Accies lose out in the rain

Glasgow Accies RFC v Peebles RFC

Played on 7th December 2019 at New Anniesland

On a really miserable day for rugby with the rain pouring down and the wind blowing into the stand the game against Peebles started. It was clear from the early on that this was not going to be a great spectacle for the true supporters that had ventured out on this wintery December afternoon. Both sides were finding the conditions difficult to deal with cold hands and a tricky wind it was inevitable that the ball would be dropped and passes missed.

However, and perhaps the most influential event in the game came after 15 minutes when Ross Cowan, playing a really pivotal role at 10, damaged his wrist in a tackle and had to be replaced, a severe blow to the fluidity of the game.  Accies had made a reasonably positive start but it was Peebles who put together the best passage of play so far in the game with some good close quarter passes. They worked their way deep inside Accies territory and forced a scrum 10 metres out from the line.  A missed tackle allowed their scrum half to score from the scrum. This was also not a day for the kickers and the conversion was missed.                     0 – 5

The game could not get going as players from both sides were finding the conditions really difficult. However Accies seemed to be more affected by this and the rhythm of their game seemed to go, and they could not build a platform and their game plan disappeared . It was this apparent lack of focus that allowed Peebles to maintain their pressure inside Accies half and Peebles capitalised from another two missed tackles which saw them race home for another try this time close to the posts so an easy conversion.            0 – 12.

Accies forwards pulled things together and from some good close quarter forward carries worked themselves deep into Peebles territory. To their credit they kept the pressure on and when the opportunity arose Kenneth Beattie was on hand to score a good forwards try close to the Peebles posts.  Conversion by Gregor Macewan was successful.        7 – 12

Accies were clearly buoyed by this and were quickly back inside Peebles territory and a resulting penalty was converted to pull Accies very close to their opponents.        10 - 12

The second half was drawing to a close and the Peebles stand-off saw a gap behind our left winger and put a well-judged kick inside the 22. The only problem was that the Peebles winger was approximately 5 metres in front of his stand off but unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your point of view, the referee did not notice it and the winger collected the ball and ran under the posts to score.  A severe blow just before half time.                   10 – 19

Half – time 10 – 19

The second half was, if anything, an even poorer 40 minutes. It is really difficult to play the type of rugby that Accies are working hard to perfect when you are wet, your hands are cold and the game has become totally disjointed.

It was another mistake that allowed Peebles to work themselves into Accies 22 and from some more hard caring from their forwards they crossed again for their bonus point try, which was not converted.             24 – 10

However it was Accies who reacted best to this try and after a couple of penalties they were camped close to their opponent’s line.  Once again good work from the forwards saw the pack putting real pressure on the Peebles line with some aggressive ‘pick and goes’ and after several close calls the referee decided that Peebles had infringed at the ruck and a penalty was awarded. As the players regrouped Kenneth Beattie, now the captain after Chris Johnston was replaced after damaging his ankle, took charge and a quick tap saw him barge over for his second try. Conversion good and Accies were within 7 points. 17 – 24

It has to be said that Accies did not look like scoring again and as Peebles finished the game stronger Accies were defending with their usual great spirit. In the dying moments and with the game won Peebles were awarded a penalty from just outside the 22 and slightly to the left of the posts. They decided to go for the points which would have deprived Accies of a valuable losing bonus point. All of Accies supporters were holding their breath as the kick slid past the left hand upright – phew.

A disappointing game in atrocious conditions but at least the losing bonus point had been secured.

Full time  17 – 24

Accies have had a very tough first half of the season and been forced to play a different 15 every week so far this year and this is a real problem for coaches and players to organise themselves around their game plan. This Saturday is the last game of 2019 and the players will have a break over Christmas so let’s hope that we can see some players returning from injury and get a real charge at the last 9 games of the season.

Boxing Day Festivities at New Anniesland

Accies west and GHK legends are playing a round-robin touch tourney starting at 12pm.

Accies 1st XV vs Exiles kicks off at 1.30pm with Craig Clarke refereeing.

There will be a Hog Roast to keep everyone fed and the bar opens at 12-8pm.

Great annual family day. See you all there hopefully..

Accies win away at Falkirk

Glasgow Accies RFC v Falkirk RFC

Played on 9th November 2019 at Horne Park, Falkirk

On a sunny but very cold autumnal afternoon in Falkirk Accies took to the field but were kept waiting for what seemed like a long time, could this be a precursor to another game when things ran against them. In this fixture last season Accies came and produced a very good performance but lost by 2 points – were the rugby gods still not in our favour?

