Heavy mettle rocks Accies

Published 28 Jan 2010 10:40 0 Comments

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Helensburgh;16-Trinity Accies;10

HELENSBURGH at last returned to winning ways against a Trinity side who were physically superior up front and dominated the scrummage from the outset.

Helensburgh had not played for six weeks and prior to that had lost several games on the trot.

Although out-weighed in the scrum, Burgh were determined as the game started and within minutes a good strong run from Johnny Drake was thwarted, but the Greens were awarded a penalty out wide and Black's attempt went narrowly wide.

Helensburgh kept up the pressure and stand-off Holmes produced a beautiful chip over the encroaching opposition backs to race through himself for a fabulous try between the posts.

Black made no mistake with the conversion to give the Greens a deserved 7-0 lead.

McInroy showed up well in the clearing up duties on the ground but a penalty to Trinity allowed them to kick deep into the Greens 22.

They won the ensuing lineout and their much heavier pack barrelled their way over the home line from 15 metres out. A good conversion tied the score at seven all.

Helensburgh then came under the cosh as the visitors' confidence increased and they dominated proceedings for the next 20 minutes.

Several scrums were lost against the head, but resolute defence held the visitors at bay as they drove deep into the Greens 22.

Johnny Gibson, Sean McNee and Feltham were very evident in the defensive chores but another chance to put the home side ahead was just missed by Black from wide out.

As half time approached Helensburgh seemed to gain some belief in themselves and a great drive by the forwards came to nothing as the ball was knocked on.

Boyd came off with a knock and was replaced by Neil Sloan, with McInroy moving to prop.

Riding and Cairns had a good concerted move which came to nothing and the half time whistle came at seven points apiece.

Helensburgh's support feared the worst as the team had been largely overpowered by the Edinburgh side, but the Greens defence has been solid this season and they refused to buckle.

Riding came off injured and Fitzgerald replaced him, with Phil Rogers moving from centre to wing, but almost immediately Drake was taken out of play illegally following his own kick ahead.

Chris Black made no mistake from 40 metres and the Greens were back in the lead at 10-7.

Boyd returned at prop as Adam Drake was rested and Cairns was evident in some good tidying up work.

Gibson then won a vital penalty as he caught the Accies scrum half in possession and Black kicked a superb penalty from long distance to give the Greens a little bit of breathing space at 13-7.

The home side now had their tails up and good pressure from the pack, with Inglis replacing Somerville, forcing the visitors to concede another penalty which Black slotted from wide out to take the score to 16-7.

Captain Riding returned with P Rogers coming off and Helensburgh were unlucky as Sloan made a marvellous surge up the right touchline. The move should have produced a try, but unfortunately the final pass went astray with the line beckoning.

As the clock ran down Holmes, who had an excellent game at stand-off, was injured and had to leave the field with Black moving to No. 10, Fitzgerald to full back and Rogers returning.

Trinity threw everything at the Greens and finally their stand-off dropped a goal to earn them a losing bonus point as the game finished at 16-10. A vital win for Helensburgh and fully deserved given the very brave second half performance.

Helensburgh man of the match - Johnny Gibson.

HELENSBURGH TEAM: A Drake, McNee, Boyd, Somerville, McInroy, Feltham, J Gibson, R Gibson, Campbell, Holmes, J Drake, Cairns, P Rogers, Riding (c), Black. SUBS: Inglis, N Sloan, Fitzgerald.

Another home game on Saturday against Ross High gives Burgh a chance to consolidate their league position and a good support would be appreciated.

Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

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