GHK v Whitecraigs Match Report February 19, 2017
GHK v Whitecraigs 18 February 2017
GHK took on Whitecraigs at OA on Saturday in what proved to be a thoroughly entertaining game of rugby with both sides looking to play in an open and positive style from the off. Proceedings on the field had been preceded by an excellent lunch provided by sponsors The Really Delicious Food Company who again lived up to their name.
GHK defended the pavilion end in the first half and started at a pretty decent pace and did look to be intent on taking the game to their south side visitors. Early handling was crisp and assured with ground being gained. Whitecraigs responded in kind running positively themselves from their first opportunities with ball in hand. The signs looked good for the crowd that had gathered in decent numbers.
First blood was drawn by GHK when, after clean possession was won, the ball was shipped right where Ruaridh Cameron made a decisive break and fed Rory Cook on the wing who finished in a very composed manner. With Danny Campbell adding the extras everything in the GHK garden looked rosy. However, in the build up home loose head Andy McCulloch had stayed down and was receiving treatment for what looked like a serious one. Replacement prop Rob Dickson took to the field as Andy was assisted round the perimeter.
Prior to the early GHK change the home scrum had looked pretty solid and that dependable platform continued with the rearranged front row. The home side continued to take the game to the visitors and with a quarter of an hour gone it was Danny Campbell’s turn to make the critical break combining with Cammy Hughes and the centre finished powerfully. The GHK backs were looking more threatening than they had done for a few weeks and two early scores was handsome reward for this early intent.
As the Whitecraigs squad convened under the posts as Danny Campbell converted the second try it is safe to assume that they resolved to get stuck in asap to staunch the GHK attacking flow. Back they came and some direct positive drives took them in to the home twenty two. There was a clear structure to their efforts with big forwards running the angles and offloading. The pressure cranked up and eventually number eight Pollock crossed for a try for ‘Craigs.
The second quarter involved both sides looking to open up whenever it was their turn to have the ball. The formula that had led to the try was used by the visitors to challenge and punch holes in the home defence. There was a lot to be admired in the aggression and continuity displayed by Whitecraigs. Thankfully, as well as being up for it in an attacking sense, GHK were making most of their first up tackles.
It looked as though the only addition to the score board was to be a Whitecraigs penalty with two minutes of the first period remaining. However, the visitors seemed hungry for more as they powered towards the GHK twenty two one more time. The ball was lost in contact and Marc Taylor was on hand to take advantage. He had a lot more in mind than simply clearing his lines. He was by the first covering defender in a flash and as the second wave approached winger Taylor chipped ahead. There was a race to beat the defender and catch the ball before it toppled over the dead ball line. Marc made it with little to spare. It was a spectacular end to an engrossing first half. Half time GHK 19 Whitecraigs 8
In the last moments of the half Ferg Leggatt had taken over from Lewis Brock using up GHK’s remaining forward replacement. At half time Mike Martin came on for Andy Fleming at number ten. The changes did not diminish the hosts’ attacking intent and Whitecraigs were still very keen to impress. Both sides had come close before another Danny Campbell incision put supporting winger Taylor clear and he was not for being caught. DC added the extra points.
There was a feeling that one more score for GHK would put them out of sight. Whitecraigs probably got that as well. Back they came and spent a period deep in the home twenty two. Several forward assaults were repelled and a couple of attacking scrum fives were snuffed out by the combative GHK eight . However, ‘Craigs stuck to it and eventually they were rewarded with a try to bring the score to 26 – 13.
The game continued to flow and another score from the visitors would have undoubtedly jangled a few OA nerves. GHK remained focussed and composed in defence and still seemed to have that wee bit extra craft behind the scrum. With about fifteen minutes to go Danny Campbell was put in space by an Aird/Borthwick combination from first phase. Pace and a breathtaking step saw the full back over for a fine score under the posts. The kicking tee was produced timeously and Danny converted his own try.
Back came Whitecraigs and another well worked try was their reward for their continued endeavour. The final scoring act fell to Marc Taylor who completed a fine hat trick with a typical finish down that narrow left wing channel that is very much his territory. Final score GHK 38 Whitecraigs 18
A good game of rugby and a good advert for BT National 2. GHK looked more like the side that had made such an impact earlier in the season and that despite several changes in personnel over the last few weeks and even today as injuries continue to impact. The injury to Andy McCulloch took some of the shine off a very satisfying win. Dr McCulloch will surely be in good hands in terms of treatment.
Fine home performances from the GHK forwards who seemed to have an edge in scrum and lineout. Centres Hughes and Cameron put in a power of work and asked questions of the ‘Craigs defence throughout the proceedings. Danny Campbell had a hand in most of the critical GHK attacking efforts, and with three excellent tries Marc Taylor had quite a day. However, for rock solid defence, faultless handling and breaching the defence at key times, today’s tap man is Ruaridh Cameron – not the first Cameron to make an impression at Old Anniesland.
Next league action away to Cartha QP on Friday March 3 ko 7.30
With the hosts in the promotion mix it will be a lively affair. Get along and support the lads.