PAISLEY RFC 2ND XV vs HYNDLAND RFC

17 months to the day since their last fixture, Hyndland returned to action on Saturday with a friendly match against Paisley's second string.

After weathering an early storm, Hyndland quickly took control of the game with a dominant first half display. Benefiting from a much more mobile forward pack than their hosts, Hyndland were able to set the platform for their backline to run riot. Debutant Fraser O'Rourke was a standout performer with the opening two tries for his side as the opposition couldn't live with his pace at outside centre. Further scores followed as the team built a healthy advantage of 31-0 going into the interval.

As might be expected for their first outing in so long, Hyndland struggled to maintain this level of intensity for the full 80 minutes as they allowed their opponents back into the match in the second half. Their cause was not helped by failing to adapt to the referee's repeated penalisation of infringements at the breakdown. Paisley edging the second half by 4 tries to 2 gave a final score which really flattered the home side based on how thoroughly outplayed they were for large portions of the game.

Final Score:
Paisley RFC 2nd XV 22
Hyndland RFC 43

Tries:
O'Rourke (2)
Cowie
Robinson (2)
M Smith
Mckenzie

Conversions:
T Smith (4)

Hyndland can take great satisfaction from their performance in this match, particularly the first half. With many first team regulars still to return, the team had an experimental look about it with a host of players making their debut for the club, or starting new positions. Nevertheless, the team banded together to earn a comfortable victory.

In the backs it was the new-look centre partnership of Mckenzie and O'Rourke that took the plaudits, racking up three tries between them. At full back Bull looked dangerous anytime he had the ball in hand, while Nisbet put in a solid showing in the unfamiliar position of scrumhalf.

In the forwards, Robinson put in a typically tenacious and hard-hitting display from number 8 which was rewarded with a well-deserved brace. However, it was Matty Smith who was the unanimous choice for man of the match. Making his first start at hooker, Smith put in a terrific all-action display which was capped with a try as he hit a brilliant line to crash over for the score.

The only real negative to come from the day was the news that Ruairidh Mackay's injury was worse than first feared. The winger was withdrawn during the match with what was later confirmed to be a broken ankle. The whole club wish him well in his recovery.