With a 24 – 13 (3 tries to 1) win against Whitecraigs on Saturday, the Under 18s have sealed the West U18 Championship, with a game to spare.
In a terrific exhibition of rugby put on by the leagues two unbeaten sides, there was no quarter given and none asked by the either team. The teams used the excellent conditions that are Lochinchs 3G pitch to put on a highly skilled display for a good and vocal crowd of which both teams should be justly proud.
Obviously either side would find a win against their nearest rivals, with both up around the top of the log, a great result. For this game it was the boys from GHA who got the chance. Though Whitecraigs played excellent rugby that had many wondering which team would have the bragging rights.
At half time, the game was still to be won with GHA 10 points to 7 up. It was our Braidholm team who grabbed the initiative after the break with an excellent 20 minutes of defensive rugby playing into a howling wind and lashing rain. To come out of that period of play 17 10 up really sums up the courage and determination of this talented young squad. A further try sealed the win 24 – 13.
GHAs 3 tries from Scott Derrick, Matthew McShane and Scott Plumridge came from initial strong play by the forwards that enabled the 3 scorers to put in sparkling finishes, Andrew Goudies 9 points from the kicking tee completing the tally.
Head Coach Paul Tyler said after the game, Our goal at Christmas was to win the league and remain unbeaten; it is testament to the determination that we have achieved the first goal so comfortably.
The thoughts were echoed by Captain Andy Goudies comments, I am so proud of everyone in the team and am honoured to play with you all! Everyone played their part today and no one let the team down, the spirit of this squad is immense and that’s what got us through the game! Well done again, we put our bodies on the line for one another and a shout out to Mikey Colella for taking that hit for the team!
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At the ground everyone else backing the Braidholm boys just roared – G-HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
GHA will hope to complete their season undefeated when the visit Waysiders/Drumpellier next Saturday in the final league game.
