Lenzie v GHK 25 October 2014

The match was preceded by a minute’s silence for GHK stalwart and former president Jimmy Docherty who passed away last week.

Lenzie kicked off with the elements in their favour and the early stages set the tone for what was to be a bruising encounter. GHK had the initial dominance in terms of territory but excellent defence by Lenzie in the forwards and in particular Paterson and Milano kept GHK at bay.

The driving rain and wind necessitated a kicking game and a long kick by Nisbet was well chased by man of the match McFiona. Great work at the breakdown by Brett resulted in a turnover and after carries by McNeish, Mckenzie and Letford the ball was spun wide by McCrae to Wood who put in McWilliams for his sixth try of the season. The conversion was missed but a great start by Lenzie.

From the restart GHK put Lenzie under pressure and had a number of well worked driving mauls. After a number of infringements by Lenzie in the red zone, Sutherland was yellow carded. The Lenzie crowd feared that this could open up holes for GHK’s dangerous runners but every Lenzie player stood up, highlighted by a great cover tackle by McFiona on the GHK winger.

GHK finally scored a penalty through full-back Roberston and the score was 5-3 to Lenzie at half time.

GHK had the wind in the second half but the Lenzie forwards took the game to the opposition, with several good carries by Slade, McManus and Sutherland. One break by captain Scouller almost resulted in Nisbet being put clear but the pass didn’t quite go to hand.
After a break away mid-way through the second half, GHK were awarded a penalty which Robertson converted well to make the score 6-5.

GHK started the use the elements well, with scrum half Aird’s box kicks pinning Lenzie back. One of these kicks resulted in a scrum 5 metres out for the visitors. Despite heroic defence by Lenzie, the ball was spun wide to Hollerin to score in the corner. Roberston kicked the difficult conversion. 13-5 GHK.

To Lenzie’s great credit their heads didn’t go down and they played some great stuff in the last 10 minutes, with props Condie and McKinlay making some barrelling runs. Unfortunately the GHK defence held firm and Lenzie were denied a bonus point their play deserved.

This was another good team performance by Lenzie against an excellent team who will be favourites for promotion. Next week Lenzie travel to Allan Glens for the first local derby of the season.