Photos & Match Reports

“TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY”

Greenock Wanderers 14 pts Hillhead/Jordanhill 26 pts

On a heavy but eminently playable, well grassed pitch at Fort Matilda, “Hills” brought a long run of five successive defeats to an end with a hard fought win against a spirited Wanderers side, and left for their holiday break relieved to move away from the bottom of the National League 2 table. It was not a day, however, for “champagne” rugby as the south westerly wind blew capriciously across the ground from the Clubhouse end, putting a premium on selection of tactics and moves. The outcome of the game, given the conditions and the recent form of both clubs, was going to turn on whichever pack proved the stronger and how that possession was used. There was only one winner when it came to game craft as “Hills” stand off, AJ McFarlane, gave a masterful display of his art with well judged distribution and probing kicks both into and with the wind which assisted his side considerably ; and the “Hills” forward pack eventually shut out their opposite numbers when they threatened briefly to take control in their wind assisted second half.

“ Hills” did not have it all their own way in the opening quarter and the Wanderers were quick to capitalise on the visitors’ typically nervous start scoring a good close range try, but also missing two penalty goal attempts. Good close range driving from the visitors assisted by the home team’s tendency to concede penalties at the breakdown allowed McFarlane to set up field position at the Wood Street end of the ground. A close driving maul from the line out saw Craig Bryson plunge over the line with the “Hills” stand off converting nonchalantly from far out. “Hills” continued to dominate in midfield through aggressive ball carrying from their stand out forward, Kevin Lowrie, but their next try owed more to good luck than good judgement when Scott Halliday burst through unopposed between the posts , benefitting from a ricochet off an opposition player. Wanderers came back with a Diffenthal penalty, but “Hills” finished the first period the stronger with Lowrie pirating an opposition maul ball to score a wonderful opportunist try and take the “Hills” to nineteen points to eleven at the interval.

The second half required a concentrated effort from the “Hills” to ensure a victory, and, apart from the occasional lapse, the “Hills” forwards began to dominate the set scrummage where Josh Thom on the loose head enjoyed a strong game. Alec Cameron, for a young man in his first season of senior rugby, was also impressive with his high tackle rate and showed commendable aggression at the breakdown. Some wayward kicking from the Wanderers allowed full back Richie Graham to show his soundness in fielding the ball and his elusiveness in running the back through a splintered home defence. Wanderers fell away as an attacking force in the second half and the “Hills” would have been disappointed to add only the one try in the second period, but it was worth waiting for and showcased the skills of AJ McFarlane. Running the ball out to the left he looped with his outside centre to create a maul for replacement left wing David Webster. Some two phases later he created space for Kevin Lowrie to burst through for his second and his side’s bonus point try which McFarlane also goaled.

So the end of the year break has been reached with “Hills” still in the nether reaches of the table. This win should, however, give the squad and their coaches, the tireless Bill Macdonald and Chris Reid, some confidence for the final eight games which commence on Saturday the 9th January 2016 when Aberdeenshire make their first ever visit to Hughenden, kick off 14.00.

“Hills” 1st XV Richie Graham , Oscar Welsh ( Tom Harding ) , James Lowry , Scott Halliday , Andrew Bolster ( David Webster ) , AJ McFarlane ( C ) , Ross Thomson , Blair Mackenzie , Harry Perston , Josh Thom , Alec Cameron , Callum Stove, Kevin Lowrie , Christopher Tulloch , Craig Bryson . Subs Harry Singh, Adam Plunkett

HILLS QUIZ NIGHT – MATCH REPORT 28th NOVEMBER 2015

As quiz nights go in most clubs, this was notable in many ways. Despite the best efforts of several, the “mics” failed to function, leading to an unprecedented rise in decibels in the Sports club bar with the trio of quizmasters, Messers Bell, Mackenzie and Plunkett, a well proportioned front row, having to shout to make themselves heard. The seven rounds of questions were certainly varied, but it was unanimously agreed that Adam Plunkett, who offered a “Science Round”, should be asked to resign and return to his position on the “Brain of Britain” panel team : “How many times heavier would Bobby Martin be if weighed on the surface of Jupiter compared to Earth ? “.

