Dundee grab victory over Hamilton in dire conditions

It was a dismal end to the year for Kirkcaldy, who were advised not to travel to Marr, Howe of Fife – whose pitches at Duffus Park were unplayable – and Perthshire, whose trip to St Boswells also fell foul of the weather.

Only Dundee High Rugby braved the elements, soldiered off to Laigh Bent to face Hamilton in the clash of the lower orders of National 1 and did themselves a huge favour by grabbing a crucial win in atrocious conditions.

The weather ensured that little open, flowing rugby was on show but Dundee got themselves in front by the end of the first quarter thanks to a try from prop Harry Meadows.

The second quarter brightened things up with a couple of tries apiece, Craig Inglis getting Hamilton on the board followed by Scott Whitelaw.

Neither try was converted but, after Andy Hamilton notched a try for Dundee, Fraser Mackay nailed the conversion of Ross Aitken’s strike to take them in 17-10 up at the break.

Conditions worsened and it was all Dundee could do to hang on to their lead, particularly after Owen Mcleish landed a penalty for the home side, but hang on they did and all the effort and playing in close to hypothermic conditions proved worth it with a 17-13 win.

That win takes Dundee up to ninth slot – although they have played two games more than Kirkcaldy who trail them by one point, with two games in hand – and Hamilton, who have played one game less on 19 points.

Nevertheless, Dundee have the points in the bag as well as a break to get the walking wounded back into the side and the optimism that only a hardfought win can bring taking them into the new year.

In the Caledonia Regional Bowl (Midlands) on Saturday, Dundee University Medics made progress with a 54-17 victory over Rosyth Sharks, while Panmure saw off Arbroath 68-5.

In the Caledonia Regional Shield, the clash between Grangemouth Stags and Blairgowrie fell victim to the weather while Strathmore were unable to play their game at home against Alloa as the visitors had insufficient numbers.

All planned games in the Tennents Caledonia Midlands leagues were called off due to the stormy conditions hitting the country on Saturday.