Despite conceding thirty six points, Bulls emerged victorious in an entertaining first league match of the season. New club captain, Owen Mcleish was delighted after the match. “This is a much changed team from last season, with retirements, and long term injuries. However the young lads really stepped up today. In previous seasons we might have panicked having gone behind, but the lads showed real resilience and believed in our game plan. We might have scored even more in that last period but for their determined defence”.

The game began well for Bulls. In 7 minutes, Steven Turnbull, having returned from a 2 year absence, showed he is returning to form with a typical sniping break from the base of a ruck to scamper through for his first try, converted by Mcleish. GHK came back with a well struck penalty, but Bulls pushed further ahead when Ross Inglis burst down his wing fro the second try again converted by McLeish in 14 minutes.
However in a contest between two ambitious sides, GHK countered and Jack Cuthbert finished off a slick handling move to score in the corner. On 23 minutes, GHK took the lead for the first time when flanker Hurn broke clear and won the race to the line. Hamilton’s Inglis was yellow carded for his overenthusiastic attempt to prevent the touch down. This put Hamilton under pressure and GHK capitalised on their numerical superiority. Tries from McKirdy and Hutton took them into a 29 – 14 lead as half time approached. However the last word of the half went to Bulls’ Craig Skilling following quick hands and a slick outside break for a score in the corner.

After that frantic, 7 try first half the crowd anticipated more of the same and the second period duly delivered. Bulls refreshed their pack and began applying pressure to GHK but their defence stood up well and it was GHK who broke through after a clever angled run by stand off Waller to extend their lead to 36 – 19.

However, Hamilton began to boss possession and scored to two great tries in a 10 minute period, first through Turnbull whose second was a repeat of his first, and then Ross Inglis made up for his yellow card for his second, both converted by McLeish. Bulls regained the lead on 65 minutes with their sixth try. Number 8 Gary Adams, having carried manfully throughout the game was rewarded for his efforts when he burst though the defence to allow McLeish an easy conversion. Hamilton had chances to extend their lead but stout defence kept them at bay. In previous seasons Bulls have lost matches in the final play of a tight game but on Saturday, they showed resilience, discipline and determination and finished worthy winner by 40 points to 36.

It was good weekend for the Bulls with all three senior teams recording bonus point wins.

Steven Turnbull breaks clear at the base of a ruck to score Bulls opener. (pic by Neil Mitchell)