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5 October 2013
Heriot’s 21 Aberdeen Grammar 18
Aberdeen Grammar were taught a lesson at Goldenacre, one they would do well to heed for the rest of the season, which is to accept the referee is right, even when the majority thinks he is wrong.
Referee Neil Paterson, normally a sound judge, struggled in this game, dishing out a red card, three yellow cards and awarding a penalty try against Grammar.
The whistler also failed to pick up two blatant knock-ons prior to the two open-play tries scored by the Edinburgh side.
He also produced three yellow cards for the home side, and gave Heriot’s a penalty try. Once again, however, Grammar should have had the game in the bag by half-time. They spurned chances on a regular basis before the mayhem of cards ended with Aberdeen prop Struan Cessford being sent off for allegedly kicking the ball out of Heriot’s scrum half Oliver Brown’s hands.
Grammar coach Kevin Wyness refused to criticise his side and said: “We really should have won this game, having once again dominated up front. Giving away a try right on the stroke of half-time did not help.
“Significantly we played better when we were reduced to 14 men, but this is definitely one that got away.
“We were all over them for long periods.”
Grammar made a good start, easing ahead through two well-struck penalties from stand off |Graeme Clow, who looked in good nick after a spell on the sidelines.
The back row trio of Tony McGinness, Tom Preece and Robin Cessford were particularly impressive, but over-elaboration in the back division prevented Aberdeen from pushing further ahead.
Instead it was Heriot’s who scored the first try of the day when winger Max Nimmo grabbed a touchdown, converted by stand off Graham Wilson.
Two yellow cards for the home side led to the rampant pack being awarded a penalty try and a lead of 13-7, only for Heriot’s to take advantage of poor Grammar tackling and score through centre Max Learmonth.
Wilson’s conversion gave the home side a lead of 14-13 it scarcely deserved.
The second half was something of an anti-climax with both sides intent on keeping out of the way of the referee, although Aberdeen lock Jamie Metcalfe ended up in his book before Cessford, a former Heriot’s player, was sent off for his fresh-air kick, which ended with a converted penalty try for the home side.
Grammar had the last word, enjoying their best spell which resulted in Angus Rennie scampering in for an unconverted try.
Heriot’s: Keith Buchan; Max Nimmo, Max Learmonth, Cameron Ferguson, Harry Boisseau; Graham Wilson, OJ Brown; Craig Owenson, Stuart Mustard, Mike McDonald, Russell Nimmo, Murray Douglas, Jack Turley (captain), Alex Henderson, Jason Hill
Replacements: Nathan Borel, Robbie Tait, Chris Mulligan, Kevin Mackenzie, David McMaster.
Aberdeen Grammar: Steve Aitken; Will Wardlaw, Peceli Nacamavuto, Harry Duthie (captain), Angus Rennie; Graeme Clow, Morgan Ward; Gordon Reid, Sean O’Connor, Struan Cessford, Matt McCall, Jamie Metcalfe, Rob Cessford, Tony McGinness, Tom Preece.
Replacements: Sam Bingham, Matt Schosser, Callum Murray, Mark Ryan, Luke Earle-Wright.
Referee: Neil Paterson.