Fine first half paves way for Dundee win

To go to Braidholm, where GHA are at their hardest to break down, and come away with five points was a good afternoon’s work for DUNDEE HIGH RUGBY.

They had a stunning first half in this BT National 1 clash, turning around 27-0 ahead and clinching the try bonus before the break, thanks to Ewan Fairweather, Andy Hamilton, Hamilton again and Danny McGinn, with Keiran Scoular adding two conversions and a penalty.

GHA ran in 12 points after the break but a fifth try for Dundee, from prop James Forrester, converted by Scoular, made for a 34-12 final scoreline.

Coach Colin Sangster must be a happy man as he starts to see his side evolve.

“We played really well at times and we showed elements of control that have been missing from our game in previous matches,” he said

Dundee are the meat in the sandwich of three teams on 17 points separated only by differential, GHA above them and Aberdeen Grammar Rugby below.

With winless Stewart’s Melville due at Mayfield on Saturday, Dundee have a great opportunity.

In BT National 2, hosts Dumfries lost 29-20 to Hamilton, so KIRKCALDY go top after their 41-14 win away to Whitecraigs. Dayle Turner, Jamie Barclay, Matt Harper, Chris Latham and Rhys Bonnor had the tries, and Finlay Smith totalled 16 points with five conversions and two penalties.

Preston Lodge are the guests at Beveridge Park on Saturday.

HOWE OF FIFE put Aberdeenshire to the sword by 71-28 to clinch their third win in a row.

Shaun Gray had a hat-trick, Duncan McIntyre, Will Wardlow and Eden Cruikshank all picked up a brace, with Graham Thomson and Stewart Lathangie nabbing one apiece. Lathangie slotted eight conversions from the 11 tries.

It will be a different matter when Dumfries pitch up at Duffus park next week. PERTHSHIRE got on the board with a 29-20 win at Dalziel with a try bonus thrown in.

Scores were by messers Armitt, Croughan, and Nyatega (2), with Ian McDougall landing three conversions and Duncan Clow a penalty.

This first win of the season takes Shire out of the drop zone for the first time.