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HILLFOOTS s1/2 - 24 ... Grangemouth s1/2 - 0
Hillfoots S1/S2 finalised a clean sweep for the club this weekend with an excellent victory over Grangemouth.
Hillfoots began the game playing uphill. After a shaky start, skipper Patterson rallied the team and they soon had the visitors under pressure .
It was some time before the first score which came after some good defence from Grangemouth. Hogg received the ball and found space to run 25 meters to score with Doyle converting.
Hillfoots began to gain confidence and the forwards and backs started linking well together, which paid off with some excellent running from McMillan, Jones, S Harrower and Jamieson.
Grangemouth applied a lot of pressure that saw Hillfoots retreat down the hill where Jones retrieved the ball and after an excellent run linked with McGee for a brilliant score.
Hillfoots kept the pressure on Grangemouth but failed to score again before half time.
In the second half Hillfoots worked hard for another score but the Grangemouth tackling proved too strong despite a terrier performance by G Harrower, Swain and Preston.
Following some powerful driving by the forwards Bannister broke loose to score. Again Hillfoots applied pressure but the backs were unable to get through.
The final try was scored when after sustained pressure, Cree thought he was through for a try, but was ruled to be held up. From the resulting scrum the forwards reached the line and scrum half Mcgee was able to touch down on the line.
Doyle converted to give a final score of 24-0.
The boys should be well proud of their efforts today.
We expect them down for training as usual next week with the news that the season has been extended due to lost games caused by the recent bad weather.
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HILLFOOTS p6 - 1 ... Crieff p6 - 6
Hillfoots fought agressively to sustain a strong team from Crieff. At half time Crieff had scored 4 tries and Hillfoots stayed in the game due to their determination and creative defending. The second half produced a transformation with Hillfoots taking advantage of playing downhill. Captain, Boyd, scored a blistering try from 40 yards, weaving through the Crieff backs, who did not know what to do to stop him. Unfortunately Crieff ran in two more fine tries to win 1-6.
Hillfoots p4 - 3 ... Crieff p4 - 4
A tight game was lost when Crieff took the lead in the second half. A creditable performance with tries from McDonald and Kennedy and a solo try from Skilton
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HILLFOOTS 1st XV - 5 ... Whitecraigs - 3
Hillfoots bounced back to winning ways and second top spot with a battling show against third top Whitecraigs. After last week's disappopinting defeat at Loachaber the Tilly side knew they had to pick up the points and now sit one point clear of Whitecraigs and seven behind leaders Irvine.
As the scoreline suggests play was tight and despite trailing 3-0 at half time, the Tilly side hit back to take the points with a vital try from Mitch McEwan.
In the opening stages 'Foots hit up the slope and found it hard going in the mud bath of a park. Midway through the half the visitors edged ahead after Hillfoots were penalised. During the break Hillfoots made one change with Willie Hogg replacing Alec Camley.
Although play continued to remain tight, the Tilly side pushed hard for a break-through which came when McEwan took advantage of a mistake by the home hooker to dive over. The conversion did not count as Hillfoots worked hard to hang on to their lead. Both sides again went close but it was the local side who picked up vital league points.
Hillfoots 2nd XV - 44 ... Morgan 2nd XV - 15
Hillffoots 2nd XV inflicted a heavy defeat on a Morgan side who earlier in the season took the honours. The game played in muddy conditions with flanker Andy Stewart scoring the first of seven tries. The second score quickly followed when Ross Livingston touched down before Phil Hughes landed the kick.
After more good play by the home side Stewart crashed over with again Hughes finding the target to lead 19-0. Hillfoots were well in command at this stage with Stewart scoring the club's fourth try before a long range penalty from Hughes took the score to 29-0.
Try number five came from McVey although the visitors got their first points of the day John Pritchard took the home side's tally to 39-3. In the second half the visitors gained some respectability taking their total to 15 points while Dave Lewis completed the scoring with a late try under the posts.
Final score 44-15.
Hillfoots s1/2 - 17 ... Strathkendrick s1/2 - 31
Hillfoots were quickly back on the park to face Strathendrick, who had performed a demolition job on Hillfoots at the start of the season. Starthendrick quickly have Hillfoots under pressure and score in the 3rd minute and convert to lead 0-7. Two minutes later, Hogg picked up at No 8 and fed McGee who went over to score, Paterson converted to level the score 7-7. In the 8th minute Hogg picked up again and fed the winger, Fernando Harrower, who stepped back inside to decieve the Strathendrick defence, passed to Hogg who crossed the line to score. Strathendrick made good use of the hill for the remainder of the half scoring tries in the 17th and 19th minutes.
