BLAIRGOWRIE...........................16
HILLFOOTS................................12

Tennent's Caledonia Region League, division 1
 

IT WAS another away game for Hillfoots this week, with a confident squad travelling to Blairgowrie.

A strong wind was swirling around the pitch, but didn’t favour any side.

Blairgowrie started well, keeping possession of the ball, but not making much progress against a well-organised Hillfoots defence.

After twenty minutes, Hillfoots hadn’t had much of the ball and Blairgowrie were pressuring the Hillfoots line.

The pressure told and Hillfoots conceded a penalty which was well-converted by the excellent Blairgowrie kicker.

Blairgowrie backed this penalty up with a good converted try to lead 10-0.

Hillfoots struggled to maintain possession with errors usually resulting in a turnover. Two further 1st half penalties meant the teams entered the break with Blairgowrie leading 16-0.

However, the second half was the complete reversal of the first. Hillfoots dominated possession, but again errors halted their progress.

With twenty minutes left Hillfoots finally scored their first points out wide with a score from Ross Kinnear. The conversion was narrowly missed by captain Jon McMurdo.

Hillfoots then took control of the game and camped in the Blairgowrie 22. But again errors halted their ability to add points.

The second half entered the final 10 minutes and after continued pressure Hillfoots eventually scored again, with a score by Alex Cameron. This was well-converted by McMurdo from the touch line.

Foots pressed and pressed, but sadly were unable to add to the scoreline, and the game finished 16-12 to Blairgowrie.

Hillfoots will be disappointed about the number of errors, which has cost them a win.

Next week Hillfoots host Dunfermline and will look to improve on this week's disappointing result.

Meanwhile, Hillfoots 2nd XV – The Rams – kicked off their season with a tough trip to Cupar to face Howe of Fife 2nds.

The boys stuck in well, but were well beaten by a strong home team.

Next week's trip to Bo'ness offers a chance for redemption.