Quizmaster supreme, Murray Bell, incurred the wrath of at least one of the teams in his marking of the round - “ Name ten pop songs featuring an animal in the title” – when he refused the entry which included that well known rugby favourite, “ Cats on the Rooftops” . It’s all very well knowing the words and acknowledging the importance of “Crocodile Rock” in the genre, but to disavow “Cats” is a sad commentary on current rugby mores.

Pipe Major, Murray, growing increasingly incoherent as the night wore on, redeemed himself, however, and salvaged the reputation of the quiz and indeed the “Hills” by his innovation in introducing a “dance off” to determine the ( eventual ? ) quiz winners. Young Ross Thomson and the “ginger” Andy Bolster gyrated very convincingly to a variety of tunes on a hastily arranged space, cleared of debris from several rounds of drinks and the left overs from some post match pasta meals. The dance off was greeted with tumultuous applause from the rest of the bar, who questioned why they had been ignored in the dance selection.

The rest of the evening seemed to involve a game blowing up, tying and bursting balloons all in a ten second period. At this stage, it did not seem clear how the “pipe major” was going to determine the winner of the cash prize. But the fact is nobody really seemed to care as they had enjoyed a wonderful night of fun and insult, which should ensure that the next quiz will be even better attended and supported.

Oh and by the way and importantly, Murray, Blair, Adam and the “Collector”, Andy Scott, raised some £400.00 for Club funds. Very well done.

“HILLS” LEFT TO RUE MISSED CHANCES

Hillhead/Jordanhill 17pts Preston Lodge 19 pts

This was a game which got frustratingly away from “Hills”. Numerous chances were created in the first half to ensure a comfortable cushion at half time, but as it was “Hills” turned round two points adrift at twelve points to fourteen down. Flanker Jonny Clipstone burst from a ruck forty metres out after only two minutes; but was hauled down just short of the try line with no support in sight; outside centre Richy Graham was put through by AJ McFarlane’s sleight of hand but he was also tackled just short of the line. And so it went on, as “Hills” were profligate with their chances. The first score, when it came, fell to the visitors from East Lothian who benefitted from a very fortunate bounce of the ball. AJ McFarlane had kicked a long penalty from hand which bounced off the terracing steps back over the spectator fence into the welcoming hands of a Preston Lodge player who immediately took a quick throw in. By the time “Hills” had noticed the ball was not in touch, the visitors had moved the ball across the field and were faced with an easy run in to the “Hills” try line. This produced an instant response, and an excellent passing move involving the irrepressible McFarlane, the rejuvenated Christopher Tulloch playing at no. 8 and the sprightly Douglas Grove allowed Callum Stove to throw himself over the line. Parity was restored with McFarlane’s conversion, but then disaster again befell the “Hills” when in running the ball out of defence Clement Tranier slipped in passing to his winger, Jamie Maddox, allowing the visitors to pick up the loose ball and stride unopposed to the posts. The softness of this score again galvanised “ Hills” and Christopher Tulloch, after some driving play from the “Hills” forwards, crashed over the line to score. Unfortunately AJ McFarlane could not add the goals points.

The second half of the game was as close as the first with both defences on top. Clement Tranier continued to impress with his well balanced running out of defence and AJ McFarlane’s game craft shown through the gloom of the grey late autumnal day. But try as they might, the break through from “Hills” was elusive. Harry Perston had two strikes against the head and then a speculative blind side move in the opponents twenty two from Ross Thomson created enough space for substitute back James Lowry to cross for a try which took “Hills” three points up with twelve minutes to play. But the stuffy Preston Lodge side had their eyes on a win, and opposition pressure began to build which, despite heroic home defence, could not be contained. A series of drives on the home line were just kept out, but when the ball was spun wide, Preston Lodge found a chink in the “Hills” defence to cross for the winning try. The three remaining minutes of play saw “Hills” frantically trying to play the game in the opposition half but it was not to be. The spoils of victory to “Preston Lodge ” , the bitter taste of defeat to “Hills”.

Next Saturday, the 28th November, the Glasgow derby takes place at Hughenden when “Hills” play their long time city rivals, Cartha QP. Kick off will be 14.00.

