Glasgow University Medics RFC vs Hyndland RFC

Hyndland’s league campaign continued last weekend with a short away journey to take on Glasgow University Medics RFC. Facing a team who have been one of the league’s frontrunners in recent years, Hyndland expected a tough test. Nevertheless, the visitors were boosted by several returning players, allowing the club to travel with a near-full squad of 21 players.

The game began with Hyndland failing to effectively deal with the Medics’ opening kick-off. The home side recovered position too easily and began to apply pressure on the Hyndland defence. Individual tackling was strong and the team remained well-organised in defence to hold the Medics at bay, however a sustained period of pressure led to the medics finally crossing the line for a hard-earned score.

Hyndland fired back immediately. Finding themselves with a lineout inside the opposition 22, hooker Allsopp’s throw found Moir in the middle of the line. The Medics’ diminutive forward pack had no answer for Hyndland’s rumbling maul and it was Allsopp who finished the move by peeling from the side and touching down for his first Hyndland try.

The remainder of the half was a closely fought battle as both defences resolved to not let anything through. Smith nudged his side into a narrow lead by converting a penalty, however it would be the medics who would hold the halftime advantage after scoring a second try.

Half time score:
Glasgow University Medics RFC 10
Hyndland RFC 8

Hyndland had matched their opponents at every step in a very positive first period of rugby. However, the beginning of the second half saw Hyndland slip and allow the students to stretch their lead with several tries. The misery of the away side was compounded when lock Cowie was sent to the sin bin for an infringement at the break down.

A mobile side like the Medics could have really taken advantage of the yellow card, however being short-handed galvanised the Hyndland team. They once again found themselves applying pressure in the opposition 22. The Medics must have felt a sense of déjà vu as the Hyndland pack rumbled towards the line with another maul. Credit to the home side as they managed to repel the maul on this occasion, however the effort drew in enough of the Medics’ defence that stand-off Smith could find Gillan in plenty of space to touch down for the try.

Now restored to a full complement of players, Hyndland continued to batter the home defence as they sought another score. The students’ defence held up well as Hyndland threw everything they had at them. The resistance was finally broken once more however, as Beeston capped a fine individual display by forcing his way over the line for his side’s 3rd try. Smith’s conversion then brought the game to a close.

Final Score:
Glasgow University Medics RFC 36
Hyndland RFC 20

Hyndland once again found themselves in a situation where the strength of their performance was not entirely reflected in the score line of the match. The visitors set out with a game plan to use the strength and physicality of their forward pack to set a platform, and for large periods of the game it was successful. The side’s tight defence was immense throughout as the medics were forced wide for the majority of their scores. The key going forward will be to add more of a cutting edge to their game, as the match was probably lost due to the Medics’ more clinical nature when presented with scoring opportunities.

Although Saturday was a terrific team effort throughout, there are several individual performances deserving of mention. Recent recruits Ian Allsopp and Matty Smith continued their fine starts for the club, while Tony Smith put in a typically tenacious performance at stand-off. No.8 Gillan carried well on his return to the side and it was pleasing to see centre Jarrid Rowe make it through an entire 80 minutes of rugby (almost) without injury. However, it was prop Beeston who was named man of the match for powerful display throughout the game which typified that of the pack as a whole.

Hyndland next fixture sees them continue their inordinately long run of away games by travelling up to Mull for the 3rd time in 6 months on Saturday. The team are much improved since their August outing to the island, and will travel confident of claiming their first win of the season.