Bulls back on track!

Hamilton Rugby Club entertained Falkirk in this National League 2 fixture, both teams struggling for consistency, and the Bulls merged with a hard-won bonus point victory.

Bulls were on the offensive from the kick off and had complete dominance of possession and territory for the opening quarter. Despite their superiority, however, they could not find the penetration to break down a stubborn Falkirk defence. Some wayward passes, and a failure to capitalise on lineout, contributed to the lack of points and against the run of play it was Falkirk who broke the stalemate on 23 minutes when a rare foray into Hamilton territory Gave them to opportunity to run at the Hamilton defence and a brilliant offload in the tackle by their centre released full back Tomkins to scamper over leaving Call an easy conversion. To the Hamilton supporters this was a bit of déjà vu, and 5 minutes their fears were made worse when Hamilton failed to clear the ball from the base of the scrum, and were penalised for an easy 3 points for Call.

Once again Hamilton showed their resilience for, from the kick off, Hamilton forced Falkirk back towards their own line. A penalty to the corner gave an opportunity for the lineout to work, and from the ensuing maul, Gary Adams was able to ground the ball. McLeish added the extras from wide out. McLeish had the opportunity to tie the game with a long range penalty which fell just short. However Hamilton’s tails were up and from the next lineout, secured possession. The ball was moved from the right through several pairs of hands, and then back towards the right. Inglis spotted space out wide and sent a beautifully weighted grubber kick to the corner for Wilson to race in for the touchdown. Again Mcleish was successful with the touch line conversion for a half time score of 14 – 10.

Hamilton went on the attack from the start of the second half when Crawford leapt highest to secure the ball, putting the Bulls on the front foot again. Quick recycling of possession at the breakdown, created space for Gareth Jones to break clear and deliver the perfect pass for Adam Ryan to run in unopposed for a converted try. Despite their lead, there was no room for complacency against a Falkirk side determined to take the honours and Bulls found their defence severely tested, especially when scrum half Turnbull was yellow carded for off side at the scrum. However, Falkirk eventually found space out wide to allow Lawson to cross in the corner.

Hamilton’s nerves were finally settled in the 72nd minute when Adam Ryan intercepted a floated long pass, break the initial contact and race from half way to dot down for the Bonus point, and again Mcleish was successful with the conversion for a 28 – 15 lead. As the game wound down, Hamilton again launched wave after wave of attacks. With only minutes left on the clock Falkirk captain, McCulloch suffered what appeared to be a serious neck injury. He received treatment on the pitch and was stretchered off. At the time or writing, no report on his condition was available, but all at Hamilton Rugby wish him well. After a long break the game resumed, and Hamilton swung the ball quickly to the backs where Ross Jamieson, with quick feet changed direction and scampered in for the final score. Full time, 35 – 10. This was a dogged performance by the Bulls, showing lots of flair, but not the accuracy required to run away with the match. Confidence has been restored and they look forward to next week’s visit to Stewart’s Melville only 8 points behind leaders Dumfries.

The second XV visited Marr and returned with a victory by 29 – 12, and the 3rd XV entertained West’s 2nd XV and won by 22 – 17, a good day all round for the Bulls.

Report by Jim Browning