“Hills” 1st XV Clement Tranier , Dominiceo Gagleone , Richie Graham , Scott Halliday, Jamie Maddox ( James Lowry ) , AJ McFarlane ( C ) , Ross Thomson , Josh Thom , Harry Perston , Jonathan Urquhart ( Blair Mackenzie ) , Kevin Lowrie ( Alec Cameron ) , Callum Stove, Douglas Grove ( Craig Bryson ) , Johnny Clipstone , Christopher Tulloch Subs. All used.

“HILLS” WELL BEATEN AT LAIGH BENT

Hamilton 64 pts Hillhead/Jordanhill 10pts

It is very difficult to argue against a scoreline of thirty one points to nil after only twenty eight minutes of play and then a fulltime score of sixty four points to ten and suggest ”we wuz robbed”. The fact, however unpalatable, is that Hamilton confirmed their pedigree as runaway leaders of the BT NL 2, and “Hills” enjoyed only brief passages of play when they managed to upstage their opponents during this game on an eminently playable pitch.

Despite parity at the set scrum, “ Hills” were unable to match Hamilton’s fifteen man style of rugby where their backs moved the ball wide with refreshing speed and accuracy to constantly attack. When the visiting defence held firm through their midfield, Hamilton were adept at keeping play going through the enterprising interplay of backs and forwards which repeatedly stretched the “Hills” defence. “Hills” best moments in the game came from the craft of their midfield trio, AJ McFarlane, Richie Graham and Scott Halliday, who combined well to create opportunities for others. Clement Tranier’s running from deep on another day would have sparked more continuity but his promptings produced little.

“Hills” managed two late scores from backs substitute, Robbie Dwyer, who profited from his midfield being able to create space for him to come into the line and touch down. The scores were welcome and just reward for some spirited second half resistance which at least occupied Hamilton in some defensive chores, something which “ Hills” had not had too much opportunity to do for much of this game.

Next Saturday, the 21st November, “Hills” play east Lothian club, Preston Lodge, at home. Kick off will be 14.00.

“Hills” 1st XV Clement Tranier ( Robbie Dwyer ) , Dominic Gagleone , Richie Graham , Scott Halliday, Oscar Welch ( Ross Thomson ) , AJ McFarlane ( C ) ( Clement Tranier ), Ross Thomson ( A J McFarlane ) , Jonathan Urquhart ( Adam Plunkett ) , Harry Perston , Blair Mackenzie ( Jonathan Urquhart ) , Alec Cameron ( Kevin Lowrie ) , Callum Stove, , Kevin Lowrie ( Ryan Reilly ), Johnny Clipstone , Theo Nwosu-Hope Subs. Christopher Tulloch .

“HILLS” JUST EDGE A GAME OF TWO HALVES

Hillhead/Jordanhill RFC 1st XV 14pts Biggar RFC 13pts

After the first forty minutes of play on a pitch remarkably firm after the early morning deluge, “Hills” looked down and out in this mid table NL 2 encounter at Hughenden. Their line out seriously malfunctioned and their set scrum provided few attacking returns. They were left to feed off scraps of possession or the individual bursts of Hamish Locke from the back or Josh Thom and Theo Nwosu-Hope up front. Indeed if it had not been for the profligacy of Biggar in handling errors, “Hills” would have conceded much more than the single try, conversion and two penalty goals which found them thirteen points adrift at half time.

It is not recorded exactly what words of wisdom head coach Bill Macdonald imparted during the half time “huddle”, but the second half witnessed a transformation with a new formation. AJ McFarlane was moved to stand off and Ross Thomson was now working the scrum and this gave some stability to the side. Suddenly the forward exchanges at both first and second phases became more even, and the overall intensity of play was lifted. “Hills” became more of an attacking force and opponents Biggar began to contribute to their eventual downfall by conceding far too many penalties. A very well driven line out maul allowed Douglas Grove to burrow over the line with McFarlane adding the conversion. That stung the visitors into series of attacks on the home line but a very committed defence from all the “Hills” players kept Biggar at bay.

