Battling Burgh have that wee bit More than Strathie

Oct 24 2008 by Marc McLean, Lennox Herald

HELENSBURGH’S young side produced one of their finest away performances for years to see off Strathmore.

Their second-placed Forfar opponents were always going to be tough opposition, but the Helensburgh lads battled well and showed just how far they have come since the beginning of the season.

With Holmes and Rettie both out injured and Gibson unavailable, Rogers came in on the left wing for only his second appearance, while Miller made his debut in the second row.

The early exchanges did not augur well as a confident Strathmore side dictated play with strong forward driving and expansive back play on a perfectly firm pitch.

The home side deservedly went ahead after 10 minutes following strong pressure as some unusually weak tackling let Strathmore in just right of the posts. The conversion was successful and, at 7-0 down, the signs were ominous.

Strathmore were in total command, with Burgh showing signs that the long coach journey had taken its toll. However, the side’s spirited defence and tremendous tackling by Duncan Watt at open-side kept them out.

Black, at stand off, was beginning to dictate play and finally was rewarded when he combined beautifully with Tyson to send Watt in just left of the posts. Black’s conversion was successful to level the scores.

The Greens were now in rampant mode, with pressure in the home 22 allowing David Calderwood to drive over for a second try. Unfortunately Black’s conversion attempt was charged down but Burgh were five points ahead at half time.

The home side showed increased determination and were rewarded with a successful penalty to close the gap to 12-10.

Burgh were under the cosh in the tight, losing a couple of scrums against the head, but they remained dominant in the lineout where Inglis was totally secure as Brown came on for Miller.

Tyson and Cairns were showing good composure in defensive duties and, despite the home pressure, Burgh produced try number three.

Riding produced a good tackle and steal, and the ball was moved by Tyson and Riding to winger Rogers who did well to finish off in at the corner.

Chris Black struck the ball sweetly over from wide out and the score was now 19-10 to Helensburgh , with the home crowd silenced.

Almost immediately Strathmore ate into the Burgh lead with a long range penalty from their full back that made it 19-13.

Yet another penalty was conceded and the successful kick reduced Burgh’s lead to just three points – but they were not to be denied.

As the home side piled on the pressure, great tackles by Calderwood, McInroy and a classic from Cairns kept Strathmore out and Tyson made a particularly brave mark under a high ball.

In the final moments Burgh were awarded a penalty following a good break by Riding and Cairns but Black narrowly missed.

As full time loomed with Strathmore five metres from the Burgh line, Inglis again stole a vital lineout for McNee to put the ball in touch for a stunning victory.

As the whistle blew the whole Greens team erupted.

It was a close call but Duncan Watt’s fantastic defensive display earned him man of the match.

HELENSBURGH: McInroy, McNee, Gard, Calderwood, Miller, Inglis, Sommerville, Watt, Frame, Black, Walker, Riding, Cairns, Rogers, Tyson. Subs: Brown, Drake, Campbell.