PL v GHK 29 March 2022

Apologies for the delay in posting.  A slight issue on the publication side – not the fault of our excellent correspondent.

A strong looking GHK squad made the journey to East Lothian to take on Preston Lodge in a rearranged National Two league match. GHK were looking to edge closer to a promotion spot and PL were looking to keep alive their own prospects at the top of the division.

The hosts got things underway on a beautiful early spring afternoon. For those who know Pennypit Park, in the first half the home side were playing down the slope (towards the water) and they had the advantage of a bit of a breeze.

As they have done in several ‘key’ games this season, GHK started smartly. Some assured handling and disciplined defence put them in good field positions. After five minutes, having secured and driven line out ball, the home defence was stretched and Danny Campbell darted over for the opening score. Jack Steele converted.

A brief PL response was well defended but eventually at the expense of a penalty. The attempt at goal was pulled wide and so the gap remained at seven. Half backs Frame and Anderson kept both the tempo and direction positive for GHK. Another threatening incursion in to the home twenty two produced a penalty. A quick tap led to a powerful assault on the line and it was Angus Troop who forced his way over for another seven pointer.

PL got themselves in to the GHK twenty two and started to apply some pressure of their own. The GHK defence was pretty abrasive and after a few phases the PL attack became a bit lateral. A long pass from right to left was intercepted by Matt Smith with a basket ball type catch. He had the small matter of sixty five or so metres to cover but he made it to the line with a little to spare. A superb individual effort indeed. Just over twenty minutes gone and GHK had a twenty one point lead. Not bad at all.

At last PL got on the score sheet. Having spent some time camped in the GHK twenty two, the pressure bore fruit and a try under the posts gave the hosts seven points. Glen Sutherland was injured in exchanges at this time causing him to depart with Ryan Moore introduced to the conflict. There was more pressure on the GHK line in the twelve or so minutes that remained, but a combination of dogged defence and maybe a little lack of composure on the part of PL allowed GHK to restrict the points damage to the seven already conceded.

Half time   Preston Lodge 7 GHK 21

PL started brightly in the opening moments of the second half but yet again the GHK defence did what was required. A towering clearing kick by Grant Anderson was chased by Kerr Gossman. The fielder was hounded down and Danny Campbell arrived on the scene to put further pressure on the stretched PL defence. Possession was plundered by the GHK duo who then combined to put Angus Troop in for his second score of the day. Bonus point time.

About the fifty minute mark, whilst going about his defensive duties, GHK centre Jack Steele was adjudged to have tackled high. It did seem a borderline call but off he went for a seat on the side lines.

A man down or not, GHK kept up the pressure and try number five followed a few moments later as Hugh Parker drove in under the posts following another good line out take and drive and some smart protection of the ball as they edged towards the line.

Back came PL and they enjoyed a prolonged spell in the GHK twenty two. When contesting at a breakdown on the PL left wing, Matt Smith was penalised for something. In any event, the award of the penalty was followed by a yellow card for the GHK flanker. This was greeted with a certain amount of consternation amongst some, well one, of the Glasgow delegation who was reminded that the referee is always right. In fairness referee John Smith had a decent game involving two committed sides who he tried to help to play an open game.

Back to the scoring. Well, Preston Lodge did finally cross for their second try   shortly after Matt Smith’s departure. In this spell it did rather look as though the cards, as well as a few changes had disrupted a bit of the GHK rhythm. Having said that they did have opportunities to add to their points tally in the last ten minutes of the game. However, it fell to the hosts to complete the scoring with two late tries the latter of which secured their own bonus point.

Final score  Preston Lodge 24  GHK 35

A good performance and a fine outcome at a ground where in recent times GHK have struggled. Great shifts from Tommy Spinks, Angus Troop, the Gossmans. In truth it was an excellent squad effort. The man of the match discussion was intense. However, for a fine eighty minute performance in the scrum and all around the park, the GHK Edinburgh Gin man of the match is Martin Whyte. Well done sir.

Thanks also to the coach, physio, twitterer etc who all played their part in a successful day on the road.

Next week GHK host Kirkcaldy in what is their last home league fixture of season 2021/22. Kick off 3.00. It should be a cracker. As advertised elsewhere on the site, if forms the main dish on the GHK Family Fun Day menu. Not to be missed.