Hillfoots 1st XV ...................... 22

RAF Lossiemouth ................... 19

HILLFOOTS welcomed RAF Lossiemouth to Tillicoultry for the first time. 'Foots were in desperate need of a win and duly delivered. It wasn't the prettiest of games but in the end Hillfoots showed enough character and teamwork to take the points. Hillfoots took the lead through a Gregor Manson penalty before slipping back into their old habits. Failing to deal with kick off saw the visitors retain possession and push for the line. Hillfoots held firm and repelled several pick and gos before Lossiemouth eventually crashed over. Hillfoots response was swift.Play moved up to the top corner with the visitors scrambling the ball into touch. A quick throw in from Cammie Hunter to Lewis Coutts saw the scrumhalf dart inside his man before feeding Craig Manson to crash over. With the scrum steady the backs were at last getting some decent ball, however all too often the last pass was forced instead of being held onto resulting in the move breaking down.Kenny Paterson extended 'Foots lead with a well taken try but once again 'Foots allowed the visitors back into the game an unconverted score.

The hosts led 15-12 at the interval and a hard fought opening period.

The game was becoming scrappy with both teams failing to keep possession. Midway through the half Hillfoots turned over ball and hacked it on downfield.

Lossiemouth looked to have done enough to secure the ball but the counter ruck from the homeside was text book and Gareth Parry dived over. Manson converted.

Hillfoots should have went on for the bonus point but a lack of composure saw the ball spilled at crucial times.

With time running out Hillfoots tried to break out from their own '22. A dropped pass saw the visiting centre intercept and head for the line.

It looked easier to score but Brendan McNulty's cover tackle prevented the try. Lossiemouth managed to recycle the ball and after several surges for the line crashed over for a converted score.

Hillfoots regrouped and saw out the last couple of minutes with a spirited effort.

The victory was a good team effort from the boys with Brendan McNulty, Gareth Parry and Gavin Paterson to the fore.