Oct
27
Muir remains unbeaten after narrow win at Hughenden
Match report by Morgane Jarles
Boroughmuir defeated Hillhead Jordanhill 25-24 in Glasgow this Saturday in a tightly contested game and under difficult conditions. The tries came from Neil Rodger, Robbie Wilson and Robert Cairns in the first half. Hills dominated most of the second half, and Reekie’s boot gave the victory to Boroughmuir at the very last minute.
The team was a bit different from last week, with Craig Marshall back and Greig Scott on the bench. Ross Bradford was back on the starting team, on the left wing since Jordan Edmunds was not playing, and Joni Hare was no 8 instead of Andy Rose.
Muir was into the game right from the start, with breaks by Alex Cox, Ross Bradford and then Thomas Docherty. This resulted into an early unconverted try by Neil Rodger who received the ball from Cal Davies who displayed good footwork after a clever kick pass by Reekie (5-0).
The hosts then had their hands on the ball, making good ground on the right wing. Hooker Joe Stafford scored a try after a strong maul from the Hills forwards. Andy Leslie added the extra points (5-7).
The Glaswegians held on to possession, as illustrated by a line break by Aidan Holland followed by good go-forward play despite Muir’s excellent work in defence. The Meggetland men soon benefited from a turnover and got organised in attack with Ross Bradford going in and then good work from the forwards, resulting into a try by Robbie Wilson, converted by Reekie (12-7).
Muir kept attacking, allowing Rob Cairns to make ground after a clever chip kick. However, Hillhead soon regained possession, and broke the line on the left wing. Second rows David Fisken and Jonny Agnew also made good breaks.
Boroughmuir displayed superb defensive work. Unfortunately, Neil Rodger had to leave the pitch injured, and was replaced by Greig Scott. Jamie Scott moved to flanker. Hillhead still had the ball, but heavy rain made it difficult not to knock the ball on.
Eventually, Boroughmuir benefited from a turnover in a ruck, and Robert Cairns scored a try 5 minutes before half-time. David Reekie added the extra points (HT 19-7).
Hillhead Jordanhill reacted well after the restart, and Will Goulden benefited from an overlap on the right to score an unconverted try (19-12). The Glaswegians held on to the ball and displayed good go-forward play.
Boroughmuir was outstanding in defence, and eventually gained a penalty close to the try line, kicked between the posts by Reekie (22-12). Muir then put more pace in attack, and showed fine passages of play, as illustrated by an excellent pick up after a scrum by Joni Hare, who passed to Sam Johnson, who offloaded to Alex Cox who made ground, and passed the ball to Ross Bradford who took the ball further up. However, Hills benefited from a turnover and left winger Daniel Osugo touched down after a kick pass from Ryan Holland.
Andy Leslie converted the try (22-19). The Glasgow side held on to possession, and Stuart Howie scored an unconverted try, putting his team ahead on the scoreboard (22-24). With only 3 minutes left, Muir attacked the line for the last chance of scoring and winning the game.
Stevie Wilson ran a fine line break and gained a penalty in injury time since a Hills player was off his feet in the ruck. David Reekie was given the opportunity to add 3 more points to the scoreboard, facing the rain, and despite the tension he successfully kicked the penalty that gave the victory to Boroughmuir (25-24, full time).
The Hillhead coach Alistair Dickson commented after the game:
“It was probably the best performance of the season for us. We should have won today but we weren’t good enough to win against the unbeaten team of the league.”
At Hughenden, Glasgow, Saturday 26th October 2013, KO 3pm
Referee: Cammy Rudkin (SRU)
Score evolution: 5-0, 5-7, 12-7, 19-7 (HT), 19-12, 22-12, 22-19, 22-24, 25-24.
Boroughmuir: 3 tries (Rodger 5’, R Wilson 20’, Rob Cairns 35’), 2 conversions (Reekie 20’ &35’), 2 penalties (Reekie 58’ & 80’).
Hillhead Jordanhill: 4 tries (Stafford 9’, Goulden 43’, Osugo 70’, Howie 77’), 2 conversions (Leslie 9’ & 70’).
Boroughmuir: 15.Craig Marshall, 14. Robert Cairns, 13.Alex Cox, 12. Stevie Wilson, 11.Ross Bradford, 10. David Reekie, 09.Sam Johnson; 01. Robbie Wilson, 02. Cal Davies, 03.Angus Wallace, 04. Jamie Scott, 05. Trent Sutton, 06. Thomas Docherty, 08. Joni Hare (capt.), 07. Neil Rodger. Subs: 16.Callum Taylor, 17.Jonny Latta, 18.Greig Scott, 19.Johnny Adams, 20. Mark Hare.
Hillhead Jordanhill: 15.Andy leslie, 14.Stuart Howie, 13. Chris Butler, 12.Aidan Holland, 11.Daniel Osugo, 10. Ryan Holland, 09. Thomas Davidson; 01.Juan Phyfer, 02.Joe Stafford, 03. Will Goulden, 04. David Fisken, 05. Jonny Agnew, 06. James Fisken, 08. Blair MacPerson, 07. Dougie Grove. Subs: 16. Coery Buchan, 17. Nick McAuley, 18.Evaristo Uriburu Grai, 19. Sean Mills, 20. Ollie Barker.
In Other Results
2nd XV win over Hillhead Jordanhill 15-50
Bears win over Jed Forest 2nd XV 22-8
