Derby double hopes dashed as West draw blank against GHK

West of Scotland went down to a disappointing 22-0 loss when they took on local rivals GHK in a derby clash on Saturday.
West's Jamie McAulay tries his luck against a determined GHK defensive line (pic by John Cameron)West's Jamie McAulay tries his luck against a determined GHK defensive line (pic by John Cameron)
West's Jamie McAulay tries his luck against a determined GHK defensive line (pic by John Cameron)

The BT National League Division 2 encounter was a rearranged fixture from before Christmas, the original game falling through frost.

GHK have had ground problems due to subsidence of an old mine shaft under their main pitch so the match was played on a muddy but serviceable pitch near Anniesland Cross.

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West went into the game looking to complete a league double overt GHK - having won 29-25 at Burnbrae on the opening day of the season

A last ditch tackle unbalances West's Mark Davis (pic by John Cameron).A last ditch tackle unbalances West's Mark Davis (pic by John Cameron).
A last ditch tackle unbalances West's Mark Davis (pic by John Cameron).

Both clubs have for the last few years had good attacks and good defences and this was the pattern in the early stages, both attacks showing enterprise but stopped by good defensive work.

However, the first scrum indicated how the match was going to pan out, GHK showing an ascendancy which would last nearly all match.

It looked as if the first half might remain scoreless when the home side broke through.

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GHK got close to the West line and after a tap penalty which was advanced for tackling within 10 metres they kicked to touch, and scored a classic pushover through Alex McGuire from a driving maul.

West's Darren Allan is targeted just as he finds open space (pic by John Cameron).West's Darren Allan is targeted just as he finds open space (pic by John Cameron).
West's Darren Allan is targeted just as he finds open space (pic by John Cameron).

Danny Campbell converted to make it 7-0.

The referee had been having little patience at the breakdown, penalising both sides frequently and inevitably a yellow card was the result.

Blair Smith was the unlucky party and West’s misfortune was compounded when Robbie Greenhalgh was injured mid-play meaning GHK had a temporary two man advantage.

They made the best of it, finding an overlap and winger Tony Lopez scoring in the corner. The conversion was missed and it was 12-0 at half time.

A last ditch tackle unbalances West's Mark Davis (pic by John Cameron).A last ditch tackle unbalances West's Mark Davis (pic by John Cameron).
A last ditch tackle unbalances West's Mark Davis (pic by John Cameron).
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West tried to hit back after the break but it was the home side who extended their lead, finding Campbell on an overlap to score in the corner and then convert his own try.

West nearly scored but dropped the ball at a crucial moment, then it was GHK’s turn to suffer a yellow card for repeat breakdown offences.

However, West couldn’t capitalise and it was GHK number 8 Hugh Parker who completed the scoring for their try bonus, running the length of the pitch.

The game fizzled out somewhat, for a disappointing result for West, who urgently need to find more forward firepower.

West's Darren Allan is targeted just as he finds open space (pic by John Cameron).West's Darren Allan is targeted just as he finds open space (pic by John Cameron).
West's Darren Allan is targeted just as he finds open space (pic by John Cameron).
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Next up this Saturday is a trip east to play Preston Lodge FP in another rearranged fixture.

West: 1 Neil Fullarton, 2. Kerr Hamilton, 3. Douglas Thorpe, 4 Alan Bodel, 5. James Harley, 6. Jamie McAulay, 7. Darren Allan, 8. Fraser Smeaton, 9. Harry Brewster, 10. Ross McAulay, 11, Robbie Greenhalgh, 12. Blair Smith, 13. Sandy McCallum, 14. Mark Davis 15. Pete Burns.

Substitutes: 16. Sandy Lister, 17.Lyall Cardiff, 18. Nicky Sutcliff, 19. Mark Sim.