Published: Thursday, 10th April, 2008 10:00
Gutsy Greens' whiteout hell
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Caithness 22 - Helensburgh 13
Helensburgh made the lengthy journey to the northern tip of Scotland and came tantalisingly close to realising a cup drama against the Thurso side who play their rugby in the National League 2.
The commitment of the Greens was evident as a near full strength side left on Friday evening and made their way north in two minibuses.
They were heartened at the kick-off on a sunny but bitterly cold afternoon to find they had a small band of 10 vociferous followers who had also made the long trip.
They were, however, rudely awakened as, playing against the cold wind, they were put under enormous pressure from the start.
A crucial Sommerville tackle only delayed the inevitable and, following another drive, their centre broke from 10 metres out and went in at the posts for a try that was converted.
With only two minutes played and a seven point deficit, the signs were ominous, but the young Helensburgh side rallied and following a good Cairns tackle produced a great break-out started by Gibson’s steal and carried on by Riding who sent Holmes away only for the young winger to be high tackled. Captain Neil Sloan received a nasty head wound but the referee was apparently unsighted. After treatment, he returned to the fray but had to leave the pitch permanently for further repairs shortly thereafter. The forwards re-arranged themselves with Watt slotting into the back row in place of his skipper.
As the weather deteriorated into a blizzard, the burgh side produced some excellent rugby in almost impossible conditions. Rogers and Watt both had strong runs, and scrum half Walker broke well for another concerted attack.
It seemed that the pressure would come to nothing when the ball was moved right and Rogers went in strongly out wide. Black’s attempted conversion in the blizzard failed but with the score at 7-5 the visitors’ tails were up.
Cairns and Riding were combining well in the centre and Riding showed great strength and determination in crossing wide out on the left to score a superb try and put the Greens in front at 10-7 with the conversion again missed in the appalling conditions. This stirred the heavy home pack into action and with the clock running down to half time only brave defence, particularly by Sean McNee, kept Helensburgh in front at the break.
The second half started with high hopes for Helensburgh as they now had the wind in their favour and the snow had mercifully stopped.
Caithness however had regrouped at half time and reverted playing the ball through their much heavier pack in a series of rolling mauls and rives. From a penalty award they levelled the score at 10 points apiece and Watt retired hurt to be replaced by Feltham. Riding went down as well and Mark Sloan came on for a cameo performance which included spectacular trade mark tackle on the home centre.
The inevitable was only delayed however and a try scored wide out on the left put Caithness in the driving seat at 15-10.
Riding returned to the fray and Calderwood showed all his experience and strength in some good driving play.
Burgh were, however, only living on scraps of possessions and defending continuously and finally the home side broke the line and scored again.
The try was converted and at 22-10 the visitors should have been down and out, but they continued to attack whenever they had any ball and Black reduced the deficit to 22-13 with a late penalty. This was yet another gutsy performance from a very young and fast improving burgh side. Johnny Gibson was the Greens Man of the Match.
Helensburgh: Tyson, Rogers, Riding, Cairns, Holmes, Black, Walker, Gard, McNee, Drake, Calderwood, Watt, Gibson, Sommerville, N. Sloan (Capt).
Subs: M.Sloan Feltham Rettie.
This Saturday Helensburgh have a week off from League business and are sending a Seven to the Arran Tournament. The vital league encounter with Lasswade is at Ardencaple on April 17.
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