Half time score 12-19.
Hillfoots began to tire in the second half and Strathendrick scored again in the 8th minute to lead 12-26. Hillfoots dug deep and kept Strathendrick under pressure with only one try scored by Hogg in the 15th minute. After two games the fitness showed on the Hillfoots team and Strathendrick scored in the last minute to finish the game at 17-31.
An excellent performance from the whole squad, with coaches very proud of all 22 players who took part. Special thanks to the players who helped Crieff with numbers, N Wilson, Ferguson, McMillan, Swain and Dowell.
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HILLFOOTS p7 - 8 ... McLaren p7 - 5
An improved performance this week saw Hillfoots P7 beat a strong McLaren side. Better ball retention and rucking along with some fine handling created tries for Turner (2), McGee (3) , Jamieson, Manson and Binns. Good result earned by the teams excellent play.
Hillfoots p6 - 1 ... McLaren p6 - 1
A finely balanced match was watched by a good turn out of parents. The front row of O'Neill, Bernard and Simpson stood up well to the McLaren team. The backs, including Livingston and Brand, played with passion giving Clark the opportunity to go over to score a superb try. Mann retired hurt after being stopped short of the line. Final score 1-1.
Hillfoots p4/5 - 9 ... McLaren p4/5 - 6
A full squad turned out for Hillfoots and recorded their second victory against McLaren this season. McDonald led the pack with three tries. Robertson and Manson scored a brace of tries each, with one each for Forbes and Skilton to seal the victory.
Hillfoots u16 - 0 ... Stirling county u16 - 57
Hillfoots got off to a bad start having to play without a full team at the beginning. County proved to be too strong and controlled for most of the game. Despite some excellent linking and support play Hillfoots were unable to cross the line to score.
Hillfoots u15 - 22 ... Stirling County u15 - 48
As with the Under 16 team the game got off to a bad start and by half time Hillfoots were down 5-36 . After a few words of encouragement from the coach, Hillfoots started the second half with a lot more spirit. Hillfoots pressured well and were unfortunate not to score more tries than they did. An excellent team performance winning the second half despite loosing two tries at the very end. Hillfoots tries came from G Evans (2), C Anderson (2) with a conversion from Crosbie.
Hillfoots s1/2 - 40 ... Crieff s1/2 - 10
An excellent game from this team and all the players should be feeling proud of their performance. The game started slowly and Hillfoots were soon under pressure with Crieff scoring in the 1st minute. Hillfoots responded well and after much pressure Paterson soon crossed the line for the home side's first try at 6 minutes - converted by Doyle. Hillfoots were on the mark again in 14 minutes with a No 8 pick up by M Hogg to score, again converted by Doyle, leaving the half time score at 14-5.
Playing downhill in the second half Hillfoots soon got into their stride and after some good support play and linking Mort crossed the line for a try in the 4th minute - converted by Paterson. From the restart the ball was shipped out to the backs for Doyle to run from 50 metres out to score, converted by Paterson. Three minutes later the backs, again, received the ball from the hard working forwards for Doyle to run in from his own half to score. Five minutes later McGee picked up at the scrum, unseen and ran from half way for Hillfoots final try, converted by Paterson. In the last few minutes, as Hillfoots tired, Crieff's big centre found some space and ran from half way to score in the corner.
The final score 40-10.
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HILLFOOTS 1ST .. 18 .. HELENSBURGH .. 3
A full strenghth Hillfoots side got back into winning ways with a resounding win over a stuffy Helensburgh outfit. In miserable conditions both sides worked hard to cancel each other out in the early stages but the Tilly side held the advantage of the wind behind their backs and going down the slope immediately put the visitors under pressure.
With only two minutes played the home side failed to convert a penalty. However the Tilly side did get their first score on the board after 14 minutes when captain Mark Carberry landed a penalty. Hillfoots were pressing hard at this stage and had the visitors pinned back in their own 22m for much of the game. Six minutes later Foots added to their tally when Neil Davies took advantage of slack Helensburgh play to touch down to lead 8-0. Hillfoots were working well now and it wasn't too long before they increased their lead with a try from George McGuire and converted by Mark Carberry. The Tilly side's final score came in 33 minutes with a long range penalty effort from Carberry after the visitors were penalised for offside. Late in the first half Burgh notched their first points of the game with a penalty.
In the second half Hillfoots had to dig deep to hold off a strong challenge from the visitors who forced the home side to defend well.
