HILLFOOTS RFC returned to domestic action with a 12-7 victory over Caithness.

After a few weeks off for the midseason break, Hillfoots played host to a Caithness team who were sitting second in the table. The home side were looking to continue their run of wins after being successful in the last three outings, with the visitors potentially going top with a victory.

Hillfoots kicked off and looked to take it to Caithness early and start fast. This seemed to work with ‘Foots having most of the possession and territory in the first ten minutes but were unable to make a breakthrough on the scoreboard.

Against the run of play, it was the visitors who opened the scoring about half way through the half.

A grubber kick from ‘Foots fell kindly into the arms of the Caithness fullback who managed to break the line and nearly run the length of the field. Some last ditch defending held them out for a few phases but eventually the managed to cross the line. The conversion was successful giving the away side a 0-7 lead.

It didn’t take long for ‘Foots to cross the whitewash through Paul Slade after the interval. After a number of phases, inside Caithness’ twenty-two, space opened up out wide and the ball was worked into the hands of the prop who scored in the corner. The conversion from the touchline drifted narrowly wide.

The forwards were starting to show their dominance against a Caithness pack who were struggling to deal with the scrum. This was the platform from which ‘Foots scored their second try.

After a knock on inside their own twenty-two, ‘Foots were awarded the scrum. Looking for the pushover try, the scrum was moving towards the line before Caithness collapsed the scrum and a penalty was awarded.

The home side elected to scrum again and this time there was no stopping the pack. Number 8 Daryl Lindsay showed great technique controlling the ball expertly and the back of the scrum before pouncing on the ball to score. Gregor Manson was successful with the conversion giving ‘Foots the lead.

Neither defence let up in a cagey last 10 minutes but Hillfoots managed to hold out and secure their fourth league victory in a row.

Another hard-fought win from a Hillfoots team who are starting to gain some real momentum and the hard work on the training ground is paying off on the field.

The first XV will play their final match of the year with an away trip to Dunfermline on December 11 while the second XV are not in action until next year.