HELENSBURGH Rugby Club travelled to Tillicoultry on Saturday for their first pre-season friendly — returning with a morale boosting 83-15 victory over Hillfoots.

The game was the first for the team under new coach Iain Ross and new captain Ally Rogers.

Burgh were expecting a tough test from the Caledonia League Division One outfit and the players were out to impress their new coach with the new season only two weeks away, when the Grizzlies are on cup duty.

On a sloping pitch, Hillfoots kicked off for the first half but were immediately punished by full back David Sterry who ran the ball from his own 22 to score a converted try between the posts with only two minutes played.

From the kick-off, Helensburgh conceded a penalty which scrum half Ollie Curtis prevented from going into touch with a fantastic dive.

The ball was then picked up by vice-captain Johnny Drake who ran and chipped the defence with the ball then being pounced on by flanker Adam Malia to score in the corner. After a successful conversion by Sterry, Burgh were 14-0 up with only eight minutes played.

Hillfoots managed to come back after another penalty by Burgh gave the home side’s centre the chance to take a quick tap and score in the corner.

This was followed by another try immediately from kick-off when Hillfoots ran the ball from the kick-off and with missed tackles by the Grizzlies, managed to score between the posts.

A missed conversion meant it was now 10–14.

With 20 minutes gone Helensburgh replied with an excellent try from centre Scott Simmons — converted it was now 21-10. This was followed by a try by winger Sean Alton on 25 minutes and another two trys by Drake.

Hillfoots managed to answer with one more try after another quick tap penalty was taken and with Burgh asleep, scored in the corner.

Winger Craig Bowman replied with a converted try and at half-time, Helensburgh were well in command with the score at 15–45.

The second half saw Burgh take total control of the game and Hillfoots couldn’t stop the onslaught, trys were being run in by both forwards and backs.

The game ended 83-15 , Silver’s man of the match went to David Sterry for his consistent running skills and fantastic kicking duties.