Strathmore S1/S .. 26 Hillfoots S1/S2 .. 29
Hillfoots started this game half asleep and lost their first try almost from the kick off with the try converted perhaps the lecture by the referee before the game started put them off. Hillfoots rallied well with hard competition in the middle of the pack that saw Hillfoots drive forward for Paterson to go over for a score, which Doyle converted to level the score. Hillfoots seemed to have lost the desire for the ball, as it was often free on the ground and only Strathmore wanting to pick it up. This they did in the centre of the park and moved the ball wide with the second row evading several tackles before scoring under the posts, the conversion was added. Hillfoots seemed to waken up at this point and worked hard to work their way up the park and put McGee over for a try near the corner, a near miss from the following conversion attempt. Hillfoots seemed to have got into their stride with good team work between the forwards and the backs taken on by Hogg who released Jamieson on Strathmore's 10 metre line with excellent side stepping past 5 players to go over the line to score what was seen as a definite try but disallowed by the referee who said it was held up. Hillfoots kept up the pressure and Hogg took the ball up the middle to score under the posts with the conversion successful Hillfoots seemed to be in their stride and looking likely winners at half time. At the break Hillfoots made substitutions to ensure that all 20 players who turned up got a game, unfortunately these changes took time to settle down and Strathmore score two tries to one from Paterson for Hillfoots. This left Hillfoots 2 points adrift and they settled and worked hard pressuring the Strathmore line for most of the last 10 minutes but it was only in the dying seconds that Paterson crossed the line with several Strathmore players on his back to score an excellent third try. Excellent result from Hillfoots from quite a sleepy display good performances from the try scorers, G Harrower, Bannister, Drysdale and Cree in the forwards and Skilton and Jamieson in the backs. Scorers Paterson 3 tries, M Hogg, and McGee one apiece with Doyle 2 conversions.
Strathmore P6/P7 ..4 Hillfoots P6/P7 .. 17
Hillfoots travelled to Forfar and recorded their biggest win of the season so far. A good display of running rugby overcame a strong Strathmore side with tries from Murray (3), Turner (3), McGee, Simpson, Brown, Mann and Binns seven tries before retiring injured. Excellent hooking from Ireland together with good rucking from Manson, Morgan and Bannister provided the platform for strong support running from Livingstone, Jamieson, Drysdale and Bernard. Final score Hillfoots 17 Strathmore 4.
Strathmore P4/P5 ..5 Hillfoots P4/P5 ..4
This was a closely fought contest between the youngest teams with both sides working hard and producing a very exciting game. Both sides demonstrated good strong running, hard tackling and ball handling skills. Well done the youngsters with the scores for Hillfoots going to C Robertson (3) and R McDonald (1).
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HILLFOOTS 1st XV ..15 CLYDEBANK 1st XV .. 3
Hillfoots start this game with 3 of their key players missing; G Bonar, A Manson and M Carberry who has been the regular kicker for Hillfoots. Foots started the game in their usual blue and maroon and Clydebank in black and red, Clydebank kick off playing up the hill.
The Hillfoots support did not have long to wait for the first score, Clyde were attacking the Foots 22 about the 6th min when Murray McKenzie intercepted a miss pass and ran the whole way to score, no conversion (5-0). Hillfoots were controlling the game and moving the ball about well and Clydebank’s discipline was going out the window and about the 16th minute their No 5 was sin binned for stamping on a Hillfoots player who was nowhere near the ball. It happened just inside the 22 so Foots elected to kick but a miss by S Bowyer (5-0). Up to the 30th minute Foots missed a further 3 kicks and they thought it was going to be one of those days but around the 32nd minute, Hillfoots get a break when they win a lineout 35m out. They drive on by Dougie Whitehead the veteran hooker who pops the ball to G McGuire who takes it on further then releases the ball back to Dougie who goes over to score. No conversion. There was one further incident in this half when one of Clydebank’s players punched a Foot’s player from behind and on the blind side of the ref.
The half ended 10-0.
Second Half
With no changes at half time Hillfoots kick off going uphill. Clyde push Hillfoots back into their own 22m and force a penalty inside the 10 metres line. Clyde elect to kick and the No 13 kicks it over to score (10-3). Hillfoots work hard to gain control of the game and manage to pin Clydebank in their 22mts for 10 to 15 mins where they chip away at Clydebank’s defence, probing for a gap and they find it. Jim Bell who had replaced Jim Dawson drives over to score .. no conversion. There was another incident later on in the game when another CL player was sin binned for dissent. Hillfoots work hard for the rest of the half but get no further scores and with this the game ended 15-3 for Hillfoots.
HRFC would like to thank Tillicoultry Quarries for their sponsorship of the first second and third team strips.
