Hamilton v Lasswade

In a classic game of two halves, Hamilton built a substantial wind-assisted first half lead, and defended resolutely in the second period to move clear into second place in BT National Division 2.

Straight from the kick-off the Bulls showed their intent with some bustling runs. Lasswade tackled well and eventually a Bulls pass went astray giving the visitors their first feel of the ball. Lasswade number eight Jamie Graham made a couple of surging runs, but sheer weight of numbers dragged him down.

A great turnover in the home twenty-two was fed wide and Gregor Brodie launched a kick down the park. Craig Inglis chased hard and scragged the visitors full-back. The ball popped loose and Ross Jamieson scooped it up and crossed between the posts. Andy Wilson chipped over the simple conversion to make it 7-0 after 7 minutes.

Whilst the Laigh Bent faithful love to see the Bulls running from deep, there were cheers when Andy Wilson thumped a couple of monster kicks deep into the visitors twenty two. Richard Maxton and Fraser Dunnachie were safe on their own lineout ball and regularly spoiled Lasswade’s efforts on the touchlines.

A classic trademark multi-phase attack spawned the Bulls second try. The ball sped left and right with Josh White and Pepsi bursting through. Finally quick hands put the ball wide to Ross Inglis who squeezed in at the corner. Andy Wilson struck a glorious conversion for 14-0.

The visitors had a better spell and put the home line under sustained pressure. After multiple pick and drives, Kyle Smith burst through to open the Lasswade account, although the conversion attempt drifted wide.

Hamilton’s pragmatism continued when skipper Mark Wallace opted for the goal points from a midfield penalty award; Andy Wilson splitting the posts for 17-5.

Playing the game in the visitors twenty two generated another Bulls try. Craig Inglis caught a poor clearance kick on the full, drew the cover and put brother Ross in for his second touchdown. Once again Andy Wilson added the goal points with a stunning kick from the touchline for 24-5.

As the half-hour approached Hamilton notched their bonus point try, and it was a thing of beauty. Hugo Crush made one of his typical breaks, selling dummies and dancing off both feet to race clear. The smile on Davie Gemmell’s face was a mile wide. Andy Wilson added what was for him, the straightforward conversion and at 31-5 the five League points looked safe.

Another spell of intense Lasswade pressure earned the visitors a short range try by Jamie Graham, but again the kick went wide.

Half-time Hamilton 31-10 Lasswade

One imagines the half-time team talks were along the lines of ‘let’s get an early score’ for Lasswade, and ‘let’s not let them get an early score’ for the Bulls. Instead a moment of inspiration from Hugo Crush made the result certain.

From the first second half lineout Hamilton won slow ball and the young scrum-half came under pressure from the Lasswade back row. He stepped off his right foot and accelerated through a gap in the lineout. He stepped his opposite number, danced past the ten and then gassed the full-back for a try which might well feature in the SRU try of the Month Awards. No surprise; Andy wilson slotted the conversion and at 38-10 all Lasswade could play for was a four try bonus point.

Give the visitors their due, they gave it their all. They used the wind to play the game in the home half and the Bulls’ defensive abilities were given a thorough examination. The blue and green line held strong under intense pressure, but by the hour mark there were a few Bulls running on empty. Davie Gemmell emptied the bench bringing on Scott Leggate for Darren Carr, Scott Alexander for Josh White, Charlie Craig for Gregor Brodie and Stevie Turnbull for Hugo Crush. All four made an immediate impact; in particular Scoot whose tackle count was astonishing.

The pummelling of the line continued and eventually Mark Wilson battered his way over. The pattern continued until no side, but the Bulls’ defence held strong denying the visitors a single point.

Full-time Hamilton 38-15 Lasswade

The second half was not the try fest that the home supporters had hoped for, but it was as good a defensive performance as this observer can can remember.

The five point win moves Hamilton into second place in the League table. Leaders Kirkcaldy scraped a narrow win over Biggar but they remain 9 points clear. Hamilton visit the leaders next week and must take something from the game to keep the dream of promotion in their own hands.