‘Accies move into single figures in the league table’

Once again the coaches had been forced to change a winning team and rejig the line-up, with Jason Currie, a vital corner stone in the scrum, injured, which is a severe loss, and Adam Lowry and Jack McCready both unavailable meant that this was yet another starting line-up for Accies.  With the young 18 year old half backs, Robert McNaught and Finlay Neilson at the pivotal positions for the team they were under severe pressure.

However once the game got underway, Accies looked really lively and clearly last week’s win over Hamilton had given them confidence. The forwards were carrying with attitude and the backs were looking lively and sharp.

The first sign of Accies growing confidence was a superb break by returning open side flanker Stuart Holt who took the ball from well inside his own half and was finally stopped just outside Falkirk’s 22, a real boost to his team. Falkirk were defending well but when they did have the ball their hard working forwards seemed to struggling to make ground. When there seemed to be no way to move the ball from a ruck with players all over the place, young Robert McNaught, decided to take things into his own hands. With a couple of superb side steps he set off from just inside his half and having left the close quarter defenders in his wake he found himself in a bit of space and raced well into Falkirk territory where he manged to avoid several covering defenders, with very nifty footwork and then he drew the last defender and put a superb pass inside to the superbly supporting Gregor Macewan, who was clear for the first points of the game. What a thrilling start and just reward for some brilliant individual skills.                    Conversion missed      5 – 0

Shortly after this our Captain, Chris Johnstone, was forced to leave the battle with a damaged ankle, so Andy Jackson was yet again faced with rearranging the pack, and as Accies could only have 3 reserves on the bench, due to the lack of available front row forwards, he was forced to move his inside centre, Matt Holland, to blind side wing forward and move Kane Greggain into the second row, not ideal this early on. This also brought into play Scott Simmons who has been out for several weeks with a broken finger and who needed a 30 minute run, but was now going to have to play the majority of this game.

The game was being played at a cracking pace but it was clear that the loss of the skipper so early on was not a good thing.  Both teams were giving their all and there was very little between them. However it did appear that Accies fast line of defence was forcing a serious number of handling errors from their opponents and reducing their threat. Accies, with some superb work from their back row and blind side winger took the ball right up to the opposition line, where it required some outstanding defending from Falkirk and with the referee, unfortunately being on the wrong side of a ruck to see the try, Falkirk avoided losing another 5 points. However the end result of all this pressure was a penalty in front of the posts and this seemed too good an opportunity and young Robert stepped up to convert.      8 – 0

Accies were on top and looking dangerous but Falkirk through some tenacious defending were still very much in the game. It took a superb break by Gregor Macewan to open up the Falkirk defence as he saw a real gap between the two first up defenders and real pace he raced through the gap, then as any good back should do, he straitened up and drawing the covering defenders, he  saw none other than Robert McNaught inside, and reminding this scribe of some of the support work done by George Horne for Glasgow, Robert took the pass and showing a superb turn of pace to beat the remaining defender and crossed the line. Conversion missed 13 – 0

Once again Accies came back at Falkirk from the kick off and it was clear that Accies were looking for their next try. However, the rugby gods do seem to have something against Accies finishing a game with the same players that started it and it was very unfortunate that it was Robert McNaught that had to leave the field with a shoulder injury. On came Jacob Siems at scrum half, again a disruption to the team set-up. Accies then lost their centre come blind side flanker and once again the pack had to be rejigged. The young hooker from France, Pierre-Jean Quiers came and Greg Valentine moved from hooker to blind side! Accies clearly were going to have another afternoon of injuries but they regrouped and Tommy Speirs, now the on field captain, was rallying the troops who fought on until half time, denying their opponents any points in the first half.

Half – time – 13 – 0

It was clear from the start of the second half that the disruption to Accies pack was going to make life very difficult however it also has to be said that Falkirk took full advantage of the situation and were starting to look a great deal more dangerous than they had done in the first half. They had an extremely lively number 5 who was now creating problems in the open along with a replacement hooker who seemed to inject real purpose into the Falkirk forwards and they were now putting Accies defence under severe pressure. So it was not a surprise when Accies first line of defence was broken and with good support work Falkirk produced their first points. The conversion was missed.       13 – 5