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HILLFOOTS P7 .. 8 ALLOA P7 .. 8
Hillfoots P7 met a strong visiting Alloa team who ran and tackled well.
By half time Hillfoots were down 5 tries to 4.
Hillfoots rallied well in the second half with some fine handling and defensive tackling to draw level at full time.
A fair result on the day with Bims, Turner, Brown, McGee, Manson and Clark the try scorers for Hillfoots
HILLFOOTS P6 .. 3 ALLOA P6 .. 6
This was a tight game against a bigger Alloa side with Hillfoots a little unfortunate to finish three scores behind
but size told on the day with some excellent rugby from both sides.
HILLFOOTS P5 .. 4 ALLOA P5 .. 9
Hillfoots played well despite meeting a bigger Alloa side.
Hillfoots scorers were Greenhill, Sinclair and Robertson (2).
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HILLFOOTS S1/2 .. 41
GRANGEMOUTH S1/2 .. 7
Hillfoots, for once, proved to be a bigger and stronger side running out comfortable winners against a Grangemouth side who put up a spirited fight.
Some powerful driving from the forwards and strong running from the backs saw Hillfoots win by 7 tries to one.
Towards the end of the game Grangemouth settled into a rhythm but thanks to some excellent tackling failed to add to their tally, defenders of note were Jones, Cree, Paterson and both Harrowers,
however everyone in the team tackled well. The try scorers were Doyle, McGee, Jamieson, Paterson, M Hogg (2) and Jones, with conversions from Paterson and Doyle.
Special thanks to D Hogg who wore a Grangemouth Jersey for most of the match
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BT Cellnet Cup 2nd Round
ANNAN 20 HILLFOOTS 5
Despite their best efforts Hillfoots failed to progress into the next round of the BT Cellnet Cup after falling at Annan.
Hillfoots traveled down to Annan with a changed side to that advertised in the paper due to work commitments and injuries. The game was also in doubt due to the weather but a late phonecall was made on Saturday morning to say the park was playable.
Hillfoots kick off in a warm autumn sun and a slight wind blowing across the park. Foots wearing their strip of maroon and blue and Annan in their black and yellow. Both sides started well looking for a weakness but it was Annan that found the first gap It came from loose play just outside the 22m, the No 8, S Clanachan, started the move off and also finished the move .. missed conversion by G Carmichael (5-0). The Annan support didn’t have long to wait for the next score. Annan won a scrum 5m from the foot’s try line they drive on and the No7 R Currie dives over to score .. missed conversion. (in fact lucky for foots he missed all the conversions) Hillfoots had a chance to get on the scoreboard from a penalty, Annan was caught offside and foots elected to kick but missed. Annan's 3rd try came around the 26th minute from a lineout caught by the pack driven on and passed out through the backs to the full back K Jones to score (15-0). Hillfoots started to work together and push Annan back up the park but against the run of play Annan broke through and again the fullback scores (20-0).
The Foot's side felt disheartened especially as foots had all the pressure in the remainder of the half but could not convert the points with the half ending 20-0.
Second Half
Hillfoots started off the second half the way they had ended the first half, pushing Annan back into their 22m. They worked hard and it paid off for them , about the 15th minute Annan were penalised for striking out at the scrum before the ball was presented. Foots took a quick tap and pass out through the backs to Ally Russell to go in to score. No conversion for M. Carberry (20-5). For the rest of the half Foots keep Annan on their back foot but unluckily for Foots there was no further score. There was only one other incident in this half when one of Annan's players was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle on M. Carberry. With the final score (20-5) Hillfoots went out of the BT Cellnet Cup.
Hillfoots would like to thank UDV for their support for this season and hope it continues for more seasons to come.
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IRVINE .. 16 HILLFOOTS .. 6
This was a top of the league clash on a wet and windy day where good place kicking and good hands were to pay off.
Irvine kicked off and Foots put them under pressure right away, within a minute and a half Foots were awarded a penalty 30 metres from the posts and Foots elected to kick but failed to hit the mark. They did get on the scoreboard 5 mins later, again from a penalty, Irvine were penalised for going offside at a ruck and Mark Carberry kicked for Foots (0-3) The home side did not have to wait long for their first score and again it came from a penalty. Foots were caught offside at a ruck on their own 22m line and Irvine elected to kick and their scrum half G Brown succeeded with his kick (3-3). Irvine scored again within a couple of minutes a penalty (6-3). Irvine had 3 further chances to go ahead in the 10 m that followed but thankfully for foots they missed. Irvin did get a further score, foots penalised for tackling without the ball .. Irvine kicked again (9-3). Hillfoots fought back and on the 25th min they got a penalty score to bring them back within 3 points (9-6). Hillfoots started to work together and made ground on Irvine and pushed them back but Irvine managed to score a try against the run of play and also with some missed tackles to let the full back Coottze score converted by G Brown (16-6). Irvine had further chances to score in this half but they also missed. With this the first half finished 16-6.
