Away v Dumfries 11.9.10

The early score  was 6 – 0 for Dumfries, as a result of 2 penalties.  Apparently there had been a number of penalties awarded to both sides in the opening exchanges but only the Dumfries ones were kickable.  Only a few minutes later CQP opened their account with an Iain Chisholm penalty, calmly slotted.  Shortly thereafter Scott McInnes was forced to leave the field with an eye infection that he had carried into the game, to be replaced by Tony Nyangweso.

Dumfries always looked threatening when in possession in the wide areas but Cartha began to have the balance of play.  Another penalty followed and Chisholm tied the game 6 – 6. Around 25 minutes Speedy almost squeezed in for the first try but had a foot in touch.  This was followed by a penalty to Dumfries which their kicker missed despite an impressive strike.

Around 35 minutes into the game following a series of penalties by Dumfries the referee lost patience, resulting in their flanker being yellow carded.  The Cartha pack now redoubled their effort, pressing phase after phase, until finally young Nellany found his way over in the left corner.

Half time 6 – 11

Our occasionally porous defence let us down early in the second half when despite still being a man down, Dumfries cut through the midfield to score under the posts, taking a 13 – 11 lead.

CQP again came back with a great spirit and applied pressure deep in Dumfries territory allowing John McCrossan to nip over and send us back into the lead.  Converted by Chisholm 13 – 18.

At this stage Cartha looked generally the more powerful, turning one scrum against the head and retaining ball well.  However the Dumfries full back again danced through with apparent ease and the lead changed hands 20 – 18.

25 minutes into the half and following a series of rucks the ball was released to Andew Noble for him to “speed” over in the right corner.  Despite the width of the kick this was converted by Chisholm.   25 – 20.The Saints really upped their effort in the last 10 or so, putting CQP under severe pressure.  They opted to kick to the corner from in front of the posts in their attempt to snatch the game.  A charged down clearance behind our goal line was only one of the heart stopping incidents as the clock ran down.  Our tackling held firm although it was touch and go at times.

Although perhaps not our most skilful performance overall, the current side are showing no lack of spirit and determination.   In the end CQP ran out worthy winners although Dumfries no doubt will feel that this is one that got away.

Final score 20 – 25.

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