Accies were still causing a threat but instead of the game being played mostly in Falkirk’s half, as it had been in the first half, it was now being played around the half way and Accies 10 metre line. Accies were trying to use what little wind there was to push their opponents back into the 22, but a slightly loose kick was fielded by Falkirk’s very quick full back who put his winger into the clear and it was only a superb tackle by Ross Cowan that stopped the move, but a penalty infringement let Falkirk put the ball into Accies pressure zone. It was now Accies turn to feel the pressure on their line and defend with attitude just as their opponents had done if the first half.  Accies defence held on and eventually the danger was cleared. Falkirk’s tails were now well up and the crowd could feel that they were in with a chance of winning this game. From a messy piece of play in the centre of the field Falkirk moved the ball left and with two really good passed put their full back clear and this time as Ross came in for the tackle the ball was moved inside to the supporting number 5 who crossed on the left, the conversion slipped by.  13 – 10

With ten minutes to go and Accies players clearly finding things difficult Falkirk put in their final effort. But this Accies team has proved that they have spirit and determination and it was a tackle in the final minute by the 18 year old stand-off Finlay Neilson that epitomised this attitude. So despite their opponents throwing everything they had at them Accies defence stood firm and as the ball was knocked on by one of the Falkirk forwards, the cheers went up from the good Accies travelling support for a hard won and vital 4 points for Accies.

Full – time ---13 – 10

‘Small victories are bet­ter than none’ - Neal Shusterman

Over the last two weeks Accies have taken 9 points from two teams that were sitting above them in the league and have now moved from 11th to 9th, just reward for some really hard work and commitment from a group of young players who despite the number of injuries that their squad has suffered have come out every week and given their all.

Next Saturday we welcome our friends Stewarts Melville to New Anniesland for what I am sure will be a very tough encounter against a side that has only lost two games so far this season so a big support would really help their cause. Mo Smith, mo51@hotmail.co.uk is organising a pre-match lunch, with soup and a currie, for the occasion so if you have not already indicated you will be attending then please contact her as soon as possible to book a seat. Following that we travel the long distance to Old Anniesland for a Friday night fixture against GHK on the 22nd of November!

Accies team to face Kirkcaldy on Saturday 19th October

Accies travel to Beveridge Park, Kirkcaldy and here is the team to face them:

Backs

15. Jack McCready

14. Colin Taylor

13. Gregor Macewan

12. Finlay Neilson

11. Campbell McCready

10. Adam Lowry

9. Jacob Siems

Forwards

1. Christopher Goodfellow

2. Tadhg Power

3. Jason Currie

4. Christopher Johnstone (C)

5. . Kenneth Beattie

6. Greg Valentine

7. Stuart Holt

8. Tommy Spinks.

Reserves

16. Chris Scott

17. Ed Mullock

18. Kane Greggain

19. Matt Holland

Some photos from Saturday 5th October at New Anniesland

A good day was had by all at New Anniesland as Accies pick up 5 much needed points

A sponsors day - enjoyed by all

Gregor Macewan on a run

Colin Taylor scores a great try, even if he looks surprised!

A brilliant Cowan run

Coaches review

Happy supporters- good crowd for 1st local derby!

Quality English referee - Matt Higgins did a very good job - welcome any day.

Captain CJ gets a congratulatory hug!

A happy team, coaches and Touch Judge

Match Report for Saturday 5th October 2019

Tennents National 2 League Fixture

Glasgow Accies RFC v Whitecraigs RFC

On a rather dull autumn day the players and supporters gathered at New Anniesland for the first local derby of the season. Whitecraigs arrived with their tails up after a good win against Gordonians last week and Accies having suffered a tough day down in the Borders. With Whitecraigs sitting 5 points ahead of Accies, it was all to play for.

‘It’s not possession or pressure that counts its points’ – Tony Silverdale

The game got underway in typical Autumnal weather, cold and a heavy sky, but 30 players keen to get underway. From the kick-off it was Whitecraigs who started on the front foot, with obvious confidence gained from their good result last week. However it was Accies defence that was equally impressive. For 20 minutes it was relentless pressure from Whitecraigs and with only a missed penalty their only opportunity to score, so it was still 0 - 0.