Hillfoots kicked off the second half and the weather deteriorated. Foots had about 85% of the possession but failed to capitalize from it. They either took the wrong option or lost the possession. Both sides failed to score in this half and the game finished 16-6. The foots players felt that they should have won the game and think it will be a different story when they meet at Tillicoultry. They will have to work now for their next game is the 2nd round of the BT Cup away to Annan on Saturday to get back into their winning ways
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HILLFOOTS 40 LEITH 3
Hillfoots started their winter training at the equestrian centre last week and it pays off, for at the end of the game Leith were flagging and Foots were getting stronger. Foots start the game with one change to selection, in comes Mike Wilson for Alex Camley. Hillfoots last played Leith 2 seasons ago when they were both in the same league and also in the cup with Foots winning all the last meetings. Leith playing in blue and white kick off going down hill, Hillfoots playing in their blue and maroon. Both sides start well trying to find each other’s weaknesses with each attacking and defending well. Leith had the first 2 chances to get on the scoreboard but miss both penalty chances it was foots that eventually got the score it came around the 19th min from a scrum 10m out from the try line, Neil Davies picks up at the base of the scrum and passes out to Mark Carberry who releases Simon Bowyer to go in to score .. converted by Mark (7-0). Hillfoots settled down quicker and it was not long before try No2 from loose play seeing Neil Davies from about 10m go over to score .. converted by Mark (14-0). The next score came also from loose play about the 30m and was scored by Kevin Mansion again converted by Mark Carberry (21-0). From the restart Foots push hard and it pays off with good play from Mike Slade who takes the ball on and releases Mike Wilson to score converted by Mark (28-0). Leith did get on the score board late on in the half with a drop goal from the stand off and with that the first half finished (28-3).
Leith started the better off this half and Foots found themselves having to defend, which they did and every man was counted. There were a couple of forced changes, one about the 10th min when Callum Hamilton had to go off with a blood injury (cut to the left eye lid) he was replaced by Alec Arthur, but he was back on within a couple of mins and finished the game. Later on Alec was back on for Foots president Peter Norman. Hillfoots were working well together especially the pack who win a scrum 5m out and hold the ball up well until it is released to the backs with good hands coming to Mike Slade who swapped position to play on the wing to go over to score .. no conversion (33-3). Hillfoots had to wait until the last 5 mins before they got their last score, Foots win a line out about the 22m line and drive Leith back and a big gap opened up and through went the veteran hooker to get his second league try in a month converted by Mark and with that the game ended (40-3) with foots gaining another bonus point.
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MORGAN FP 6 HILLFOOTS 27
Hillfoots travel through to Dundee with some forced changes to the selected side as player-coach Brian Ireland underwent an operation on his knee on Friday and he was replaced by Simon Paxford. Other key players were missing .. Mike Wynd and Alec Arthur.Foots kick off with the weather dry but dull and with a slight breeze blowing across the park, Foots wore their traditional blue and maroon with Morgan playing in yellow and black hoops.It did not take long for Foots to get into their stride. The pack was well in command and with the veteran hooker Dougie Whitehead taking balls against the head at scrums. The first score was to come from a scrum 5m from Morgan’s line N Davies picks up at the base and dives over to score, converted by M Carberry (0-7). The foots pack were working hard and well together and had the better of the half they took many strikes against the heads. The next score came about the 16th min when Foots were awarded a penalty outside the 22m, Foots elected to kick, kicked by M Carberry (0-10). About the 20min Morgan had a chance to get on the scoreboard from a penalty, but missed the kick. Hillfoots score again from a scrum this time it was a push over try from a scrum 5 and touched down by G Bonar and converted by M Carberry (0-17). Morgan had a couple of chances in this half to score but only got one penalty score and with this the first half finished (3-17).No changes to the Foots side at the restart, Morgan changed 2 players this seemed to work for a while and steadied Morgan’s defence but Hillfoots kept working away and again win a scrum 5, Foots drive on and N Davies again picks up at the base of the scrum and dives over to score no conversion (3-22). Morgan get their second score as Foots were penalised for going over the top and killing the ball inside their own 22m, it puzzled foots why Morgan elected to kick as they were running out of time and could not catch up to foots and or get near for a bonus point but they did kick and got it (6-22). Hillfoots last score came from a well worked training ground move, the forwards take the ball in and suck the Morgan’s defence and leave the backs with an overlap to see left wing W Hogg with an open run from 40m with no further scoring the game finished (6-27).