The game craft of McFarlane at stand off, allied to the hard running of Scott Halliday in the centre and the increasing security of Callum Stove on the touchline , brought “Hills” back into it again, and with Biggar reduced once more to fourteen players , the home pack knew they had to wrest the initiative from their opponents. And a retreating scrum in the Biggar twenty two provided the opportunity for super sub. Johnny Clipstone to pick up and feed no. 8 , Theo Nwuso-Hope, who plunged over the line to touch down for the second try of the game. It was now up to the veteran and captain, AJ McFarlane to nudge his side into the lead with the conversion, and he obliged by bisecting the posts.

The last five minutes of the game were nerve shredding for both sets of supporters. “Hills” looked far from convincing in fielding Biggar’s kick off, and when Biggar won some go forward ball they then dropped it in the centre. Typically frenetic stuff but exciting nonetheless with both sides still in with a chance of winning the game. As it was “Hills” triumphed on this occasion to give themselves and their supporters a boost after the disappointment of the previous week.

Next week, the 14th November, “Hills” travel to play league leaders Hamilton. Please consult the website for Kick off information and details on travel.

“Hills” 1st XV Hamish Locke ( Clement Trainer ) ) , Dominic Gagleone , Richie Graham , Scott Halliday, Oscar Welch , Clement Tranier ( AJ McFarlane ( C ) ) AJ McFarlane ( Ross Thomson ) , Josh Thom, Harry Perston ( Jonathan Urquhart ) , Jonathan Urquhart ( BlairMackenzie ) , Alec Cameron , Callum Stove, Douglas Grove, Kevin Lowrie ( Johnny Clipstone ) , Theo Nwosu-Hope Subs. Ryan Reilly

“HILLS” POOR DAY AT THE CLYDE COAST

Ardrossan Academicals RFC 1st XV 48 pts Hillhead/Jordanhill RFC 1st XV 19 pts

The final scoreline does not lie, but there was a brief period in this game at Memorial Field when “Hills” looked as if they were going to make a game of it. The first thirty five minutes had been virtually all one way traffic with the Ardrossan forwards making considerably better use than their opponents of the choice second phase ball they won and seeming to score almost at will such was their domination. Their try bonus point was secure, but then “Hills” sparked into life when Douglas Grove broke away in the home twenty two, took the play through three phases to allow scrum half and captain, AJ McFarlane, sufficient room to wriggle past the maul fringe defence and put Scott Halliday over for try at the posts. The conversion put a much healthier complexion on the half time score than the “Hills” performance actually deserved.

The third quarter of the game saw the visitors in much better form with their forwards starting to build possession across several phases and having AJ McFarlane sniping around the base of the breakdown. His all round gamecraft created space out left for centre Richie Graham to cross for a fine try which was unconverted, and five minutes later the scrum half cheekily took a tap penalty to himself some five metres out to crash over the line unopposed . The conversion was a formality and “Hills” were now within one converted score of Ardrossan. The small but vociferous travelling support were eagerly awaiting their team’s next score, but the “ comeback kids” lost their dominance very quickly and allowed the more vigorous and direct Ardrossan team back into the game. “Hills” had little answer to the home team’s hard running and the pick and drive routines of their forwards. The game slipped inexorably away from “Hills” in the final quarter and even the prospect of a consolation four try bonus point proved beyond them, as a Callum Stove drive up field ran out of steam and support.

On the basis of their first half performance, Ardrossan deserved their five point victory. “Hills” will need to regroup quickly for their next NL2 game which is at home on Saturday the 7th November vs Biggar with a 14.30 hours K.O.

“Hills” 1st XV Oscar Welch ( Robbie Dwyer ) , Dominic Gagleone , Richie Graham , Scott Halliday, James Maddox ( Oscar Welch ) , Clerment Tranier, AJ McFarlane ( C ) , Josh Thom, Harry Perston , Blair Mackenzie (Adam Plunkett) , Christopher Tulloch ( Alec Cameron ) , Callum Stove, Douglas Grove ( Kevin Lowrie ) , Johnny Clipstone ( Kevin Lowrie ) , Theo Nwosu-Hope Subs. All used

“HILLS” SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE SHADES IT

Hillhead/Jordanhill RFC 1st XV 34 pts Lasswade RFC 1st XV 24 pts

The minute’s silence before the game in memory of the ”Hills” stalwart, Grahame Locke, seemed to have a soporific effect on the home team, as they immediately surrendered territory and impetus to a lively Lassawde side who impressed with their spirit and running energy. Such was the visitors’ early monopoly of field matters that they opted not to take a penalty at goal from in front of the home posts, but kick to the right hand bottom corner at Hughenden for a driven lineout across the home line which was nonchalantly converted by their very able stand –off. Worse was to follow for the “Hills” when Lasswade attacked in numbers down the home right flank with only desperate defence from Hamish Locke keeping them out. But the visitors from Midlothian could not be denied when they added a further try and goal points from a well worked move once against down their wide left channel. At the end of the first quarter, “Hills” were looking somewhat bedraggled and in need of some change of fortune. It came, as so often happens in a fractured game, from a speculative kick ahead by flanker Douglas Grove whose follow up, catch and drive eluded the despairing visiting defence. The score seemed to settle “Hills”, but their attacking plays at times lacked conviction and the forceful driving need to break organised defences. But the piratical looking Jonathan Urquhart eventually linked well with his half backs to leave full back Robbie Dwyer sufficient room to cross in the corner and move “Hills” closer to their visitors at ten point to fourteen than they actually merited at half time.

Whatever information was passed by the “Hills” coaches, Bill MacDonald and Chris Reid, to the players remains unknown, but it had an immediately galvanising effect on their performance. Gone was their stuttering first half ineptness to be replaced by thoughtful running rugby at the heart of which was Frenchman, Clerment Trainer, whose probing, kicking and distribution was a joy to watch. His first dart at the Lasswade defence produced a sumptuous offload which inside centre Scott Halliday raced onto to touch down wide just to the left of the posts with AJ McFarlane converting ; his second “assist” produced a long flat pass which missed out both centres but found no. 8 Theo Nwosu-Hope running clear in the wide right channel for an easy touch down; and his third play produced a classic Garryowen which centre Scott Halliday gathered amid a splintered visiting defence to put full back Robbie Dwyer away for his second and “Hills” fifth try. The third quarter had produced seventeen unanswered points for the home side, but the best of the afternoon was yet to come.

Hamish Locke has started on the left wing beat and had revealed only occasional glimpses of his talent, but a move to the outside centre berth was the catalyst. Taking a short range pass from Trainer at speed some thirty metres from the Lasswade line, Locke showed his athleticism in sprinting in untouched for the try with a coruscating turn of pace. “Hills” were now twenty points ahead and the game in its final quarter. But worryingly for the rather tense home support, “Hills “ reverted to their earlier dreamy play and allowed their spirited visitors back into the game with two well worked tries. Lasswade had produced a fair head of enthusiasm in the final ten minutes and were disappointed when the admirable

match referee, Neil Sutherland, brought the game to its conclusion. Lasswade then left with a try bonus point while “Hills” accrued five for their efforts.

This was a good afternoon’s entertainment for the small but enthusiastic crowd,. “Hills” are next at home on Saturday the 24th for their next NL 2 fixture vs Falkirk with a 15.00 hours K.O.

“Hills” 1st XV Robbie Dwyer, Oscar Welch, James Reekie ( Hamish Locke ) , Scott Halliday, Hamish Locke ( Ross Thomson ) , Clerment Tranier, AJ McFarlane ( C ) , Josh Thom, Jonathan Urquhart, Blair Mackenzie ( Mo Adams ) , Christopher Tulloch, Alec Cameron, Douglas Grove ( James Clipstone ) , Theo Nwosu-Hope, Kevin Lowrie ( Ryan Reilly ) Subs. All used

“HILLS” DO JUST ENOUGH TO WIN

Hillhead/Jordanhill RFC 1st XV 27pts Greenock Wanderers 1st XV 15 pts

In a game more notable for the effort and energy that both sides expended rather the quality of some of the rugby played, “Hills” did just enough over the full eighty minutes of this contest against the Wanderers to merit a hard earned victory by two goals, two tries and a penalty goal to one goal, one try and a penalty, thereby earning five league points from the fixture. In truth there were few patches of continuity rugby from either side, as there was no clear dominance of either the scrum or line out, and when the ball was won, handling and ball retention skills were not always as either the players would have wished or both sets of coaches might have expected.