From their first venture into Whitecraigs half after some good work by the backs, a penalty award was converted by the man of the match, Gregor Macewan.          3 – 0

Whitecraigs quickly went back onto the offensive and worked themselves into Accies 22 where a penalty award in front of the posts was scant reward for their efforts in the first 25 minutes of the game.           3 – 3

The same scenario continued as Whitecraigs once again worked themselves back into Accies half and were demonstrating a real skill at the breakdown, but were still unable to break down Accies committed defence. Then from a piece of turnover work, the ball was carried for 15 metres by Greg Connelly, well over the gain line, and the quickly recycled ball was moved to their right where Matt Holland broke through the first line of covering defenders, offloading to the supporting Gregor Macewan who drew the final defender, timing his pass superbly he released winger Colin Taylor to race the final 20 metres to score in the corner. The tough conversion was just wide.            8 - 3

Whitecraigs once again attacked Accies with some good transference and hard running from both forwards and backs, but Accies defensive line speed was up to it and progress was limited. However a clearance kick by Accies was collected inside the Accies half and once again a Whitecraigs attacked in midfield around Accies 10 metre line, where a superb tackle dislodged the ball from the Whitecraigs player and again quick reactions and movement of the ball to the right saw Ross Cowan clear and over for try number 2. This time the conversion attempt by Gregor Macewan was successful.           15 – 3

So despite having the majority of the possession and territory Whitecraigs now found themselves 12 points behind, which seemed a bit unfair, but as Tony Silverdale says – “it is not possession or pressure that counts its points”!

Half – time  15 – 3

It did appear that the two turnover tries that Accies had scored despite being under pressure had done a good deal for the Accies players’ confidence and they were quickly on the attack from the start of the second half. Throughout the first half Accies pack had totally dominated scrummage time and when they were awarded a 5 metre scrum, after some great pick and go work by the pack was held up over the line, the crowd were looking for the push over try. Well Number 8, Tommy Spinks, controlled the ball superbly and when he felt the scrum move slightly clockwise he picked up and nobody was going to stop him. A simple enough conversion for Gregor.        22 - 3

Whitecraigs introduced a couple of quality players off their bench and their scrum steadied up and their new ‘Lomu’ size winger started to get them back into the game. The contest had however gone a little flat until with 18 minutes to go Greg Connelly was yellow carded for an infringement 10 metres out from Accies line. Almost before Accies had reorganised Whitecraigs used a clever move from quick ruck ball and their new winger arrived on the shoulder of their 10 and I don’t think a brick wall would have stopped this ‘Lomu’ impersonator. Simple conversion in front of the posts.          22 – 10

Accies were struggling with the 14 man situation and some close forward work from a Whitecraigs linout 5 metres from Accies line brought them to within 7 points.     22 – 15

Could this be the big comeback, but Accies stuck to their task and from a ruck just inside their own half, scrum half, Adam Lowry kicked a perfect ball into the 5 metre area and close to the touchline so that the Whitecraigs fullback had to run into touch. This saw the reintroduction of Greg Connelly and from good lineout work the ball was once again driven towards Whitecraigs line. Several pick and goes by the forwards saw the ball under the posts and this time the recycled ball was moved wide to the charging Gregor Macewan, who chose a superb line and crossed for the bonus point try. He then converted his own try to make his personal tally to 14 points!                   29 – 15

Whitecraigs will never lie down and were still working to get their losing bonus point. Another superb run from ‘Lomu’ which saw him leave two or three tired players in his wake but the ‘thou shall not pass’ attitude of Ross Cowan stopped him. The game moved inside Accies 22 but another strong piece of defence saw the player and ball driven into touch and today’s very good visiting referee from England, Matt Higgins, called a halt to proceedings.

Full – time  29 – 15

For anyone who watched the World Cup game between The All Blacks and the South Africans, when SA were inside the NZ half for the first 20 minutes and then when the All Blacks got 2 chances they scored – taking the wind out of the SA sails, well today was the same. Accies used defence as a real attacking tool and made the most of any chances that came their way. A satisfying result for Accies and a disappointing result for a team that put so much into the game. The comment of the referee after the game summed it up. ‘That was a great game between two sides that were working hard to play good quality rugby on a surface that was outstanding and a joy to referee’.  It takes two teams to make a spectacle that everyone present today must have enjoyed.

Accies team to face Whitecraigs on Saturday

Some key players return for Accies

After a truly unbelieveable start to the season with injuries and unavailabilities at a level seldom seen at new Anniesland, with something in excess of 25 players injured or unavailable last week, at long last Accies have something resembling their best pack on show tomorrow.

The return after concussion of Tommy Spinks, our two stalwart props Chris Goodfellow and Jason Currie supporting a new recruit in the shape of Frenchman, Pierre-Jean Quiers, added to that the return of the enthusiastic Kenny Beattie and Chris Johnstone both back in the boiler room.

