Colts v GHA (Under 18 West Cup 1st round)

Despite all the recent rain the Dumfries pitch was in terrific condition for the first round of the new under-18 West Cup.  The visitors were GHA – West League 1 champions and undefeated this season. With Saints Colts still on a high after the National Bowl win last week, this was going to be a hard game. However, in the event Colts proved to be well ahead of their city visitors.

Against the wind in the first half, Saints played mostly in the visitors 22.  Their efforts were held over the line 5 or 6 times, before Kyle Lindsay finally got the home side on the scoreboard.  A typical sniping run took him through for the only score of the half. The score did not reflect the territorial advantage.

Saints continued the second half in the same way and added to their advantage with tries from Jack McHenry, John McWilliam and replacement Nathan Hogg.  James Clyde added two conversions. Saints showed great strength in depth with four changes from last week but great ball carrying from man of the match Owen Young playing at prop and Chesney Scott always kept the home team going forward.

Dumfries were cruising at 24pts to nil until the last 10 minutes but with all the changes made GHA, responded with two tries of their own to give a final score of 24pts to 10 in Saints favour.   The final score flattered GHA.

GHA coach John Boland said after the game, ” Dumfries are setting the benchmark for other west teams and proved too powerful.  Our boys are out on their feet claiming that was the hardest game of the season so far”.

The Colts are away to West of Scotland Colts next Saturday in the second round of the Cup.

Team: Jack McHenry, Cammy Taylor, Owen Young, Lee Scott, James Clyde, Ryan Cruikshank, Kyle Lindsay, Ryan Arthur, Harry Houlday, Decan O’Donnell, Ross Hunter, Alex Craig, John McWilliam, Gavin Howatson, Scott Kerr: Nathan Hogg, Lewis Morrison, Sean McDougall, Euan McMorran.