Dalziel v GHK Saturday 19th December
GHK kicked off playing with the stiff breeze on a mild, dry day with the pitch looking in good shape despite the recent rains, and the visitors looking to complete their calendar year unbeaten in all league games – but more of that later.
The pattern for the whole game was set early on with both teams probing but defences standing firm, although GHK looked to have slightly more of an attacking threat.
Dalziel were certainly much improved from the first league meeting of the season fielding, as their programme notes attested, their strongest possible team.
In contrast to recent games when GHK have been out of sight in double quick time, it was fully twenty minutes before their first try was scored with a break from a quickly taken penalty being initially held up before James Kinane broke, backed up by captain Hugh Parker, who dotted down under the posts with Mike Martin adding the extras for 0-7.
Another 10 minutes of keenly contested play followed with Dalziel responding well to being urged on by their coach and crowd before GHK were able to score again when, from a well worked backs move, stand off Martin fed inside to Marc Taylor who was ably supported by Gregor Hollerin, moving at a pace not normally associated with members of the front row union.
With GHK losing the penalty count, not for the first time this season, Dalziel continued to be well in the game but GHK went back to basics for a much needed third try with a catch and drive from a line out inside the hosts’ twenty two and, when this was held up, the ball was moved to centre Cammy Brown who found GHK’s calendar pin-up and ace salesman Jamie McLean. Under the posts for 0-19 at half time.
Despite having the elements in their favour in the second half and enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Dalziel seemed reluctant to kick for territory, perhaps fearing the counter attacking threat posed by the visitors’ back three, preferring instead to work it through their strong running forwards. Their pressure eventually told when, following a quickly taken free kick for a scrum offence, GHK’s defence for once was found wanting and Dalziel scored wide on the left for 5-19.
GHK’s supporters were now more nervous than they had been for a good while but, following some ‘Strictly’ style footwork by Martin, Mike Aird was held up just short and Blair Forsyth joined in to dive over for the all-important bonus point try. (Apologies to Blair for wrongly attributing his try on Twitter due to my confusion over the shade of fluorescent boots he is currently sporting!)
With the Dalziel groundstaff eventually lifting the gloom by switching on a few of the floodlights, more chances were made but spurned by both sides as GHK, in particular, were prone to over-elaborate when keeping it simple may have paid greater dividends. So no further scoring and a final result of Dalziel 5 GHK 24.
Not GHK’s finest 80 minutes but what is it they say about teams that win when not playing well? Also, a great deal of credit goes to a much improved Dalziel side who will surely win more games to add to their recent victory over Dumfries, if they show the same commitment as they did here.
Man of the Match. Few stand out performances today in what was again, a huge defensive effort from all GHK players but, for his try, some big hits, and for showing that a winger can learn how to be an effective prop with the right attitude, determination and a few (!) gym sessions, this week’s award goes out to Gregor ‘Hulk’ Hollerin – another of the ‘calendar boys’ (copies disappearing fast!)

So, having reached the end of this year’s fixtures, how have GHK fared in 2015? By my (albeit fallible) calculations, GHK have played 20 league games, 8 on their way to an unbeaten season in winning West Division One and another 12 (with 11 bonus points) to find themselves 8 points clear at the top of National Division Three with two games in hand on their nearest rivals heading into 2016. There were also a couple of wins in last season’s Shield competition prior to the only reverse of the year which came in the National Shield Final at Murrayfield where, despite a spirited comeback, GHK succumbed to a very experienced and streetwise St Boswell’s side who continue to enjoy success in the district leagues.
So, all in all, a hugely successful year which sees the club well set to make further strides in the national leagues. In addition, the 2nd XV continue their run of success with only one defeat this season and a number of players breaking through into 1st XV contention. However, it’s highly unlikely that anyone will be getting carried away, not least as slip ups have happened before and GHK’s coaching team will demand that nothing is taken for granted as the challenges of the 10 remaining league fixtures and the National Cup match against Kirkcaldy are faced in the New Year.
In the meantime, all the very best to all associated with GHK for a great Christmas and festive break, from your reporting and editorial team at our humble website.

◂ Two Wins in Motherwell
Boxing Day Shenanigans ▸

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