Aberdeen Grammar 38 - 22 Heriot’s: Grammar display survival instincts

By JACK NIXON
Published on 18/02/2013 01:31

SUPPORTERS of Aberdeen Grammar could justifiably ask why their team has been fighting to stave the threat of relegation when they are capable of scoring six tries against one of the Premierships most capable and fluent sides.

“Today, the team’s character and intensity got its just reward. We are a united squad,” said Alex Duncan the Aberdeen side’s head coach. The nine-try encounter was hugely significant for both sides, giving Grammar the chance to pull out of the drop zone, while Heriot’s still entertained the prospect of a top-four position and a place in the British and Irish Cup.

In the event, neither issue was resolved, though the Rubislaw side leapt to sixth place and, on this form, will surely survive, while the Goldenacre men are still in the frame for a top place.

Grammar dictated the first half, but were unable to shake off the persistent visitors, who were well in touch at only 14-7 down at half-time, which quickly became 14-12 just after the break when the Edinburgh side’s most influential forward, CJ Oswazua, scored the first of his two tries.

Thereafter, Grammar upped the tempo, enabling No 8 Cam Eyre, flanker Tony McGinness, full-back Steven Aitken and stand-off Alex Hagart to add to the first-half touchdowns of Eyre and hooker Sean O’Connor. Heriot’s had a flurry of effort leading to a Graham Wilson penalty and a second try for Oswazua to sit with a first half touchdown from stand off Rory Carmichael.

But it was never enough and Grammar celebrated a rare convincing home win.

Scorers: Aberdeen – Tries: Eyre (2), O’Connor, Aitken, McGinness, Hagart. Cons: Hagart (3). Heriot’s – Tries: Carmichael, Oswazua (2). Cons: Wilson (2). Pen: Wilson.

Aberdeen: S Aitken; G Walker, P Nacamavoto, R Aloe, E Oag; A Hagart, M Ward; S Corsar(c), S O’Connor, N Fraser, S Warnock, S Smith, G Ryan, T McGinness, C Eyre. Subs used: M Dixon, G Clowe, W Wardlaw.

Heriot’s: M Penn; C Goudie, M Learmonth, C Ferguson, H Boisseau; R Carmichael, G Wilson (c); C Owenson, K Bryce, S Cessford, CJ Oswazua, R Nimmo, F Brown, C Mulligan, J Hill. Subs used: G Cameron, M Nimmo, J Syme.

Referee: J Matthew.