Dalziel prove too strong for Millbrae

Feb 28 2008

DALZIEL eased through to the Scottish Hydro Electric Bowl West Region second round last weekend.

They now travel to National League Two side Stewartry on Saturday.

Dalziel were short of seven players who were in Dublin to watch Scotland’s Six Nations clash against Ireland, and with Millbrae effectively being Premier 1 side Ayr’s 3rd XV, the visitors knew they would be in for a game.

The visitors struggled in the opening quarter. Instead of using young wingers Lee McWhinnie and Calum McGarrity, the forwards deciding to take on their older, bigger and more experienced opponents in a series of rucks, mauls and scrums, which they ultimately lost.

However, Dalziel broke the deadlock in 22 minutes when a series of driving mauls saw the pack drive over the line, with Grant Ferguson claiming the score.

Just before half-time, young stand-off John Harris darted between two Millbrae defenders to release centre Fraser Duguid, who scored under the posts.

Harris added the conversion for a 12-0 lead.

McWhinnie scored in the corner early in the second half, with Andy Hill missing the conversion, but Dalziel led 17-0.

A similar move on the opposite wing saw Robert Simpson come into the line at pace and although his path was blocked he sprinted past his opponents to score near the posts.

Hill kicked the conversion to put Dalziel 24-0 ahead.

Simpson went close again but was tackled on the line, only for McWhinnie to pick up the loose ball and crash over in the corner, with Hill’s conversion taking the score to 31-0.

Simpson then redeemed himself with the try of the match.

From deep within the Dalziel half. the ball was passed among eight different players before Simpson got his hands on it 10 metres out to score. Hill’s conversion completed the scoring.