Rugby Union: Armstrong has edge over Nicol
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jed-Forest. . . . . . . . .20
Dundee High School FP. . . .9
ROUND one went to Gary Armstrong in what promises to be a prolonged and enthralling battle with Andy Nicol for the Scottish spot at scrum-half. The two met for the first time at club level at Riverside Park, where Armstrong's pugnacity and awareness of the kicking option narrowly outweighed the smoother distribution and sharper pace of a player who deputised so admirably in the international arena last season.
But on a day when Dundee's 20- year-old line-out jumper Stuart Campbell outshone both, the popular verdict was to rue the fact that Scotland lack depth in all positions other than scrum-half now Armstrong is fit after a knee injury.
As a bonus for struggling to victory over a newly promoted side with the help of an 80th-minute try, Jed-Forest became outright league leaders following Gala's defeat at Edinburgh Academicals.
Gary Armstrong was typically unfazed, as well he might be considering that, in four matches so far, Jed have aggregated fewer tries than each of the two teams lying pointless at the bottom. 'Dundee caused us problems in the line-out and through the middle,' he said. 'We're not playing well but at least we're managing to win.'
In deference to Jed's title challenge, the scrum-half has rejected an invitation to represent French Barbarians against the Springboks this month because of a clash with league commitments. 'I've got to put my club roots first,' he said.
Such loyalty is another reason why Armstrong has the total respect of Nicol, who claimed 'honours even' at no-side before looking forward to a rematch on neutral territory during the forthcoming Inter-District Championship.
While Scotland struggle to pick a winner in this absorbing duel, maybe the Lions will find a place for both on the tour of New Zealand next spring.
Jed-Forest: Try Kirkpatrick; Penalties McKechnie 2; Drop goals Hogg 2, McKechnie. Dundee HSFP: Penalties Easson, Rouse; Drop goal Easson.
Jed-Forest: K Amos; B Hughes, H Hogg (capt), G McKechnie, M Yule; G Scott, G Armstrong; N McIlroy, K Barrie, R Johnstone, M Pringle, C Hind, K Armstrong, R Kirkpatrick, K Liddle.
Dundee High School FP: C Newton; J Jardine, P Rouse, D Hamilton, A Astley-Jones; B Easson, A Nicol; J Manson, B Cairney, J van der Esch, S Campbell, J Turnbull, A Keys (capt), D Milne, G Batchelor.
Referee: M W Calder (Selkirk)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments