After an emphatic victory over National 2 side Linlithgow in Round 3, Broughton faced the ultimate challenge of Premiership 1 side GHA as the Road to Murrayfield continued.

GHA’s 57-12 win in front of the SRTV cameras looks comfortable enough on paper, but supporters of both sides agreed that the home pack had given as good as they got. The Prem 1 men went ahead with an early try from Des Ziolo to which Jim Noonan added the goal points, but back came Broughton, Adam McFarlane barged over for a try and Dan Arrandale’s conversion levelled it.

The Glasgow men eased to 24-12 by the break, and killed off home hopes with a quick brace of tries just after the restart. Centre Nick Keenan added Broughton’s second try, whilst Ziolo and skipper Rory Watson each had two tries, with one each from Dan Sutherland, Andy Williamson, Jono Wright, Ross McClymont and Chris McKay.

The match was played in front of a respectable crowd in the glorious Granton sunshine and only 80 minutes stood between the Shield Round 1 and the Cup shock of shocks.

GHA kicked off up the Wardie slope and their intentions were clear straight from the first whistle and it took just 90 seconds for the visitors to record their opening try.  The GHA backs won possession in midfield and a delicate move saw their winger cut back inside to score.  The conversion by Noonan may have had the Wardie faithful fearing a rout however, in true Broughton style, they showed fairly quickly that they can play with the big boys!

A 9th minute penalty for the home side saw Hawthorne kick for touch but his place kick was short and as the GHA backs started to put their wheels in motion, handling in midfield let them down.

From the resultant scrum on the GHA 22, Broughton's pack caused their Premier counterparts all sorts of problems as Urquhart drove towards the line.  He was just a couple of metres short before McFarlane joined him in the push and it was the Broughton Vice-Captain who rumbled over.  Arrandale added the extras and it was game on!

Two GHA tries in the next ten minutes however put some light between the sides, both coming after Broughton tried valiantly to breach the tourists line.

However, the Broughton spirit which saw them defeat Linlithgow last week was very much in evidence and the gap was reduced to seven points in the 26th minute.

Hawthorne produced what was either a fluke or the most well weighted lateral cross field kick seen at Wardie and McFarlane was not particularly bothered by the oncoming challenge of the GHA winger as he outmuscled him and secured possession before going on a wee run up the touchline.  Keenan was on his shoulder quickly and the Irishman gleefully accepted the pass inside and ran in for a try.  Arrandale hit the upright with the conversion 12-19.

GHA struck once again before half-time after Broughton were penalised for handling on the ground. The kick to the Broughton 5 metre line set up a line out and the GHA forwards played the home side at their own game and rolled over for a score in the corner.

Half-time 12-24

It was hard work in the second half for the East Division 1 side as they faced a youthful GHA back division coming down the hill.

5 tries in the second half put paid to any visions of a cup shock for a Broughton side that has earned deserved plaudits from the GHA side and sections of the media with their back to back performances against higher level opposition.

The defeat sees Broughton 'progress' into Round 1 of the Shield.  The draw will be made early this week and the tie will be played on March 1st. 

A better feel for journalistic talent can be had from Gary Heatly in Monday night's Edinburgh Evening News and don't forget, you can watch the highlights package on SRTV

1       J WELLS
2       D PYPER
3       D NICOLSON     
4       S SMITH
5       P TYSON
6       A McFARLANE    
7       M SMITH
8       S URQUART      
9       D ARRANDALE    
10      C HAWTHORNE    
11      J BEATON       
12      D HEELAN       
13      N KEENAN       
14      J HARPER       
15      M PANNELL      
               
16      G WILSON       
17      K MOHAMMED     
18      L BAXTER       
19      J GLADWIN