Nevertheless there were some stand out performances both from the visitors and the hosts : scrum half Andy McDougall for Greenock had a fine game displaying the full range of skills, as did inside centre Callum Robb with second rower, Murray McDonald putting in a fine shift. For the visitors, scrum half and captain , AJ “ Chunk” McFarlane, provided the necessary direction and leadership for his side; Tonci Buzov was his usual abrasive self in the loose, Callum Stove showed up well in the line out and loose head prop, Josh Thom, had an excellent game, both in the tight and Loose.

Wanderers started brightly with Frizzell converting a close range penalty, but the “Hills “ pack put together a series of drives which resulted in Josh Thom scoring. The “Hills” prop was soon to double his season’s try tally, when he profited from a typical Buzov drive to finish off close to the posts, giving McFarlane a straightforward conversion. “Hills” should have extended their lead following a fine interception by Grove, but despite a good crossfield passing move the final thrust was forced out by the corner flag. This stung the visitors into a swift response with McDougall knifing through the home defence to touch down unopposed and present Lavelle with an easy conversion. The end to end tryfest continued with “Hills” centre Craig Bryson next to benefit from the deadly McFarlane/ Buzov combination when he touched down by the posts and once again McFarlane converted. But just before the break with “Hills” reduced to fourteen, the combative Kevin Lowrie having been sin binned, Harrison scored for Greenock to make the half time score nineteen points to fifteen for the hosts.

The second half was less frenetic with neither side having much by way of territorial domination. But there was always menace when Buzov and McFarlane got in on the act, and it was these two players who were involved in the lead up to Douglas Grove’s close range try. Despite loads of effort and application, neither side could extend their cause in try scoring, and it was left to the veteran McFarlane to end the scoring with a well struck penalty from some thirty five metres.

So “Hills” mini revival continues with wins in successive games, while the Wanderers still seek their elusive opening points in their campaign. Competition in the league is now suspended temporarily to allow the first round of the Cup to take place with “Hills” renewing their acquaintance with Kirkcaldy whom they last played only two weeks ago at Hughenden, but on this occasion visit Beveridge Park for the fixture.

“Hills” 1st XV Robbie Dwyer, Ruairidh Mayes, Craig Bryson ( Richie Graham ) , Scott Halliday, Oscar Welch, Clerment Tranier, AJ McFarlane ( C ) , Josh Thom, Harry Perston, Jonathan Urquhart ( George Stephenson ) , Callum Stove, Alex Cameron, Douglas Grove, Tonci Buzov, Kevin Lowrie ( Tom Harding ) Subs Christopher Tulloch

“HILLS” RECORD FIRST LEAGUE WIN SINCE MARCH 2014 : 12th September 2015

Whitecraigs 10pts Hillhead/Jordanhill 15pts

A win for the “Hills” in the BT Domestic Leagues had to happen sometime. After all, it was only some twenty four games ago on the 22nd March 2014 that “Hillhead/Jordanhill RFC ” last registered a win against Biggar; so the soothsayers were certain to forecast correctly for the 12th September 2015!! Only two “Hills” players remain from that last victory, Scott Halliday and David Paterson, and the taste of victory must have been sweet for them. Also the small but intrepid band of supports who made their way to the south side at West Lodge for this seminal event of the “Hills” 15/16 campaign would have enjoyed the experience.

The game itself, however, was much more prosaic. Two very well matched sides went at it furiously in a hard, competitive way, but with no single malicious activity ; match referee Andy Somers receiving credit for his control and direction. In truth, there were few memorable rugby moments to recall in the post match glow. A well controlled rolling maul with Douglas Grove as ball carrier allowed “Hills” to register their first try with the man of the match, AJ McFarlane, amply filling the no. 20 jersey converting nonchalantly from the right hand touchline. “Hills” second try was down to the quick thinking of no. 8 Tonci Buzov, who reacted first to the referee’s award of a five metre penalty for the illegal chopping of Ruairidh’s Mayes mazy run by tapping, picking up and plunging over the line.