Hillfoots will have to keep working hard to keep on this winning streak, well played the foots pack.
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ISLE OF MULL 7 HILLFOOTS 79
When the draw for this game was made, Hillfoots knew it would be a tough game, having to travel on the day of the game. It took two and a half hours on a bus then 45 mins on the ferry but at the end of the day it was worth it. They also knew very little about the side. Coach Brian Ireland knew a little about the side as he was the only player to have played on Mull but that was for 7s competitions. Foots guessed that Mull would not be as mobile as themselves so a lot of moves came from the backs.Mull to kick off on a beautiful sunny day with hardly any wind. Foots work hard to find a weakness and it pays off with the first of 11 tries, 5 of which came in the first half with Skelf converting 4 and also 2 penalties. Mull tried hard to stem the rout by Foots but to no avail .. Hillfoots were stronger and faster. Hillfoots also with some of their key players missing praised the players that they had to field especially Simon Paxford who stepped in at hooker and did the job very well. By the end of the first half Hillfoots were well in command of the game, the half finished 0-39.
Hillfoots made no changes at half time ,Mull made one. Foots took their time to settle down and Mull get their only try of the game. It was scored by the centre who pounced a slack pass which dropped short of George McGuire and he could do nothing to stop him also converted 7-39. Foots regained their composure and settled back down to play their own game, their first score of the half came about the 12th min of the half, George McGuire made up for the missed pass and went in and under the posts to score .. converted by Skelf 7-46. Hillfoots made a change .. off came Alec Arthur on went Mitch McEwan. About 25 mins into the half Foots, well in command, make their second change of the game and in comes Brian Ireland who manages to get on the scoreboard with the last try of the game right on the 80th min .. converted by Skelf. 7-79. Try scorers for Foots were Mike Wynd, Alec Camley, George McGuire, all with 2 tries, Mike Slade, Brian Ireland, Neil Davies, Simon Bowyer and Skelf all with 1 a piece Skelf kicked 9 conversions and 2 penalties bringing the final score to 7-79.
Well played everyone and thanks to everyone who came and watched the game.
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LISMORE 12 HILLFOOTS 1st XV 13
This was the first league game of the new season after Hillfoots won promotion to BT National Division 4.
Hillfoots were 3-0 down in under three minutes from a Lismore penalty. Hillfoots had to work hard to keep in the game, it paid off, from a penalty move a quick tap from N Davies to B Ireland who floated a perfectly timed pass to G McGuire who went in and around the back of the posts to score, converted by Skelf, 3-7.
Lismore moved close to 'Foots from one of the penalties to bring the score back to 6-7. In the 20th minute 'Foots got another break. Lismore were penalized for trying to make a dummy move at the back of the ruck as it was just outside their 22 mtrs. 'Foots elected to kick, scored by Skelf 6-10.
Lismore got a score back on the stroke of half-time, 'Foots were caught offside inside their own 22mtrs and in front of the posts, Lismore decided to kick and got it.
The first score eventually came in the 10th minutes Lismore were penalized 40m out but in front of the posts, this time Skelf hit the ball perfectly and it went over to score 9-13.
Later on in the game 'Foots were again penalized for offside and Lismore managed to kick within one point 12-13.
Hillfoots will have to work hard on their penalty count as they gave away too many. This could be put down to the change and a misunderstanding of the new laws.
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U 15s
Hillfoots 47 Alloa 12
On Sunday Hillfoots under 15s were at home against local rivals Alloa in their first league match of the season. After a scrum to Hillfoots 15m out a well worked move in the backs saw Simon McMaster crash through from centre for an unconverted try. Five minutes later Craig Anderson scored the first of his two tries and his overall performance on his debut was excellent. Captain and number 8 David Simpson then scored the first of his hatrick and the try of the match was then finished by winger Myles Mailey.
Before half time, Alloa deservedly got on the scoreboard with a try from Brian Kirkwood, converted by Philip Edwards. Half Time 20 –7. Alloa were dealt a blow when another new boy for Hillfoots, Greg Evans carved his way through for a try.
Alloa did hit back immediately with Paul Dawson scoring in the corner. Further tries from Anderson, Simpson (2) and a final beauty from Greg Evans converted by Gavin Paterson, saw Hillfoots run out worthy winners.
