Hamilton Bulls visited Whitecraigs on crisp autumn day and came away with a fine 48 – 19 victory. Playing down the slope in the first half, Bulls played some enterprising rugby and were 4 tries up, bonus point secured, within 20 minutes. Whitecraigs came into the game more in the second half, largely through Hamilton taking the foot off the gas and some sloppy handling which gave them a foothold. However, 5 points after the disappointments of recent weeks lifts Hamilton back into the top half of the National 2 League table.

Hamilton received the kick off and from the start they went on the attack with strong carries from Adams and Brodie giving mcleish the time to prod the ball deep into the Whitecraigs 22. Possession came back to Hamilton and some slick handling in the backs put Jamieson into a gap and his well timed pass to debutant, Nathan Brown put the winger in at the corner. Billy Simpson was next on the score sheet with a try which was a replica of last week’s. The forwards made good carries after the Hamilton backs had taken play into the opposition 22. Howatson and Adams made inroads before the ball was swung wide to Simpson whose power carried him over. McLeish was having no luck from the tee and for the second time his conversion attempt came back of the upright.

Hamilton’s third try was a think of beauty. Alexander took possession from the kick off and the ball was quickly recycled to Adams who slipped a lovely soft pass to Crumlish in space to break clear. The handling and backing up was fantastic as the Bulls’ players found a man on their shoulder with each tackle, and on the end of this spectacular move was the man who started it as Adams charged over under the posts. Conversion successful and 2 minutes later Brown was in for his second. Bulls were awarded a penalty at the ruck and kicked deep. Whitecraigs stole the ball but Adams was on hand to rip it back and after three phases of forward drives the ball was released left and Brown cantered in.

With the bonus point secured and a lead of 22 – 0, Bulls might have been excused for taking their off the prize, but they were immediately back on the attack, and only spilled ball prevented them going further ahead. However the power of the scrum put pressure on Whitecraigs and Bulls recovered possession. The ball was move from left to right as the backs made good ground and when it was shifted back to the left, Howatson on his 50th cap showed great footwork to go over out wide. From the kick off however Hamilton gave Craigs a foothold following a period characterised by dropped passes. Craigs’ attack was well defended by Bulls and when the stand off telegraphed a wide pass, winger Brown intercepted and ran the length of the park for his hat-trick. Conversion successful. Whitecraigs 0 – Bulls 34. From the kick off, McLeish pushed the play deep into the opposition 22 again. Craigs got on the score board as half time approached showing their attacking threat, taking play from their own 22 to Hamilton’s 5 metre line. Despite desperate defence the quick off loading and recycling of the ball sent their winger over for a converted try. Bulls were stung by this and replied immediately. From the lineout the ball was moved through the hands of forwards and backs. Brown was stopped a metre short but quick recycled ball found the Craigs’ defence too narrow and Wilson went in under the posts for a converted try and a half time score on 5 – 41.

The second half began with Hamilton still showing enterprise in attack and Max Crumlish again took a great line to break through taking play close to the opposition line. A promising attack failed as the ball was dropped and this became a feature of Bulls play in the second half as they played with the wind at their backs so that only one more try was added to their total. From a 5 metre line out, Bulls moved the ball to the centre where Adams was able to crash over for a converted try.

Craigs capitalised of some careless Hamilton play and scored 2 Converted tries in the second period aided by Whitelaw being yellow carded. Bulls’ work was done though and a well earned 5 points please coach Kenny Brown who singled out the work of his pack which dominated throughout.

Match report from
Jim Browning