Hyndland’s pre-season drew to a close on Saturday with a friendly away to Waid FP RFC. Still missing a whole host of players due to injury and other commitments, the coaching staff had a tough job raising a side for the game. Nevertheless, the team travelled with a strong 15 and were determined to continue their good pre-season form.

Following a brief warmup, the game began with Hyndland playing uphill into a strong breeze. The team had difficulty clearing their lines and the defence was put to the test early by a home side that came flying out the blocks. Initially the defence held firm, but the conditions meant that Hyndland struggled to get out of their territory in the opening exchanges. Waid capitalised with the game’s opening score for a 7-0 lead.

Playing into a wind that nullified any sort of kicking game, Hyndland were at their best when running with the ball in hand. The backline looked dangerous any time in possession, with Nisbet at 13 looking particularly lively. However, it was a good bit of interplay between two of the forwards that got Hyndland onto the scoresheet. As Cowie took the ball into contact on the opposition 22 metre line, he offloaded from the tackle to the onrushing Malik who ran in unopposed for his side’s first try.

With some points on the board, the team began to grow in confidence and soon found themselves in front. A sweeping move saw the ball played out wide by the backs and Hyndland homed in on the Waid goal line. The ball found its way back inside to Stubbs who was held up just short of the line, but his offload reached Laing who crossed for a debut score to cap a terrific team move.

In-keeping with the close fought nature of the game, Waid fought back towards the end of the half and managed get over the line for their second try of the afternoon. A missed conversion from the home side saw the teams enter the interval level-pegging with a score of 12-12.

Taking into account the strong gale, Hyndland were pleased to enter the half-time break on level terms. With the wind now behind them, Hyndland began the second half strongly with a try in the opening few minutes. Having drawn the defence in tight, the backs then worked the ball out wide to take advantage of an overlap, putting Mckenzie in for the try in the corner. Smith expertly notched the conversion attempt from close to the touchline for a 7 point lead.

In addition to the fine conversion attempt, Smith’s kicking from hand saw the home side confined to their own territory for much of the second half as Hyndland sought to put the game beyond doubt. Midway through the second half, Hyndland had their fourth score of the afternoon. Running from deep, Grant made a break and found Rodger with a pass on the inside and he burst towards the line. The hooker didn’t have the legs to make it all the way to the line, but his pass found Stubbs who side-stepped the final covering defender and touched down for the try. A third conversion from Smith gave his side a 14 point cushion.

Without any substitutes to rotate in, Hyndland tired in the final quarter of the game and what could have been a more comfortable victory became nervier as Waid struck back with another try. A missed conversion left Hyndland with a 9 point lead though and as much of the second half went, Hyndland kept the home side penned into their own territory to see out the match in relative comfort.

Final Score:
Waid FP RFC 17
Hyndland RFC 26

Although the team still have plenty to work on over the next few weeks, Hyndland can take great pride in their early season form as they picked up another win on the road against Waid FP. With plenty of players still to return to the fold, the future looks positive for a side looking to improve upon a couple of disappointing league campaigns in recent years.

Many thanks to Waid for their hospitality and we look forward to welcoming you through to Glasgow for another friendly in the future.

Hyndland RFC

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