HILLFOOTS RFC braved the terrible conditions as they travelled to Carnoustie for a tightly fought match that saw the Foots fall to defeat.

Hillfoots made a great start to proceedings, with Cameron Davie dotting down to the right of the posts and Callum Williamson making no mistake with the conversion.

Carnoustie got themselves back into it with a penalty in front of the posts after an offside. They then extended their lead just before the break, pulling 10-7 ahead after a converted try.

It was fair to say Carnoustie were the better team by far in the first half, purely due to poor distribution and discipline from Foots.

Decisions from the referee seemed to not go in favour of the Foots, with the visitors being penalised for every small infringement.

Carnoustie kicked five penalties as play resumed with Hillfoots responding with a late try in the left-hand corner through Ryan Butterworth.

Foots veteran Keith Slade hit his man at the lineout, controlling well at the back of a rolling maul to get a few metres out.

Davie played Butterworth into the corner after drawing the last defender out. Gregor Manson’s touchline kick sneaked over to add the extra points for Foots.

Unfortunately, Hillfoots fell eight points adrift from their opponents and, despite scoring more tries than Carnoustie, couldn’t bring themselves back in the game.

The match ended 22-14 in favour of Carnoustie, with Hillfoots left to rue ill-discipline for their defeat.

Graeme Simpson, head coach, said: “That was a far better defensive performance from previous weeks.

“I saw that we really took the game to Carnoustie in some pretty terrible conditions. Discipline really acknowledged that, and we are really close to putting together a complete performance.

“We will be aiming to do this with the visit of Howe next week.”

Despite the scoreline, Iain Anderson and Duncan Arthur remained highlights. Cameron Davie was sensational at scrum half and Andy O’Connell made an impact off the bench in his second match for Hillfoots.

Jack Morton was named man of the match, awarded for his superb defensive game. Hillfoots will look to bounce back against Howe Crusaders as they visit Tillicoultry Park at 3pm next Saturday.