GHK v Helensburgh RFC 25 April 2015
GHK brought the curtain down on a perfect league campaign with a nine try to one victory over Clyde coast rivals Helensburgh at Old Anniesland on Saturday. Having been given the accolade of a guard of honour by the visitors as they took to the field, the OA lads set about trying to deliver a champagne performance to round off the season’s work. There were indeed some sparkling moments in the nine try points-fest.
To their credit, an injury struck visiting squad did not lie down and made life very difficult for the hosts, but the pace and strike power of GHK allowed them to capitalise on a number of the openings created.
Minnie Mitchell opened the scoring and had the temerity to add another to his personal tally. The other seven scores were shared by Robin Coates, Mike Aird, Marc Taylor, Mike Borthwick, Rory Long (a collector’s item), Hugh Parker and finally Jamie McLean. Scott Robertson added plenty extras with the boot. In amongst all that, the Helensburgh number nine, whose pace is well known to those who have seen the visitors over the last few seasons, scored a cracking try slipping through the gears as he accelerated from way out and took on all GHK defenders.
The referee brought proceedings to a close and the entire GHK squad had one last gathering on the pitch. They were entitled to be terribly chuffed with what they have achieved. Eighteen wins out of eighteen. Fifteen bonus points. Seventeen points clear of nearest rivals Carrick. A cup final at Murrayfield. Several pieces of silverware. Happy days indeed at OA.
It was all achieved by way of a load of hard work, commitment, team spirit (well actually club spirit as evidenced by the quality of players in the successful second XV and the support on and off the park). National 3 awaits.
All that remained yesterday was for the players to await their fate before Hanging Judge Mitchell. He has a reputation for being unforgiving. The signs were not good for a certain front row player, who has form, and in respect of whom, it is alleged, there is photographic evidence of said individual in the environs of a tanning salon. Innocent till proven guilty and all that, but doesn’t sound too clever Andy.