Jed-Forest 22 - 13 Hamilton: Smiles all round as both teams ensure Premier B league status

IF THERE was tension at the beginning of the match then the atmosphere was decidedly more relaxed at full time as both teams celebrated securing places in the Premier B league for the second half of the season, writes Alan Lorimer.

Jed and Hamilton were lying fourth and third respectively going into this contest and knew that if Selkirk, kicking off an hour earlier at 2pm, were to defeat Stewart’s-Melville then it was game on for the remaining qualifying place. In the event the news that Selkirk lost, albeit by just a single point, meant that, barring a defeat by some 70 points, Jed were safe.

Hamilton’s achievement was not lost on coach Dale Lyon. “We set a target of being in the top half of Premier 2 but to be in the top four is tremendous. Most of our players are local. It now means that we are the third-top side in the west of Scotland. Not bad for a side from such humble beginnings,” he said.

Jed’s assistant coach, Kevin Barrie, was equally happy. “The boys have put their heart and soul into this and have deserved to finish in the top four,” he said.

Jed certainly looked confident, dominating most of the game with some delightful handling from both backs and forwards. But it was Hamilton who finished the stronger, in no small part due to lock Johnny Gray, the younger brother of Scotland second row Richie Gray.

Jed led 15-6 at half time with tries by full-back Lewis Young, hooker David Grieve and their hugely impressive No.8, Darren Gillespie, to two penalties by centre Ross Inglis. A second try by Young and the conversion by Andy McLean stretched Jed’s lead, but in a reminder of how they can play, Hamilton had the final say with a try by No.8 John Selfridge, converted by replacement stand-off Owen McLeish.