Following a month of pre-season training, Hyndland continued preparations for their new campaign with an away game against Bo’ness RFC. Despite missing a large number of players due to injury and other commitments, the side travelled with a strong starting line-up and a set of seven replacements too.

With a large home support on the side-lines, Bo’ness began in good spirit and were every bit a match for the visitors. However, midway through the first quarter, Hyndland began to settle into the game and took control of the scoreboard. Andy MacIver almost made the breakthrough himself, only to be caught short of the line, however moments later it was the centre’s pass that made use of an overlap to put winger Pourieux in for the try in the corner. Another try followed shortly afterwards as Beeston forced his way over from close range to touch down by the posts. Smith converted for a 12-0 lead at the end of the first period.

After a brief intermission, the second period began with Hyndland ringing the changes. Nevertheless, the team maintained their forward momentum and continued to work the scoreboard. Dominating at the set-piece and in open play, the Hyndland forwards set a good platform for the back-line who looked dangerous any time they were in possession of the ball. When half-time rolled around, Beeston had scored his second try of the afternoon from a scrum driven over the line, while MacIver and Torrance(x2) had also made it onto the scoresheet.

Half-time score:
Bo’ness RFC 0
Hyndland RFC 36

Following a fairly straightforward first half, Hyndland quickly found that the second half would be a more challenging affair. With a large number of replacements on the bench, Bo’ness were re-invigorated by the half time break and made much more of a game of it in the second half. With both sides vying for control of the game, the third period remained scoreless as the hosts stemmed the flow of Hyndland tries with a much more stubborn defence.

The final period of the game continued to be hardfought by both sides. After a period of pressure on the opposition line, Hyndland extended their lead with another try – scrumhalf Dobson darting over from close range after spotting the smallest of gaps at the side of a ruck. Credit to Bo’ness who kept their heads held high and fought back to put the Hyndland defence under some real pressure. A succession of charges towards the Hyndland line were repelled by the visitors’ resolute defence, however the resistance finally broke as the home side finally made it over the line for a well-deserved try.

Final Score:
Bo’ness RFC 5
Hyndland RFC 41

Although it was by no means the perfect performance, Hyndland will be pleased to have marked their return to the pitch with a win. While there is still a way to go with fitness and executing the new coach's gameplan, the team showed flashes of their potential in a free-scoring second quarter, and with their dogged defence towards the end of the game. Many thanks to hosts Bo'ness whom we wish best of luck for the rest of the season.

Next up in Hyndland's pre-season schedule is the Clydebank 10's this coming Saturday.

Hyndland RFC

Match Preview

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Team Sponsors