DUNS travelled to Hawick last Saturday to take on the 'Quins in round three of the Scottish Hydro Bowl, with a place in the quarter-finals the prize for the winners.
Duns had not played for exactly one month, thanks to postponements caused by sno
w and frost. However, spring had arrived at Wilton Lodge Park in Hawick and the match was played in almost perfect conditions.
Prior to kick off a minutes silence was observed in memory of former Duns player Bill Foreman, who very sadly passed away last week.
The early exchanges were very even, with both sides keen to get the ball along their back line at every opportunity. However, there was no scoring in the first quarter of the contest.
On 22 minutes, Dale Robertson punted a speculative up and under into the 'Quins 22. The flight of the ball was completely misjudged by the home full back, and the ball bounced in front of him and sailed over his head. David Hutchison on the Duns left wing, following-up the kick, pouched the ball and ran unopposed for 20 metres or so to score under the bar. Robertson converted and Duns held a 7 point lead.
The visitors had chances to extend their lead, but these were spurned and as the half wore on the 'Quins came more into the contest. Their big pack rumbled 20 metres or so up the park, and then Duns conceded a penalty for collapsing the maul. Rather than take a shot at goal, the 'Quins opted to kick for the corner, where a lineout catch and drive brought a well-deserved try. The score went unconverted, and at half time Duns lead by 7-5.
Early in the second half Dale Robertson kicked a penalty, and a second penalty five minutes later extended the lead to 8 points, and at last there was some breathing space between the sides. Unfortunately, Duns then decided to sit back and defend their lead rather than go for the jugular, and this allowed the 'Quins to come right back into things. They missed one easy penalty, but were successful with another, and had a five minute spell of pressure where they pounded away at the Duns line. Only stout, resolute defence kept them out.
With the clock ticking down, a pass was spilled in the 'Quins centre and Duns captain Jamie Renton - a walking instruction manual for a trainee A&E doctor - hacked the ball on from around half way. He and a 'Quins defender ran shoulder to shoulder in pursuit, but it was Renton who managed to reach it first and he kicked on again. This time the ball crossed the try line, and the skipper pounced to touch down for the match-winning score. The conversion attempt failed, but crucially Duns were two scores ahead and the 'Quins knew that the match was lost.
The referee's full-time whistle heralded a hearty cheer from the sizeable travelling support. Duns now progress to the National quarter-finals of the Bowl, which is contested by the last two clubs standing in each of the four districts. Joining them in the hat for the draw are either Earlston or North Berwick from the East region, Orkney and Aberdeen University from the north, Strathmore and Grangemouth from the midlands, and Wigtownshire and either Strathendrick or Cumnock from the west. The draw will be posted on the club website as soon as it has been made.
This week Duns entertain Dunbar at the Hardens in a rearranged league match, prior to the Scotland v England international at Murrayfield which kicks off at 5pm. Please check on the club webite at www.pitchero.com/clubs/duns to see what time the Duns match will kick off.