Tomorrows Forwards:

1. Chris Goodfellow

2. Pierre-Jean Quiers

3. Jason Currie

4. Kenneth Beattie

5. Chris Johnstone

6. Greg Valentine

7. Kane Greggain

8. Tommy Spinks

with reserves Tadhg Power and Greg Connelly.

The backs also see some big name returns with Ross Cowan and Adam Lowry added to the backs.

Tomorrows Backs:

9. Adam Lowry

10. Finlay neilson

11. Jack McCready

12. Matt Holland

13. Gregor Macewan

14. Colin Taylor

15. Ross Cowan

With reserves Jacob Siems and Ronan Joy

.

Match Report for Saturday 28th Seprtember 2019

Tennent’s National League Division 2    

Glasgow Accies RFC v Dumfries            

28th September 2019 at Park Farm, Dumfries

One glance at Accies team sheet today spelled out the full extent of the injury list facing the squad. We knew that Dumfries a month previously had come to New Anniesland in a Cup tie with a physical and strong running side, securing a convincing win. With our injury list having grown since then and Dumfries at virtually full strength, even the most optimistic of away support realised that this was going to be a bruising afternoon. This report comes with a health warning as today’s scribe was also running touch whilst scribbling.

Even from the kick off the heavy Dumfries pack made their presence felt gaining possession from their own kick off, and worked their way into the corner for an early try. Fortunately Dumfries had not picked a kicker in the team, conversion missed, 5-0. We were playing with a stiff breeze which did not assist the accuracy of our passing, and this put us again under severe pressure only 8 minutes into the game with heir pack driving over for a second try10 metres in from touch. Easier conversion again missed 10-0. There was an unusual nervousness in our passing game today, probably as a result of all the changes, and rare possession was being surrendered too easily. However, despite the incessant pressure our tackling was starting to look more solid, only for the occasional break through from their pack. Their scrummage was giving us real problems, an unusual occurance for Accies recent packs, but again a result of all the substitutions and a lack of training, with virtually every scrum being driven backwards, bar one strike against the head. From one such scrum on our 22 on the 13 minute mark their back row broke with power and drove over for a third try. Conversion missed 15-0. We were managing to secure possession with heroic play, but still could not hang on to the ball long enough to make any progress. An unforced knock-on whilst trying to break out of our danger area gave them a scrum 15 yards out. The power of their pack was obvious when they drove us dangerously sliding and slipping a full 15m backwards to score again. Conversion made 22-0. This was going to be a long day for our inexperienced side, but to their credit they were beginning to make some inroads to at least delay the inevitable. There was plenty of valiant play in defence and also in the occasional attack which kept the scoreboard at a stand still until just before half time when the home side disrupted our scrum severely and pounced on loose ball in our 22 to score out wide. Conversion missed.

Half – time  27 – 0

To scribe’s surprise but not the referee’s, Dumfries were playing in their traditional broad black and white hooped shirt which was not too dissimilar from the Accie strip. The reason for mentioning this is that on at least two occasions a very promising Accie break into the Dumfries half was thwarted when the Accie ball was passed purposefully to a covering opposition player. 

We were only five minutes into the second half when this solid Dumfries pack again drove us backwards, only for a few yards this time 15m out, but on this occasion the referee awarded a penalty try, no conversion required. 34-0. With 15 minutes into this half our weakened scrum came unstuck again and they broke to score not far out, but conversion nevertheless missed. 39-0. Ten minutes later a strong Dumfries back broke through two attempted tackles to score in the corner. Conversion missed 44-0. The constant demand on felling this hefty Dumfries side was beginning to take its toll and an almost identical try was lost only 4 minutes later. Unconvincingly converted, 51-0. They had begun to work out where our weaknesses were and only a further 4 minutes after that another score was lost, unconverted 56-0. By this time, 10 minutes from full time, this Accie side were war weary, but despite making promising breaks, just could not make the break through required. An opportunist Dumfries interception on the halfway line five minutes from time and under the posts was the final nail in a bruising encounter. 