The “Hills” half time lead of twelve points to ten was a mighty precarious one, and thankfully “AJ”, revealing rather late in his rugby career a competence in goal kicking, piloted over a thirty yard penalty to nudge the visitors into a five point lead. This was in the fiftieth minute of play, and the “Hills” touch judge for the day was heard to remark : “ the next score would be crucial to the outcome of the game” . Not for the first time he got it wrong, as the final thirty minutes remained scoreless with Whitecraigs attacking relentlessly, and equally the “Hills” defence resolutely repulsing them. The collective defiance of the team was much evident, as was the field craft of AJ McFarlane and Tonci Buzov who individually and collectively worked well to use what possession came their way effectively and also “wind down the clock “.

So will the victory and its smallish margin impact on a “revival ? Come along to Hughenden on Saturday the 19th when “Hills” play their fourth game in National league 2 at Hughenden against Greenock Wanderers with a 15.00 K.O to find out. There is a pre-match lunch ; names please to John Maclean jnm@kelvinassociates.co.uk All friends and supporters will be made very welcome.

“Hills” 1st XV Rory Harte ( Angus Smith ) , Oscar Welch, Robbie Dwyer, Scott Halliday , Ruairidh Mayes , David Paterson, AJ McFarlane ( C ) , Josh Thom, Harry Perston ( Carlos Celsis , George

Stephenson ( Blair McKenzie ) , Callum Stove, Alex Cameron , Douglas Grove , Tonci Buzov , Kevin Lowrie ( Craig Bryson ) . Subs All used

HARD KNOCKS AND HARD YARDS FOR HILLS LADIES AT RHC : 30 August 2015

RHC Women 1st XV 40pts Hillhead/Jordanhill 1st XV 32pts

Anyone doubting the intensity and energy of the womens game in Scotland should have been present at the RHC grounds in the leafy Barnton suburbs of Edinburgh to watch this clash between “East” and “West” on a wonderful afternoon for open rugby. Twelve tries were shared between the teams with RHC edging the keenly fought contest due to the footballing skills of their stand- off Clare Bain who converted five of her side’s six tries. Unfortunately Jenny Johnston who had an energetic game throughout for the visitors just could not find the target consistently, and converted only one of her team’s tries.

“Hills” strike runner, Megan Gaffney, was soon into action striding untroubled through the RHC ranks to touch down, but RHC struck back quickly and dominated the next twenty minutes racing to a twenty one points to five lead due to good passing and finishing across their back line and Bain supplying the goal points. This stung the visitors into action and “Hills”, without their Scottish Forwards , Jade Konkel and Lana Skeldon, both injured, hit back with some continuity play involving Rachael Whyte, Jenny Johnston and Louise McMillan to provide opportunities for Megan Gaffney to add a further two tries, one of which Jenny Johnston converted to take the game to half time with “Hills” seventeen to twenty one points down.

The pace did not diminish in the third quarter with RHC quickly adding another converted try to take them two scores clear. The next try was going to be crucial as if “Hills” scored, it would keep them in the game. Thanks to a lung bursting run out of defence by Lynsey Bennett, which showed that the family sporting genes were not the exclusive property of her brother Mark, the Scotland centre, Abie Evans on the left wing for “Hills” was able to score in the corner. Twenty two- twenty eight, and the excitement was growing, but then a harsh decision by the referee robbed “Hills” of their combative captain, Jemma Forsyth, due to a technical offence at the breakdown. Outnumbered “Hills” began to struggle with RHC adding an unconverted try, but the visitors rallied again and good passing exchanges between backs and forwards allowed Abie Evans to cross for her second try of the afternoon. The momentum then moved back to the hosts with another well worked converted try to take then thirteen points ahead with ten minutes left. Then in bravely tackling an opposing forward, Jemma Forsyth sustained a head knock signalling her departure from the game. Full marks to the “Hills” however who overcame this loss to work their way again up the field to allow Abie Evans another run to the line thereby recording her third try of the afternoon. There was little time left for the “Hills” to close the gap again , and the referee blew for “no side” at the end of a well and evenly contested game with the visitors only having one try bonus point to show for all their endeavours. Make no mistake this was a good advert for the women's game in Scotland.

