Cup delights

Cartha Queen's Park 46 GHK 31 National Cup Round1 Friday 24 August 2018.

High scoring game sees CQP progress to the second round of the cup.

The game took place under the lights. A very decent sized crowd was present and all car parking spaces were utilised. The selected CQP squad showed a couple of new faces and included a couple of returnees. There was little between the teams in the first quarter. CQP opened the scoring and GHK replied. Neither try was converted. CQP then took a twelve point lead with two first class tries through the backs before GHK hit back with a try between the posts which cut CQP's lead to 17-12. GHK were running strongly with ball in hand whereas CQP were taking every opportunity to get the ball wide. Just before half time GHK broke through the centre crashing through three CQP tackles to score between the posts and take a 19-17 lead into the break.

GHK kicked off the second half. CQP gathered the ball and kicked downfield from where GHK mounted a fast paced attack down the left hand side going over the CQP line and touching down behind the posts. The try was duly converted and GHK now lead 26-17. CQP wasted no time in hitting back and scored close to the posts. Captain Wayne Burrows converted and the score moved to 26-24. With seventeen minutes of the second half played and Ewen Campbell now on CQP took the lead back with a converted try to move the score to 31-26 in CQP's favour. CQP then pushed further ahead with an excellent backs try which involved Davidson and Campbell to move up to a 38-26 lead. A converted penalty moved the score to 41-26. GHK then scored a try as a result of sustained forward pressure. Just before the end Jonny Campion picked the ball up behind the CQP back and darted through at pace to put the result beyond doubt with an unconverted try and the game finished with CQP winning 46-31. In the second half there was a period where the CQP pack was put under considerable pressure by the heavier GHK eight leading to a number of penalties being conceded. On the upside CQP distributed the ball very effectively across the three quarter line. This was an entertaining game to watch and offers CQP an opportunity to have a run in this National Cup competition.

The CQP scorers on the day were Jacob Adamson(2), Jonny Campion(2), Alex Boyle, Graeme Docherty and Juan Phyfer. Wayne Burrows struck four conversions and a successful penalty. We now move onto league business with an away match against GHA at Braidholm which will double up as the first leg of The Billy Barnes trophy currently held by GHA. Hopefully there will be a sizeable CQP presence at this important opening league game