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Hillfoots 2nd 19 Glenrothes 2nd 32
Hillfoots put up a very good performance against a strong Glens team, conceding only five tries (two against the run of play) to three tries scored. Playing uphill in the first half Hillfoots looked in trouble when after only three minutes Glens ran in for an unopposed try. Hillfoots however rallied and good defensive work notably by P Bowyer and I McGregor who put in a try saving tackle, allowing A Skilton to kick and chase. D Harrower then showed good pace and judgment in chasing a P Bowyer kick, this should have resulted in a penalty to Hillfoots when a Glens player refused to release the ball, but the referee confounded everyone by awarding the penalty to Glens.
Hillfoots then had their best passage of play with everyone defending heroically. During this time D Harrower again showed good skills when intercepted on his own 15 metre line and outpaced Glens defence to score which C Gladwin duly converted. Shortly after this try, D Dempster took a good line out ball S McLeod set up the ball for A Skilton who fed P Norman who in turn passed to C Gladwin, who went over for an unconverted try, Hillfoots 12 Glens. 5. Unfortunately just before half time glens. Went over from a 5 metre tap penalty for an unconverted try followed by a penalty goal.
Half time Hillfoots 12 Glens. 13.
Hillfoots had to reorganize at half time as C Gladwin retired with a finger injury. Glens. Scored a breakaway try soon after the restart. However playing downhill with Snoopy taking balls against the head and good line out work, Hillfoots forwards kept themselves in the game until Glens. next try scored when Hillfoots blind side cover went missing. Only 5 minutes later A Skilton took a quick tap penalty and fed P Norman who barged over for a try, converted by P Bowyer.
Glens. however had the last laugh when a mix up occurred at the base of Hillfoots scrum allowing a Glens. player to intercept and score a converted touchdown which only the referee failed to see, there was no way back.
Final score Hillfoots 19 Glenrothes 32.
This was a good performance against a strong Glenrothes side.
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john pettersen
Hillfoots 50 Edinburgh Borderers 27
(Try count of 8-5)
Scorers for Hillfoots were Alan Manson 4 tries, Alex Camley 1 try, Simon Paxford 1 try, Steve Cassidy 2 tries 1 conversion, and Mark Carberry 4 conversions.
The half time score was 26-5.
Firstly, can I pass on the apologies of our President, Peter Norman.
Peter never fails to amaze me. Not content discovering last year at the tender age of 44 that he has Hamstrings, he has exceeded all expectations this week by inventing a cure for back injuries. It's called "PROMOTION" i.e. from the seconds to the firsts. However he assures me that he is definitely on holiday in Spain and not, contrary to malicious rumours, down in London seeking a Patent for his remarkable recovery.
A belated welcome to Hillfoots Rugby Club for this our annual Bob Marfleet memorial game in remembrance of Bob and in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Sadly the last fortnight has given us all a timely reminder of the cruelty and perils of life in, on and around the worlds seas with the loss of 118 lives in the Russian Submarine Kursk and the drowning of a young boy in Norfolk. These incidents simply endorse our need, especially here in the UK, to support the activities of the RNLI, our chosen beneficiary.
For those of you who did not know Bob he was a volunteer Winchman on a rescue helicopter which sadly went down on a mission in the North Sea on the 14th September 1982.
In Bob's memory, a memorial trophy, donated by his employers London Bridge, has been contested each of the last eighteen years between Hillfoots and a visiting select side.
For a good number of years now Bill Dickson, the man behind the Edinburgh Borderers side has arranged the opposition and I would like to thank him once again for bringing along a quality side and helping make the night another success.
Bob's wife Sandra presented the trophy to Brian Ireland Coach and Captain of the winning team, Hillfoots.
Finally, I would like to the referee Graeme Hannah for officiating and also our two linesmen Brian Jamieson and Stuart Gracie, Evelyn for the catering, Sandy Brown for organising the bar etc and all of those who have worked hard behind the scenes to make tonight possible.
Last, but not least, our thanks to Alice Calder for organising the collection on behalf of the RLNI to which you have generously donated the grand total of £200.50p.
This figure represents the highest amount raised to date from this fixture.
John Pettersen
Secretary
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This game was a replay of the End of Season Play Off with Ellon looking for revenge.
It was really a trial match before the season starts proper, with unlimited substitutions, allowing both teams to change players and positions at will.
For the first ten minutes play moved from end to end with both teams testing each others defences and after 15 minutes Davy Prentice went off with a blood injury, a cut to the top of his head and was taken off to hospital only to be released later. On came B Ireland, with play continuing from end to end with good passages of play from both sides.
The first score came from a penalty in 25 minutes. Foots were penalised for holding onto the ball on the ground too long, it was just inside Foots 22 and Ellon elected to kick and scored by J Young.
