No Reward for West Youngsters
Friday, 8 November 2024
GHK 45 West of Scotland 7
The scoreline was what would have been expected as two sides a division apart met in the National League Cup. It doesn’t tell the full story, though, of a performance of commitment and skill from a West side hugely understrength, indeed, more of a strong second XV.
The much-changed Burnbrae side included a place on the bench for the first time for prop Grant Robertson, due reward for his recent try-scoring exploits in the Seconds. On an evening of wind and rain but an excellent playing surface, West started badly under the Old Anniesland lights, conceding two tries in the opening five minutes. GHK centre Fraser Stanier found a worrying gap in the West defence to score with ease, followed two minutes later by Callum Moglia scrambling over from a ruck on the West line after Charlie Greaves’ break. Greaves converted both scores.
The West support were beginning to close their eyes, thinking of what was to come. What they got was their side dominating for most of the rest of the half. After the GHK defence held back repeated West drives, skipper Hamish Clark finally crashed over. Lewis Howick converted. After losing blindside Rory Duncan to injury, replaced by debutant Reiss Drain, West had a try ruled out for crossing. The second try proved elusive and indeed it was their hosts who extended their lead on the half-hour in the first attack on the West line since the opening minutes. There did appear to be a knock-on at a ruck just short of the visitors’ line but with the referee unsighted, GHK shifted the ball left for Stanier to record his second score of the evening. GHK’s half-time lead of 19-7 was by no means a true reflection of the play.
Just after the restart, West scrum-half Cammy Louden was forced to retire, replaced by Scott Carmichael. Almost immediately, GHK got their bonus point try through Tommy Spinks, finishing after Hamish Bottomley had been held up. Greaves added the extras. Coach Trevor Carmichael made the tactical switch of withdrawing Clark and introducing Robertson for his debut, looking for additional pace and mobility in the pack. By now, though, the game was gone and GHK recorded three additional tries in the space of eight minutes. Ali Maclaurin finished off a catch and drive before Greaves’ superb long pass freed his left wing Ross Darroch to score. It was Darroch who would get the final try of the evening, scrambling over after quick ball movement by the backs. Greaves converted the last two scores.
Despite the scoreline, the West players left the field with their heads held high. They fought hard to the end, all good experience for the youngsters in the side. This Saturday, West return to the league battle with Garnock the visitors to Burnbrae. Kick-off is two o’clock.
