Rugby: Helensburgh lose a game they should have won

Dec 11 2009 Lennox Herald (main ed)

HELENSBURGH’S woes continued in the capital on Saturday when a match that should have been won was lost, by the narrowest of margins, despite a spirited effort in the dying minutes by the Greens to turn things around.

The match was moved from Forrester’s regular ground to a smaller school-sized pitch, and the conditions and venue suited the home side’s very limited game plan. Forrester set out their intentions early with a series of box kicks whenever their heavier pack got possessions and stuck to this un-ambitious but largely effective strategy throughout the eighty minutes.

Burgh by comparison attempted to play an expansive running game despite the lack of space and on another day might well have been rewarded for several excellent breaks by Holmes at standoff, which came to nothing as supporting players did not get to him in time or in sufficient numbers.

Helensburgh were sporting their new strips generously sponsored by Castle Timber of Dumbarton and had Black at full back and Riding on the right wing as they lined up with Somerville on the bench after a lengthy injury lay-off.

They started brightly and Black had an early opportunity to put points on the board but his effort from wide just missed.

Forresters’ determination to play a tight kicking game brought rewards as Burgh were penalised in their 22 and the home stand off slotted the kick for a 3–0 lead.

Somerville replaced Feltham who had a knee injury and Helensburgh responded strongly and a superb Holmes break on half way was supported by McNee but his pass to McInroy with the line at their mercy was knocked down by the home defence.

Feltham returned to the fray and was almost immediately involved in a superb thrust with McNee down the right touchline but the final pass again went begging.

A penalty in front of their posts rocked Burgh even further and the successful kick took the half time score to 6–0.

The Greens restarted with Somerville on for Brown and their lineout began to function at last. Following a good forward drive they were finally awarded a penalty and Black’s successfully closed the gap to 6–3.

Burgh made further changes with Mike Linzee Gordon replacing Ally Rogers on the left wing, and Feltham had to finally retire with Brown returning. Holmes made another telling break and at the breakdown Forrester were penalised but Black’s attempt to level the scores was wide.

With the clock running down all the pressure was coming from Helensburgh and Campbell caught his opposing scrum half in possession and won another penalty.

Yet again however the kick at goal slid past and the Greens were left to ponder how they lost a match that was eminently winnable.

Best for Burgh – Holmes, Cairns and Gibson.

Helensburgh: McInroy, McNee, Drake, Hammond, Brown, Feltham, J Gibson, N Sloan, Campbell, Holmes, A Rogers, Cairns, P Rogers, Riding(c), Black. Subs – Somerville, Linzee, Gordon.