| KELSO OUTMATCH “HILLS” |
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| Monday, 17 January 2011 | |
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KELSO 20pts HILLHEAD/JORDANHILL 17 pts In a game full of endeavour played in very blustery conditions, Kelso showed the benefits of having already played two games in January to deservedly edge the “Hills” at Poynder Park to close out an important victory by one goal, two tries and one penalty goal to one goal and two tries. Although the wind blew fiercely from the West for the whole match, it was hardly a “game of two halves” as it could be argued that neither side utilised the conditions to any significant effect. Kelso, playing with the conditions in the first period, looked sharp in moving the ball and playing through the phases, but were denied by “Hills” strong fringe and midfield defence. For their part, “Hills” relied on a strong scrummage and no. 8 pick ups from Pitkethly to make ground with the occasional bullocking run from Nick McAuley. Kelso’s first half score was down to quick repossession and slick passing to give Poynton sufficient room to score out wide on the right flank from where he kicked a fine conversion. The Kelso right winger was later to add a penalty goal from some 25 metres in front following a midfield offside to take his side ten points ahead at the interval. This half time margin was not excessive, and was one which a focused “Hills” side should have been able to overcome. Certainly the beginning of the second half was all “Hills” with first of all tight head prop, Nick McAuley, showing exceptional ball handling and running skills to run some 35 metres and put the supporting Angus Twaddle over for a fine try in the right corner. Then, some seven minutes later, loose head prop, Will Goulden showed fine stamina to be up to chase a speculative McCulloch chip and, with Andy Leslie’s assistance, harry the Kelso cover to pick up and score in the left hand corner. Unfortunately, neither of the tries was converted due to the virtually impossible place kicking conditions. Nevertheless, “Hills” were now tied with their hosts with some twenty five minutes of the game left to play. Hereabouts, Kelso’s match fitness began to show, as they played more and more of the game in the “Hills” half of the field with the visitors seemingly unable to determine whether to move any ball they won, or kick long, or retain it with their front row Goliaths. The pressure from Kelso was relentless, and they should have scored at least two tries but poorish finishing prevented that until replacement Haig scampered over in the right hand corner to touch down unopposed. “Hills” had great difficulty putting together any sustained periods of play, and betrayed a lack of patience in trying to manoeuvre their way back into the game. It was no surprise then when Utterson found some space to put his fellow centre, Hartley, away for a try where he outpaced the despairing “Hills” defence. At 20 pts to 10 down with only seven minutes to go, the visitors looked out of it, but Cammy McCulloch showed some expert field vision when he spotted the left flank of the Kelso field unoccupied and kicked to Angus Twaddle on the “Hills” right wing to field on the full and run in a try from forty metres, which he successfully goaled to bring his side to within three points of the hosts. But there was to be no “fairy tale” ending for the visitors, as Kelso ensured the game ran out in midfield with no further threats to their line. Referee David Crudge’s final whistle led to scenes of joy for the Kelso players and their enthusiastic support as it takes them further away from the basement battle to avoid relegation from the Premier C pool. “Hills” Match Manager, Kenny Campbell, was full of praise, however, for his team’s efforts: “ Considering this was our first game since the third week in November we competed well, but Kelso deserved their win and good luck to them”
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