Play continued well with both sides attacking and defending, Ellon posssibly got the better of Foots because of going down hill, but Tillicoultry team managed to contain them, until about two minutes from the end of the first half. Again Foots were penalised for offside at a ruck, again Ellon took the kick by J Young.
Foots started the second half going downhill , no further changes at half time. Ellon received the ball and headed uphill. Foots were slow to settle after the break and within two minutes Ellon had crossed the line having won a line out and driving over to lead 11-0.
Foots first score came from a penalty move inside Ellon's 22, Brian Ireland fed Neil Davies who passed back to Brian to go over and score converted by A Manson 7- 11. Foots now seemed to gain the upper hand , aided by a slight breeze and the slope they began to press Ellon into defending their 22. This resulted in Ellon giving away a penalty which Hillfoots elected to run, with quick hands the ball was fed wide for A Manson to cross over for a further score an unconverted try 12 -11. Foots continued to apply the pressure but were unable to breech the line before the final whistle.
They will have to improve their discipline as too many atrocious and needless penalties were conceded. This must be improved before the league season gets underway.
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Seconds Youngsters Show Promise
Hillfoots 2nd XV 22 Ellon 27
In this pre season friendly, Hillfoots field a team comprised mainly of the 'Old Guard ' aided by a sprinkling of 'Spring Chickens ' and put on a very creditable performance losing by only five points to a strong Ellon side.
Both sides scored four tries; Ellon's kicker proving the decisive factor. Kicking off downhill, Hillfoots using their superior bulk and experience, had the better of the exchanges and good breaks, both S MacDonald and S. Wheater coming close. However after 5 minutes and against the run of play , Ellon were gifted a penalty and 3 points.
Good play by A. Scott and P. Freathy after 12 minutes led to a five yard scrum which Hillfoots drove well. S. Wheater went over for the try, converted by P. Bowyer. S. MacDonald unfortunatley had to leave the field at this point causing Hillfoots to reorganise the pack.
Hillfoots were having most of the play but somehow, pathetic tackling up front let Ellon score a converted try and back into the game.
Shortly before half time, after good pressure from both forwards and backs D. Dempster went over for a converted try. Half Time Hillfoots 12 Ellon 10.
Playing downhill in the second half Ellon proved a real handful and Hillfoots were unable to stop them scoring three further tries.
Hillfoots however, scored two tries themselves through M Johnston and P Bowyer. This was a good performance marred only at times by some careless covering. It was good to see the introduction of a couple of youngsters namely D Paterson who played throughtout and I Mcgregor who came on in the second half, both of whom seemed quite at home in the side.
It looks good for the coming season.
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Although Hillfoots had already won Division 5, they knew this game was going to be a hard one but with a play off game against the North League winners,Strathmore, 'Foots had to keep their winning ways and their shape. Strathmore, also with something to play for, could finish runners up with a win over Hillfoots and a game in hand. Strathie were out for revenge for an earlier defeat by the home team.
Both teams started well but hillfoots put the first score on the board with a Mark Carberry penalty 3-0
The Strathmore pack was probably the toughest challenge for Hillfoots pack but both were well matched.
The next score came from a scrum with Strathmore being penalised for leaving the scrum too early. From the ensuing quickly taken tap, the ball was spun wide for man of the match Mike Slade to score his first ever senior try. Conversion missed 8-0
Strathie managed a score in this half, after some fine forward play the No 8 powered over .. no conversion 8-5
On the stroke of half time Hillfoots stole the opposition ball from the lineout and some fine passing skills resulted in Wallace Menzies and Alex Camley combining for Wallace to dive over in the corner.
HALF TIME SCORE 13-5
In the second half Strathmore came more into the game and applied much pressure and were rewarded with a penalty which was successfully dispatched 13-8
Hillfoots were further restricted by injuries to Fullback Alan Manson.. hamstring and Simon Paxford..Leg Knock they were replaced from the bench by Andy Butterworth and Kevin Manson. This led to a reshuffling of players which Strathmore capitalised on with the winger crashing over in the corner to level the scores 13-13
Hillfoots were not to give up and dug deep to once again show their prowess and came back strongly to finish off the opposition in the last ten minutes, justly rewarded for the renewed applied pressure by scoring two late penalties.
FINAL SCORE 19 - 13
VICTORY
The team left the field to tremendous applause from their followers. The championship trophy was presented to Captain Brian Ireland and the Celebrations began.
Brian stressed that this is only the first step and that the players must not lose sight of the fact that this only gets us into the play off for promotion so we must remain focused for the job in hand.
...............WE WON.................
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