Hamilton Bulls suffered another heart breaking end to a close match with Newton Stewart who kicked a penalty to retake the lead with 7 minutes left on the clock, and then were denied a losing bonus point with a last minute try surrendered while desperately trying to rescue the points. The conditions were against flowing rugby, and with the ball like a bar of soap, the first quarter was littered with handling errors on both sides, so that defences were on top. Nonetheless Hamilton took the game to their opponents from the off. The Bulls tried to play their high paced game out in the backs, but were unable to look after the ball in the collision areas where Newton’s Number 8 McCornick was outstanding. He turned over ball, and made good yards with the ball in hand breaking first up tackles with regularity.

Newton Stewart were first on the scoreboard after 30 minutes. Bulls’ attack was halted by a suspiciously offside defence line. Despite the protests of the crowd, an attempted basketball pass over the defence was intercepted by Fraser Morton who ran the length of the field to score the opener, with Gaw adding the extras. The game reverted to the pattern of huff and puff with no real expectation of further scoring. The only other excitement was a flurry of handbags as the half drew to a close, and the floodlights coming on.

However, Bulls took to the field for the second half full of intent. Their scrum continued to dominate. Josh White had to be substituted after a lengthy injury stoppage, but the momentum remained with Hamilton and 5 minutes into the half, Bulls forwards took the ball from a lineout and after several accurate phases Scott Leggate forced his way over for a well deserved score, converted by Wilson to level the scores. Newton again scored against the run of play. Having repelled bulls’ attack, they were awarded several penalties allowing them to get to the Bulls’ line and from a lineout substitute Craig force his way over in the corner, well converted by Gaw.

Again there was a lengthy period of stalemate as both teams cancelled each other out. As the half drew to a close Bulls’ discipline was again found wanting and Gaw was given the opportunity to regain the lead from the tee. He duly obliged. Once again Bulls went on the attack seeking the winning points and were only held up by stout defence. However as the final play got underway, the excellent McCornick breached the Hamilton defence and the ball was shipped out wide to MacDonald who squeezed in at the corner. Again Gaw added the extras, leaving the Bulls empty handed.

The only consolation of this tight match was the continued improvement in form of the Bulls especially the pack after the early season defeat by Newton who accord 66 points in the first match of the season.