Glasgow star Weir makes a difference in milestone win

AS A milestone for the club, Dundee HSFP’s 25-23 victory over Camarthen Quins for their first British and Irish Cup win ranks with any in significance in their history.

That much was clear from the beaming faces of the club stalwarts and volunteers on the pitch after no-side, and the loud acclaim of on-field stalwarts like Alan Brown and Richie Hawkins, who have been involved in more of these staging posts for High than most.

But it was also notable in the reaction of one player who might have been playing his only game for the club — Glasgow’s Duncan Weir, who let the watching crowd know that his final kick penalty was on target to secure the 25-23 win with a loud exclamation of celebration.

High have had the services of Weir this week and Ruaridh Jackson last in their two B&I Cup games against Quins, and head coach Ian Rankin could not have been more complimentary about their contribution.

“Ruaridh’s last two games were New Zealand and South Africa, and then he’s sent to Wales with us last week,” pondered the coach.

“But his attitude and commitment were just brilliant, and Duncan’s been the same this week.

“It can’t be easy for them because they come down and they’re a target and expected to perform miracles, but there’s no airs and graces, no “this is beneath me.” They get in and get their nose dirty and their attitude has been fantastic.”

Weir did not have his greatest game on Saturday but his placekicking eventually made the difference as High did their level best to let what might have been a comfortable win get away from them.

Early in the second half Hawkins wrestled over for High’s third try and a 22-13 lead that seemed unlikely to be breached, but instead they fell out of the what was a bitty game punctured by 25 penalties, most of them for technical breaches spotted by the over-officious referee, the RFU’s Andrew Jackson.

Livewire open-side Ellis Lloyd produced the try that got his side back into the game and full-back Jack Maynard’s kicking got his side again, although he will rue the two misses late on that could have had the visitors home and clear.

“We did make things difficult for ourselves, we had control and let it get away,” continued Rankin.

“To get over the line at the end was crucial, though, as another narrow defeat like that last week would have been tough to take.”

For High, the blistering pace of Scotland Sevens strike-weapon James Fleming was a gratifying sight, for the player himself as much as the High support.

“That was James’ first game of 15s this year, and it was at his instigation more than anything,” said Rankin.

“He’s been desperate to play, he’s not due to go out with the Sevens again until February and he’s just bursting with energy.”

Fleming got his customary try after sharp work from Robbie Lavery and Harry Duthie but he was outstanding across the pitch, as was another key man in rangy forward Andy Redmayne, whose presence has become a key for club’s better performances.

But this win really belonged to the men who have been all the way with High from the old third division.

“I’m most pleased for the likes of Broonie and Richie who’ve spent their whole careers here, and have been such a part of the club’s recent history,” added Rankin.

Hawkins in particular has been in and out of the side this season but turned in his best display of the year and deserved the accolade as much as anyone.