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Aberdeen Grammar crashed out of the Scottish Cup after a last-gasp try clinched National League 2 side Hamilton a place in the third round at Laigh Bent. Grammar will now try to consolidate their place in National 1.
Coach Stuart Corsar rang the changes to his team and said: “We gave them too much of a start, falling 14 points behind in 15 minutes. We got our way back into the game and looked to be heading for a win only to lose out to the best try of the game.
“It was disappointing, particularly as some of our young, fringe players played so well. Murray McCallum was outstanding, as was Cammy Turner in his first game back.”
Grammar looked to be on a hiding after conceding 14 points in 15 minutes but got themselves back into it. They trailed 24-17 at half-time, scoring three tries through hooker Billy Bissett, centre Sam Knudson and Irish back rower Adrian Hamilton. Stand off Mark Ryan, in his first game of the season, converted one.
His opposite number, Owen McLeish, converted all six of his side’s touchdowns, in addition to kicking two penalties, giving him a 100% record.
Grammar scored seven tries but were only able to convert three and, although dominating the second half, were held at bay.
Grammar’s second half tries were scored by centre Conor Lavery, a second for Knudson, McCallum and centre Doug Russell. Ryan was successful with two of his second-half conversion attempts.
Hamilton grabbed a late winner when winger Alan Douglas strode over the visitors line for the hosts’ sixth try of the afternoon.
© Jack Nixon
Hamilton: Adam Ryan; Craig Skilling, John Rogerson, Davide Lopez, Chris Stannage; Owen McLeish, Stephen Turnbull; Chris McLaughlin, Barry Leonard, Greg Richardson; Jerry McKee, Fraser Dunnachie; Scot Alexander, Robert Brown, John Selfridge.
Replacements: Tony Malley, Grant McCowan, Andrew Ferguson, Martin Kennedy, David Deuchar.
Aberdeen Grammar: Sam Knudson; Calum Ruxton, Doug Russell, Tom Aplin, Sean Murray; Mark Ryan, Andrew Ovenstone; Fergus McKenzie, Mike Cox, Colin Neilson; Alex Middleton, Ed Nimmons; Adrian Hamilton, Greig Ryan, Ali Mackie.
Replacements: Rob Coates, Murray McCallum, Cameron Turner, William Bissett, Conor Lavery.