Hamilton off to a winning start

31 August 2019
Hamilton Vs Gordonians
National Cup – round 1
Hamilton made the perfect start to their competitive season when they welcomed visitors Gordonians to Laigh Bent for the first time on Saturday. Having had a good preseason under new coaches Kenny Brown and Ed Edmonston, Hamilton named an inexperienced side for this first fixture although Craig Skilling with 100 caps and Josh White with 50 did add some nous to the Mix. 5 graduates from the under 18s made their debuts: Kieran Grainger, Gary Findlay, Robbie MacDonald, Max Crumlish and Euan Ferrie, and all showed that they can bring something to the team: strength up front and pace out wide.

Hamilton showed their intent from the off with offensive tackling earning a penalty in 4 minutes which Wilson converted. Scrum domination set up a great platform for Hamilton, but early nerves saw possession spilled in good positions. Nonetheless on 15 minutes Turnbull broke from the base of a ruck fed to Brodie and after some great hands Brodie was there to finish off a great handling exhibition in the corner. Wilson capitalised on Hamilton’s possession superiority with 2 more first half penalties. Despite Gordonians having a period of pressure on Hamilton’s line, the defence stood firm, and when the break out came, Gordonians were forced to concede another penalty. From the resulting 5 metre lineout, Hamilton’s maul was effective and Josh white forced his way over in the corner with Wilson adding the extras from wide out to finish the half. Hamilton 21 ; Gordonians 0.

The second half started in the same vein, despite a raft of Hamilton subs at half time. Hamilton turned over possession on half way and quick ball released MacDonald who was stopped just short. However Hamilton retained possession and James Howatson cut a great line to score under the posts to give Wilson an easy conversion. When Gordonians were awarded a penalty at the scrum, they took the quick tap and made inroads towards Hamilton’s line resulting in another penalyty and yellow Card for Whitelaw. Two minutes Later, Malley was also yellow carded for deliberate knock on and Bulls were under pressure. Despite this it was Bulls who scored next. Ferrie broke from his own 22 and fed inside. Great hands from forwards and backs put debutant Max Crumlish in at the corner.
Simon Deuchar repeated the dose 3 minutes later after another searing break and great hands by the backs.

Gordonians finally got on the score board when stand off Riddell took a quick tap and fed number 8 Gary Buchan who dived in at the corner. However with their numbers restored it was Hamilton who had the final say when they showed great hands again through Ross Jamieson and centurion Craig Skilling who ran for their 10 metre line to dot down in the corner. Wilson hit the extras from wide out for a deserved 45 to 5 victory.

Next week, bull welcome GHK for the first league game of the season, kick off 3pm.

Report by
Jim Browning