“Hills” now have to gather themselves and hope some of their International players will be able to return soon. Their next game is away at Melrose on Sunday the 6th September with a 14.00 hours start.

Hlls Ladies 1st XV Mary Lafaki, Amy Watson, ( Jo Boland ) Megan Gaffney, Hannah Telling, Abie Evans, Kirstin Daly, Rachael Whyte, Heather Lockhart, Lindsey Smith, Fiona Dorman, Jenny Johnston, Tamsin Tyeson, Lynsey Bennett, Louise McMillan, Jemma Forsyth ( C ) ( Andrea Gaffney ) Subs All used

HILLS SEE RED IN THE DUMBRECK GLOOM : 29th August 2015

Cartha QP 33pts Hillhead/Jordanhill 14 pts

While the hosts, Cartha QP, fully deserved their five try bonus point victory under the Dumbreck floodlights, a result which was fashioned on an aggressive opening forward dominated thirty minutes , “Hills” took some consolation from a much improved second half performance and the precocious talents of their full back, Rory Harte.

In the first forty minutes, the Cartha forwards delivered a master class in the arts of close driving play which did not allow “Hills” any useable possession at all such was the home team’s domination of the line out, the set piece and the breakdown. The only relief from the Cartha QP siege tactics was provided by individual bursts from scrum half and captain, AJ McFarlane, no,8 Tonci Buzov , who spent ten minutes in the sin bin after a breakdown offence, and the silky running skills of the coltish Harte. The hosts had secured their fourth and bonus point try by the thirty third minute with “Hills” hardly being able to string any continuity rugby together, such was the meagre rations they had to feed off. But an encouraging spell of play initiated by a break from inside centre Robbie Dwyer allowed them to establish a platform close to the home line. Some good recycling allowed second rower, Chris Tulloch, to cross the line unopposed by the posts with Dwyer adding the goals points.

The half time score of twenty six points to seven actually flattered “Hills, ” but Cartha QP were now down to fourteen men, one of their players having offended just before the interval. But any prospects for pegging back the opposition were lost when on a promising break out of defence, “Hills” gifted their opposition the ball, and the hosts added to their lead with a converted try. The visitors tried to lift their game with the back three of Harte, Richie Graham and Oscar Welsh frequently looking to trouble the opposition. AJ McFarlane continued to harry his opposite number and make good use of some occasional quick possession from the breakdowns which were becoming more even thanks to the charges of Buzov in the open field. A typical blind side thrust allowed McFarlane to touch down after sixty four minutes of play ; Dwyer converted. Try as hard as they might with Mo Adams becoming more prominent with ball in hand, the “Hills” could find no way through the tigerish home defence. Any last chances of adding to their two tries were further undermined when two of the visitors, Chris Tulloch and Oscar Welsh, were awarded red cards for some law 10 indiscretions in a midfield misunderstanding. Some, on hearing of the two dismissals, would consider this had been a very tousy match with constant physical interactions between the players ; certainly while the match was very competitive throughout, it could never have been construed as bordering on the dangerous or malicious. So “Hills” trooped off disconsolate and short handed. It had not been a happy return to Dumbreck.

“Hills” play their second game in National league 2 at Hughenden on SATURDAY the 5th September against Kirkcaldy with a 15.00 K.O. All friends and supporters will be made very welcome.

“Hills” 1st XV Rory Harte, Richie Graham, Angus Smith, Robbie Dwyer, Oscar Welsh, David Paterson ( AJ McFarlane ) AJ McFarlane ( C ) , Andrew Scott ( jnr ) , Mo. Adams ( Josh Thom ) Harry Perston ( Josh Thom ) , Konstantin Muller – Rettstatt ( George Stephenson ), Callum Stove, Chris Tulloch, Josh Thom ( Kevin Lowrie ), Tonci Buzov , Ryan Reilly ( Craig Bryson )