In possibly the greatest comeback since ‘Lazarus’ Helensburgh stormed to a magnificent away win against title-chasing Marr at Troon on Saturday.
With only five minutes to go to halftime the Greens trailed their hosts by 14 – nil but in a quite amazing game they then contrived to put 34 unanswered points on the board and ease their relegation worries with a stunning victory on the road.
Things did not augur well on a cold sunny day at Troon as with kick off fast approaching the Greens only had eleven players ready for action.
The start was delayed for fifteen minutes to allow the late arrivals time to change but with virtually no warm up period Helensburgh had to face up to a Marr side sitting comfortably in third place in the table.
Appearing for the first time this season at prop for the Greens was young Ian Wragg who added considerable nous and bulk to a pack where everyone played their full part in securing this vital win.
Marr kicked off and in the early exchanges it was clear that Helensburgh were up for it with Brown, Fitzgerald and Ally Rogers all prominent.
The Greens were unlucky not to secure an early score as they drove to the home line, but the Marr defence held firm and on the fifteen minute mark against the run of play a fine Marr move split the Burgh defence and their full back raced in between the posts. His successful conversion took the score to 7-nil.
A strong run by Riding playing at Stand- off due to the current injury situation led to a penalty and the home side were marched backwards ten metres for talking.
Then followed another period of concerted pressure from Helensburgh when they were almost over the home line on three occasions. Wragg was replaced by Boyd for an eye injury and Johnny Drake and Walker showed up well in their defensive duties.
Burgh continued to press and Fitzgerald put up a towering kick to the posts with the bounce just beating the chasing Burgh support and just as it seemed points had to come Marr stole away and fine play by their outside centre saw him punish some woeful Greens mid field defence to cross between the posts for 12-nil. The conversion was added and things were looking bleak for the visitors who had had much good possession but had nothing to show for it.
Heads did not go down however, and Drake on the wing had a strong run and Gibson at open side flanker was winning ball on the ground.
As half time approached Riding had a forceful run and at the breakdown the ever present McInroy turned Marr ball over and the Burgh backs moved the ball quickly wide for Johnny Drake to scorch in and touch down between the posts. With Burgh’s recognised goal kickers absent it fell to Captain Riding to do the honours and he duly obliged to take the half time score to Marr 14 Helensburgh 7.
As play resumed Wragg returned as Adam Drake took a breather, and the Greens continued their spirited come back with a good Fitzgerald break, which led to several strong thrusts, before Riding breached the home defence to score under the posts. His successful conversion tied the score at 14 apiece.
Somerville was having a great game at No.8 and his straight running was giving the home side continual problems and better was to come in what was becoming a ding dong battle even between two sides committed to playing open rugby, when Phil Rogers stole the ball from his opposite number and ran in from 40 metres to give Helensburgh the lead for the first time. Again Riding secured the conversion and Burgh had amassed 21 points in an amazing 15 minute period either side of half time.
As Marr came surging back Burgh’s defence held firm with McNee and Gibson making several great tackles and the scrummage which has been the Greens Achilles heel this season was performing exceptionally well as Drake replaced Wragg.
A penalty to Burgh was coolly converted by Riding and the small but vociferous Greens support knew they were witnessing a very special game.
Wragg took over from Boyd in the scrum and Terry Smith came on for his debut at scrum half replacing the tireless Walker who had an excellent game, and Rettie came on for Ally Rogers.
Burgh continued to press and were duly rewarded when Johnny Drake scored his second try to give the Greens the crucial bonus point and Riding again converted to take the score to an unbelievable 31-14 in the greens favour.
As Marr mounted a last thrust Burgh broke out and Rettie was caught just short of the line but as the dominant Greens pack inevitably recycled the ball Riding completed a great game with a coolly taken drop goal.
Final Score Marr 14 – Helensburgh 34
President Tom Inglis felt it was the best away performance by Helensburgh for years, and any one of a number of players including the whole pack with Gibson, McNee, McInroy and Somerville in particular outstanding could have been Man of the Match.
In the end though it was David Riding who controlled the game from stand- off and was successful with all six kicks at goal, who deserved the accolade for his leadership on a day that produced an unforgettable match.
Team : Wragg McNee A.Drake McInroy Brown Feltham J.Gibson Sommerville Walker Riding (c) J.Drake Cairns Fitzgerald P.Rogers A.Rogers.
Subs : Boyd Rettie Smith.
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