Helensburgh Advertiser | Sport | Greens at the gill with drop looming

Friday, 25th July, 2008

Published: Thursday, 3rd April, 2008 09:15

Greens at the gill with drop looming

By Colin Hutton

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DISAPPOINTED: Burgh side

Pic by: Anndra Dubhacan

Helensburgh 3 - Whitecraigs 32

DESPITE another gritty performance on Saturday Helensburgh’s league status is now hanging by a thread.

The Burgh team took to the field determined to upset the title charge by visitor’s Whitecraigs but failed to contain their opponents in the second half.

Now the Greens sit perilously close to the drop and could rely on points difference if they are to avoid dropping into the district leagues.

Helensburgh started well at the weekend and some astute kicking put them in good field positions.

But as the rain and wind swept across the pitch, both sides failed to find any real continuity and mistakes dominated the proceedings.

As the game settled down, Burgh had the first chance to open the scoring but a wayward penalty attempt left the home fans disappointed.

Helensburgh were left to rue this missed opportunity when the Whitecraigs captain made it 3-0 just minutes later.

The battling performance of the home side shone through when they hit back straight from the kick off to draw level.

For the remainder of the first half, both sides failed to increase their lead.

After the break the visitors increased the pressure on Burgh and started to show why they are sitting top of the pile.

Despite desperate efforts by the young Burgh side, Whitecraigs soon scored the first try of the afternoon after good driving forward play.

Just minutes later, the home defence was breached again to the dismay of the large and vocal supporters.

Another two tries from Whitecraigs and a penalty rounded off the days scoring, handing the league title to Whitecraigs.

As Helensburgh look ahead to their final match of the season, they will need to produce another battling performance to avoid the drop.

Level on points with Madras, Burgh will have the advantage of knowing what they need to do when Lasswade travel to Ardencaple on April 19.

The young and fast improving side will need as much support as possible in their push for survival and everyone is urged to come along and cheer on the troops.

Next up for Burgh is the Quarter Finals of the Bowl, away to Caithness on Saturday.

Match report by Colin Hutton

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