Gritty victory for stuffy Bulls
Hamilton take full points
Hamilton .......... 20 Howe of Fife ..... 12 A gritty performance in a dour match gave Hamilton a vital win over Howe of Fife on Saturday.
The Bulls moved two places up to fourth in the BT National League table as a result.
Few opportunities emerged from a match in which defences were on top throughout, but Hamilton capitalised on those that did.
In the early stages it looked like Hamilton would continue where they left off against West last week, running in two converted tries in similar fashion.
First up was captain Mark Wallace, who followed up a smart blind-side break by Adam Ryan and Andy Wilson.
Quick ball released the centre, running a great line to score under the posts in 10 minutes.
Two minutes later quick recycling of the kick-off saw the ball moved quickly to the wing, where James Howatson broke clear.
A smart inside pass to Ryan took the ball deep into Howe territory and another smart offload allowed Scott Alexander to romp in for the second.
Owen Mcleish converted both for a 14-0 lead.
Howe hit back in 17 minutes when Hamilton conceded a penalty in front of their own posts, they chose to scrum, and full-back Sean Gray entered the line and broke clear to score under the posts, with Ellis converting.
For much of the rest of the half, neither side were able to impose themselves on the match.
Hamilton’s attempts to attack were thwarted by fast defensive line, which flirted dangerously with the offside line.
Deteriorating conditions also led unforced errors.
Against the run of play Howe were next on the scoreboard as half-time approached, with an unconverted try by William Wardlaw, from an overhead pass out of the tackle.
Hamilton pressed from the start of the second half, but Howe continually slowed the ball at the weather to several loose, preventing Hamilton’s quick ball attack.
The visitors’ 15 was sin-binned, however, and the Bulls took full advantage.
When Charlie Craig broke clear he was stopped just short,but not released, and Mcleish slotted the penalty.
In 65 minutes Howe’s 7 was sinbinned and Mcleish repeated the feat, taking the score to 20-12.
Both sides then cancelled each other out and although Hamilton’s Mark Wallace was sin-binned for not releasing in the tackle, the Bulls held out for a good win.
President Ian Leggate said: “This was a dour match and a really gritty performance.”