CQP had the wind behind them in the first half. The wind didn’t disappear but it seemed to be less intense in the second half. It took CQP eight minutes to take a three point lead courtesy of a Wayne Burrows penalty. Three minutes later Highland drew level but five minutes later saw Wayne Burrows restore CQP’s three point lead which increased to six points with twenty five minutes on the clock. With about five minutes left to the break Highland scored an unconverted try in the left corner, the conversion attempt against the wind fell well short.

HT CQP 9 Highland 8

With only two minutes of the second half played Michael Nellaney sustained an injury which saw him leave the field. A couple of minutes later prop Marcus Goodwin scored in the corner Wayne Burrows conversion attempt struck the left hand post and bounced back into play to move the score to 14-8 in CQP’s favour. This was followed by a second CQP by stand off David McCartney to increase CQP’s lead to 19-8. Highland hit back with an unconverted try. With the clock running down a fine bit of back play saw CQP add a third try scored by left wing Sam Graham on the right side to move the score to 24-15. With six minutes left Highland scored their third try but the conversion attempt went outside the right hand post. In recent games CQP have conceded a try in the last play. Fortunately in this game they didn’t.

Final score CQP24 Highland 20

In previous reports I have referred to the number of young players now playing in the 1st XV emphasising that it would take time for them to settle in, well in this game three former under eighteens namely David McCartney 19, Marcus Goodwin 22, and Sam Graham24 crossed the line so well done the young team. Two of the longer serving players however stood out in this match namely Wayne Burrows who worked his socks off and Chris Wicks who did sterling work in the line out and ran with great purpose in the loose. There were no failures in the CQP ranks in this game. CQP tackling was effective and the passing generally of a good standard.

Next up Gala at Netherdale with a 12.30pm. Gala have just gone top of the league today as a result of their 26-5 victory over Melrose at the Greenyards. With Biggar losing by two points at Goldenacre this league is wide open.