park by opting to go via Stranraer. For the committee members on board there was the treat of a splendid pre-match meal in the friendly clubhouse atmosphere as always experienced on our trips to Newton Stewart.
For the players, there was the opportunity to familiarise themselves with a heavy playing surface that had been softened considerably by unexpectedly large amounts of rainfall in the run up to the game, although the afternoon was dry if cold.
GHK were well aware of how difficult a game this was likely to be as they had only won the reverse encounter in Glasgow by a solitary point. And so it was to prove as the game’s result was in doubt for almost the entire eighty minutes.
GHk played with the slight slope in the first half and they enjoyed the upper hand for most of it, in terms of territory and possession, without ever really threatening the home side’s line. In fact, it took until the midpoint of the half for GHK to eek out their first penalty chance but Jack Cuthbert’s effort slid by the wrong side of the post.
Conditions were making handling difficult but it was to the credit of both teams that very few handling errors were being made, rather it was the ferocity and determination of both defences that kept scoring chances to a minimum.
It was against the run of play that the home side opened their account with a fine breakout try which was converted to give them a 7-0 lead with half an hour gone. Despite more GHK pressure they were only able to claw 3 points back from the last kick of the half with Jack Cuthbert making no mistake from 30 metres. Half time 7-3.
In some ways the second half mirrored the first with Newton Stewart holding the upper hand and dominating territory and possession, particularly for one lengthy spell when they were camped on the visitors’ line for a considerable period, with GHK conceding a number of penalties and being warned by the referee that a yellow card could be forthcoming.
Had the home team scored then it seemed unlikely that GHK would be able to come back but there was a grim determination about the GHK defence that enabled them to keep their line intact and win a vital penalty to clear their lines.
With underfoot conditions becoming ever more challenging, it was a rare piece of skilful play that saw Ben Frame break, kick ahead and follow up to force the defender to carry over and concede a five-metre scrum. From the set piece, stand-off Kyle Henderson just managed to scramble over with the successful conversion taking GHK to a 13-7 lead with ten minutes remaining.
The visitors defended resolutely for the remainder of the match and even denied Newton Stewart a losing bonus point when a home player was shown a red card for throwing a punch and Jack Cuthbert was again successful to make the final score a slightly flattering 16-7 to GHK.
It had been a very physical, hard fought game and, whilst GHK coach Peter Wright will no doubt have preferred his side to have shown more creativity there was no doubting the heart and determination shown by his side. Character, indeed.
In what was very much a whole squad effort it seems slightly invidious to pick out individuals, however Newton Stewart chose GHK’s captain Cammy Hughes as the side’s stand out performer; his fellow centre Jack Cuthbert kicked important points and gained valuable yards; and both young wingers Ben Hutton and Gavin McKirdy excelled in the unglamorous defensive chores.
All the forwards contributed in gaining yards and ensuring that Newton Stewart hard to work extremely hard for their gains. For his huge contribution to both Neil Callender is this week’s GHK Edinburgh Gin Man of the Match. Well done, Neil.
Dumfries’ home defeat to Hamilton and GHK’s win have combined to move GHK back to the top of the league but it’s an exceptionally tight contest with only five points separating the top six teams.
Interestingly GHK’s next two games are against Dumfries’ conquerors, Hamilton with next weekend’s National League Cup game away with a 1.30 pm kick off, followed by the rearranged home league fixture on Friday 31st January with a 7.30 pm kick off at Old Anniesland. Support much appreciated for both of these important games.
In between, there’s the matter of the Annual GHK Burns’ Lunch on Sunday 26th January, Filling up fast so don’t delay – book your place at a.wood720@ntlworld.com.