ROBERT Caldwell hit a fine hat-trick as Rhu Amateurs' Greater Glasgow Premier AFL squad came from behind to win for the first time in the league this season.

Just days after relegation from the GGPAFL's top flight was confirmed, Rhu put on an impressive display to win 3-1 away to Glasgow University on Wednesday night.

In pouring rain and hail the match kicked off on a heavy grass park and it was the hosts who opened the scoring within the first five minutes - a loose ball picked up twenty five yars out and with no one closing down the midfileder struck the ball low into the far corner of the net, the ball skimming along the wet surface.

This early set back didn't faze the visitors though as they started to take control of the midfield, and it wasn't long till the game was level - a delightful through pass from Alex Rennie found Caldwell on the right, and the young winger cut across his marker and coolly chipped the ball over the advancing keeper.

Within a further five minutes Rhu found themselves in front as debutant Lewis Slee slipped his marker and fired in a powerful shot that the keeper could only parry and the ever  alert Caldwell got to the ball first and knocked it into the net.

This set back for the hosts only made them up their game and only a couple of fine stops from Craig Gemmell in goal kept Rhu ahead as the half time whistle came.

As in previous matches, fitness levels became an issue in the second half - exacerbated by the water lying on the park - but Rhu dug in, with Rennie and Eammon Moy holding the middle of the park and Ryan Jones spearheading any breakouts the visitors could muster.

Despite the pressure applied by the hosts, Rhu stood firm, with Brown and Dods along with Meader and young Ryan Grant providing a solid buffer in front of Gemmell.

As the hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser they began to leave gaps at the back, and Jones and Caldwell almost made them pay with only the park conditions stopping them from increasing Rhu's advantage.

But the game was finally put to bed in injury time as Jones controlled a long pass from Rennie before playing a delightful ball into the path of Caldwell, who showed composure to cut inside and place his shot just inside the right hand post from the edge of the box.

Assistant manager Russell Makeham said: "It's been a long time coming. We have come close quite a few times this season, but for one reason or another we just haven't been able to see it through, so it was good to see some reward for a very good performance tonight.

"I was delighted to see some of the younger lads coming along to fill in the gaps and to be honest not being out of place, and terrific performances from Ryan Grant and Eammon Moy in midfield augurs well for the future."

Squad: Gemmell, Meader, Brown, Dods, Grant, Caldwell, Rennie, Moy, McKell, Jones, Slee, Fleming, Conaghan.

Next up for Rhu's GGPAFL squad is a home game against champions-elect East Kilbride YM this Saturday, April 9. Kick-off at the DCF Park is at 2pm.

Meanwhile, Rhu's Caledonian League squad hit the road this Saturday to take on Milngavie Wanderers at Staney Brig in the group stage of the President's Cup. Kick-off is again at 2pm.

 

 

Next Up for the GG team is a home league game against Champions elect EKYM