Rugby: Hamilton draw 10-10 with Kelso at Poynder Park

Aug 19 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Rugby Club were given a major boost ahead of the new season when they held Premier 2 side Kelso to a 10-10 draw in a friendly on Saturday.

Having used over 30 players in a close-run match against Hillhead/Jordanhill during the week it was time for coach Dale Lyon to hone the squad down to a starting XV and five substitutes for the clash at Poynder Park.

Jonny Crombie, a recent recruit from Annan, made his starting debut in the front row alongside vice-captain David Gemmell.

Scotland Under-19 scrum-half Stevie Turnbull partnered David Sutherland at half-back as the Bulls prepared for what they knew would, be a tough test against the classy Borders side.

Stevie Wright and Steven Morley were the new centre pairing, flanked by youngsters Chris Stannage, Ross Inglis and Andy Macfie in a new-look back division.

Sutherland got the game underway for the Bulls and almost immediately captain Richie Maxton and John Selfridge combined to take the game into the home half.

Play raged from end to end and Kelso went close but Kevin Utterson pulled his penalty attempt wide – one of three missed attempts in the first half.

Hamilton rang the changes as the game progressed with Chris Hunter and Craig Ferguson replacing Gemmell and Chris McGeogh.

Despite the changes the forwards continued to show good technique to win their own ball in the set-piece and provide support to the backs.

However, with both defences covering any breaks the teams turned with the score at 0-0.

Hamilton made further switches, with 18-year-old Calum Crawford replacing Chris Stannage while Chris McLaughlin took over on the other wing.

Andy Macfie moved to full-back and Ross Inglis teamed up with Steven Morley in the centre.

Kelso started the second half and went immediately on the attack.

However, like so often in the first period ball was spilled and mistakes made.

Gary Thornton replaced Robert Cowie before Gareth Payne was thrust on for Grant McCowan as Hamilton used their entire squad.

Kelso were threatening and quick ball to the wing saw Ian Wallace almost go in for a try however a Macfie tackle forced him out at the corner.

However Hamilton failed to clear their lines and Sean Common forced his way over for the opening try and a 5-0 lead.

Hamilton regrouped after this setback and showed good attacking play for periods.

Kelso, though, continued to dominate the match at this stage and finally their pressure paid off when after another period of possession Wallace found a gap to crash over in the corner for 10-0 with five minutes left.

Kelso attacked again and went for the kill but a good tackle by Selfridge turned ball over and as it was cleared Crawford was first to the ball.

He collected the kick and cut through the retreating defence, linked with Wright, and he in turn found Stannage.

The youngster took off down the wing, making it to the 22 before a slap tackle pulled him down.

Inglis and Sutherland were there quickly in support, forcing a scrum 15 metres from the Kelso line.

McCowan took the strike, Turnbull fed the backs and Wright cut through, finding McCowan on his shoulder, who made to the line for 10-5.

A mix-up at the restart gave Kelso a scrum but Turnbull forced the play, winning the put-in for Hamilton.

Despite retreating as Kelso drove, Hamilton secured possession and Turnbull fed the backs.

Wright broke through the middle before Selfridge took it on, then Sutherland, Wright, Selfridge and Crawford combined to take the game into the Kelso half.

Turnbull took it on and, as he released Crawford into the corner Adam Morris intentionally knocked-on, giving the Bulls a penalty 10 metres out.

Crawford grabbed the ball and, before the defence could form, took a quick tap and burst through for the score, pulling the scores back to 10-10, with the conversion attempt sailing wide with the last kick of the game.

Coach Dale Lyon was again pleased with the progress being made by his young charges and said: “As always nobody knows how the season is going to play out at this early stage, but what I can promise those that turn up to Laigh Bent this term is an exciting brand of rugby from the first to the 80th minute.

“We aren’t quite there yet but something special is happening with Hamilton and you won’t want to miss it when it arrives!”

Hamilton will compete for the Violet Shield at the Annan Tournament on Saturday, alongside seven other teams from the south west of Scotland and north west of England, in what will be the last warm-up before the firsts and seconds travel to Musselburgh for their league opener on August 28.

Also this weekend midi and mini rugby restart and returning players should check times and locations with their coaches. New players will be made welcome at Laigh Bent from 1pm.