Jed Forest 17 GHA 13
GHA’s unbeaten run came to a disappointing end after a tepid performance at Riverside Park against Jed Forest on Saturday. Despite a solid defensive performance that limited Jed’s attacking to only a few brief forays into the GHA 22, it was GHA’s attack that for once failed to fire, coughing up the ball on numerous occasions when in scoring positions.
The two sides exchanged penalties in the opening 20 minutes before a chip and chase from GHA full back Andrew Gillman caused problems for the Selkirk cover defence and following a second kick on from the advancing Gilman, the GHA full back won the race to the loose ball for the try. Peter Jericevich converted for a 10-3 lead.
However, GHA’s attack continued to splutter and right on half time, after some well worked phase play inside the Jed half, a loose kick was pounced on by the ever dangerous Jed full back Fraser Harkness who initiated a counter attack which would eventually lead to Jed scoring under the posts to level the scores.
The second half proceeded much in the same vein. GHA had plenty of chances but their inability to control the ball when in possession meant that time and again, promising attacking opportunities went a begging. Jed scored early in the second 40 when a line out catch and drive was halted by the GHA forwards however, Jed’s subsequent hammering of the GHA line eventually saw a score for their scrum half which was converted to give them the lead for the first time.
GHA brought the scores closer when Jericevich knocked over a penalty and a repeat of last week’s final play victory over Marr looked on the cards as GHA had Jed on the rack for the final 5 minutes. However, the pattern of the match was repeated as despite plenty of opportunities to snatch the win, GHA failed to control possession at the crucial moment and ultimately a losing bonus point was all that they were left with.
Results elsewhere meant that GHA slipped to 2nd in the table and this weekend it is a top of the table clash as they face 1st placed Selkirk at Braidholm, KO 3pm.
Jed-Forest: F Harkness, D Gobby, R Combe, R Hogg, D Wallace, R Miller, D Ritchie, R. Gibson, D. Batey, G. Slorance, J. Szkudro, G. Law, G. Robson, M Weekley, D. Grieve – Subs: C. Lothian, C. Skeldon, G. Taylor, A. Thomson, G. Walker
Scorers: T – Ritchie, TBC C – TBC P – TBC
GHA: Andrew Gillman; Gordon Adams, Rangi Jericevich, Niall Cassie, Ruairi O’Keefe; Andrew Goudie, Peter Jericevich; Jamie Leslie, Donald Malcolm (captain), Mike Robertson, Ryan Jenkins, Chris McGeough, Paul Harkins, Ross Angus, Grant MacDonald – Subs: Jack White, Erik Cavan, Jamie Auld, Alan Auld, Euan McKirdy
Scorers: T – Gillman C – P. Jericevich P – P. Jericevich (2)
Referee: Mr D. McClement