Hyndland’s most recent fixture saw them travel to Coatbridge to take on Waysiders/Drumpellier RFC. For the second week in a row, injury and availability issues left the club scrambling to raise a side. Late call offs meant that the team travelled with the bare fifteen players, whereas the hosts boasted a full squad of players to select from.

The first half saw Hyndland defend well, with strong tackling and good organisation in defence. However, deficiencies in the lineout, combined with a weak scrum meant that the side struggled to retain possession of the ball. Conversely, the hosts were patient in attack and recycled possession well, utilising their strong runners to build a healthy lead.

Hyndland fought back before the half was out, managing to string several phases of play together to build pressure on the home defence. The Hyndland forwards began to impose themselves on the game, while the backs looked dangerous with the ball in hand. In particular, the gargantuan Scott Robertson was causing the home defence all sorts of problems on his first start for the club at centre.

Eventually the pressure resulted in a score for Hyndland, with scrumhalf Matty Smith forcing his way over from close range to continue his prolific start at the club. Full back Graeme Eadie was next to test the home defence. His break from halfway was halted just short of the try line, as he used all of his speed and agility to leave several would-be tacklers in his wake. The ball was recycled and found its way into the hands of Graeme Smillie. The hooker was also held up just short of the line, but his offload found Fraser Cowie, leaving the second row with the easiest of finishes to score his side’s second try.

Half time score:
Waysiders/Drumpellier RFC 43
Hyndland RFC 10

While the game was most likely over as a contest by this stage, Hyndland entered the second period encouraged by their strong finish to the first half. Unfortunately though, they were unable to build on this in the second half. While individual tackling and defensive organisation remained strong, the hosts found another gear as Hyndland began to tire. With a full complement of substitutes to use, Waysiders continued to work the scoreboard to see the game out for a comprehensive victory.

Final Score:
Waysiders/Drumpellier RFC 77
Hyndland RFC 10

Over the course of the afternoon, Hyndland were outplayed by a superior team who fully deserved the win. Nevertheless, it was an effort to be proud of for the fifteen Hyndland players who turned up and applied themselves for the full 80 minutes. Graeme Eadie and Scott Robertson both looked dangerous on the ball, while Matty Smith put in another stellar performance at scrumhalf. Congratulations also to Ian Allsopp who made his debut for the club with a solid performance in the back row.

However it was flanker Jack Maddison who was named man of the match for an excellent performance throughout. Maddison’s work rate, tackling and effort at the breakdown were second to none as he staked his claim on the no.7 jersey for the weeks ahead.

Hyndland RFC

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