CQP lose out in another close match

With the sun on their backs Jed kicked off deep into CQP’s territory and made their intentions clear from the start, they had arrived at Dumbreck with the intention of playing fast, open and fluent rugby. CQP threequarters, still without the injured Ewen Campbell and Scott McInnes in addition to the absence of Stand-off Wayne Burrows proved to be equally adept in this department and quickly demonstrated how dangerous they could be. With only 3 minutes on the clock an interception on left wing allowed our backs to make territory and with close support running Andy Scott found his way over Jed’s line to touch down. Graeme Docherty added the extras to give CQP an early lead. CQP 7 – Jed 0.

Again Jed’s restart was kicked deep into CQP’s half, the ball caught cleanly by Tony Nyangweso on our left wing started another CQP attack. Jed’s No 8 was sin binned for an alleged high tackle. CQP’s penalty was kicked to touch and with possession re-gained Graham Williamson drove over Jed’s line and after consulting with his assistant, referee Steven Turnbull confirmed CQP’s second try. Graeme Docherty converted. CQP 14 – Jed Forest 0.

From the restart Jed were awarded a penalty in front of CQP’s posts about 30M out and opened their account when centre Ewan Scott safely converted. CQP 14 – Jed 3.

It was going to be an afternoon of interceptions and it was from one of these that Jed moved closer to the home side giving winger Robbie Shirra-Gibb an unobstructed run in to score his side’s 1st try, again converted by Scott CQP 14 – Jed 10.

A typically piercing run from Callum Spriddle into the visitor’s territory resulted with another penalty to CQP again safely converted by Graeme Docherty. CQP 17 – Jed 10.

Jed responded immediately and from a quickly taken penalty close to the home line prop Connor Hogg touched down for the visitor’s 2nd try. Scott converted. CQP 17 – Jed 17.

On the 35minute mark Jed mounted another strong attack down their right wing which was rewarded with their 3rd try by stand-off Yourston. Unconverted the score was now 17pts to 22pts in Jed’s favour, followed shortly by the half time whistle.

Interval score Cartha Queens Park RFC 17pts – Jed-Forest RFC 22pts.

Shortly after the restart, and having had a superb game, Callum Spriddle took a knock and was forced to leave the park. Callum was replaced by Peter Hollier. 10 minutes into the 2nd period we were treated to a typically mazy run from Pierre Piccardi rewarded with a CQP try close to the posts. Geeb’s conversion moved the score to CQP 24 – Jed 22.

Further pressure from Jed was rewarded with a try again scored by left winger Shirra-Gibb. Unconverted, the score remained at CQP 24 – Jed 27. Twenty three minutes into the 2nd half Jed moved further ahead when, from a scrum close to CQP’s goal line, their no.8, Darren Gillespie scored close to the posts. Scott converted and the score was now CQP 24 – Jed 34.

27 minutes into the 2nd period CQP’s No.8 Milan Marinkovic and Jed’s prop collided forcing both to retire. Coach Gary Grant re-jigged the pack and David Irvine came on at prop. These changes made a significant difference to CQP’s forward dominance. CQP finished the game encamped in Jed’s 22Ms, Driven lineout mauls and 5M scrums incurring further penalties for the home side were sadly unrewarded. To compound our misfortune, and with the clock past the 40 minute mark CQP were again awarded a penalty about 25M out. After a discussion with the officials who were adamant that had CQP kicked to the corner for a 5M line out, the game would have finished without the lineout. Graeme Docherty was instructed to take the penalty finishing the game at ………….

Cartha Queens Park 27pts – Jed-Forest RFC 34pts.