Bulls suffer sore home loss to Newton Stewart

Hamilton Bulls entertained Newton Stewart for the return fixture having lost heavily on their visit to the borderers. Bulls welcomed the return to the bench of David McGrath after a long absence. In addition the bench featured the return to the club of Ross Curle. Ross began his rugby in the mini and midi section at Hamilton, but went on to start at Ayr rugby where he won 2 premier league titles and 3 Scottish cups. He also captained the Scottish Club side 3 times. His homecoming was eagerly anticipated by the home support who welcomed him to the pitch in the 2nd half. Sadly he was unable to turn the result around, but it is hoped his experience will help Hamilton’s young backs as the season goes on.

On a blustery, wet afternoon, Bulls began solidly playing into the stiff breeze. Conditions meant that handling was difficult and yet the Bulls attempted to play with width from the off. The pack was dominant in the early exchanges, and John Selfridge, back at number 8, showed much of his old power and sharpness. In fact it was he who broke the deadlock on 22 minutes. A series of 5 metre scrums allowed the Bulls’ scrum to drive for the line and Selfridge controlled the ball well at the base to flop on the ball for Bulls’ first, converted by McLeish.

Bulls continues to apply pressure at the scrum, but a break by Newton’s number 8 gave them field position and when bulls conceded a silly penalty, they got on the board with a well struck penalty.

The kick off went straight out giving the visitors a scrum midfield. A dog leg in defence provided the opportunity for a centre-field break, and an easy converted score for the forwards. Bulls found themselves behind in a game where they had seemed to be in complete control. The pattern of the game continued, with Bulls enjoying good possession and field position, but Newton Stewart’s defence held strong. However another silly penalty gave the visitors the chance to get into Bulls’ territory. A lineout driven maul, followed by the forwards keeping it tight saw their prop dive in under the posts for 17 – 7.

Again, bulls rumbled forward and when the ball was shipped wide to Alexander he carried it deep into the 22 and a superb off load in the tackle to Plant gave him the opportunity to dot down in the corner, for an unconverted try on the stroke of half time. Bulls 12 – Newton Stewart 17.

The second half began with Hamilton again on the offensive, but cheap penalties cost them dear.

Newton kicked for territory and again their forwards played a disciplined game of pick and go until they were able to cross the whitewash under the posts to stretch their lead to 22 – 12. Bulls went on the offensive again, and as the game got looser Newton showed greater ambition with ball in hand. Nonetheless it was Bulls who scored next. After patient play in midfield the ball was whipped along the line and despite the conditions, reached winger Crawford who crossed in the corner. McLeish converted from wide out. 19 - 24.

Unfortunately the revival was short lived as the well disciplined Newton lineout maul, first made good ground and from the next lineout they scored with a repeat of their previous 2 tries. Bulls finished the game on all out attack, but were undone by their own desperation to chase the game and errors crept in giving away possession and ultimately the match.

Final score Bulls 19 - Newton Stewart 27.

Report by Jim Browning