Full – time  63-0

Several stand in youngsters, a few for whom this was a debut 1stXV match, will have learnt much from this game and should hold their heads up high. Against these stronger sides, there is no substitute for power, guile and experience in the pack, which in summary was where most of their scoring emanated. Nevertheless we are eagerly awaiting the injury list to resolve itself if we are to compete at this level.  The forthcoming game against Whitecraigs at home next Saturday 5th October will be a real test of our ability to bounce back against another side struggling to find form. There is a pre match lunch at 1:00pm which is well worth supporting, and an email to Mo Smith will be welcome. Mo51@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday 21st September 2019 - Match report

Tennent’s National League Division 2    

Glasgow Accies RFC v Preston Lodge RFC

Played on 21st September 2019 at New Anniesland

On a magnificent autumn day the players and supporters arrived at New Anniesland to be greeted by the site of a magnificent playing surface. What a perfect day for playing and watching rugby.

This was a Saturday for open and exciting rugby and despite the slightly down beat feel from some Accies supporters, the result of a rather poor start to our season, there was real hope amongst the players that training had gone well and they were feeling positive.

However the first 20 minutes saw a total capitulation from this remodelled Accies team. Within minutes of the kick off, which had been spilled by Accies the highly motivated and aggressive Preston Lodge side had Accies under real pressure and a try was inevitable. Simple forward drives and then quick transference saw the winger cross on the right, Accies were down and despite the missed conversion Accies were looking very vulnerable.                                0 – 5

From a very good kick off Preston manged to once again take advantage of some week Accies defence and before the crowd had a chance to draw breath they had crossed the whitewash again, this time converting.                 0 – 12

Surely Accies would react and get themselves into this contest before it was out of their reach. Well this Preston Lodge side are clearly motivated and encouraged by these early exchanges. They had completely dominated the first 20 minutes in every phase of this game so far. Another mistake after sustained pressure saw the inevitable penalty and a successful penalty put them further ahead.                 0 – 15

So far Accies players had hardly touched the ball and when Preston found themselves once again inside Accies danger zone their accomplished stand-off saw a clear opportunity and added another 3 points with a deft drop goal.      0 – 18

The murmurings around the stand were how many more points were Accies going to lose before half-time, let alone the game! After 30 minutes Accies had not given anyone the feeling that they could get into this encounter. However Accies are a side with a determination and spirit and they started to work themselves into the game. For the first time they controlling possession and starting to test the opposition defence. With 8 minutes remaining Accies were well inside the Preston Lodge 22 and yet another penalty was awarded by today’s referee Mr Shaw. He went for his pocket and produced a yellow card for the perpetrator the Preston Lodge number 8. From the ensuing scrum a superb pick up by Kenneth Beattie, on his first outing of the season, released young Robert McNaught who then put Ross Cowan into space for a superb try and a confidence boost for the team.      Conversion was missed.            5 – 18

From the kick off the ball was collected,this time, and a driving maul started from 10 metres inside the Accies half. The ball was passed to the energetic Ross Cowan who evaded one tackle then when he was stopped he offloaded to Jack McCready who burst free and beat all the covering defenders to score under the posts, a great solo effort. The conversion was successful and Accies were back in it.     12 – 18

Accies went straight back on the attack and were moving the ball well. The forwards were getting in behind the defence and the backs were looking dangerous with ball in hand. Another great movement saw Ross Cowan entering the line and with a deft grubber kick put the ball in behind the defenders. The ball was collected superbly by Ronan Joy and popped back inside to the supporting Ross.  A great try and despite the conversion being missed Accies were looking good.     17 – 18

The players had worked really hard to get themselves back into this game after the horrendous start.

Half – time   17 – 18

It had clearly been a major effort for Accies and when the second half kick-off Preston Lodge took full advantage of the ball going straight into touch. A solid scrum on half-way gave their opponents the chance to launch another attack. Pick up by their very strong number 8 who passed to their equally strong inside centre who broke through and despite a great tackle by Ross, the momentum was with Preston Lodge. They were camped on Accies line and it seemed inevitable, despite some brave tackling by all the Accies players, that they would score and they did, providing an easy conversion.   17 – 25

It looked that the Accies revival had stalled when a superb break by Gregor Macewan from inside his own half up to the enemy 22 and with only the last defender to beat and  Ross Cowan on his shoulder a try was on. Unfortunately the final pass went to ground, opportunity gone. Not only that but Preston Lodge broke away from the breakdown and took the ball back up into Accies territory and with play being broken up their big inside centre broke through to score under the posts.   17 – 32

This could well have killed off most teams but this team, in all its various forms, has already proved that it has spirit and determination. Once again Ross Cowan broke two tackles and was 15 meters from the line, seeing his progress severely hampered by 4 defenders he put through a beautifully weighted grubber which was picked up by Jack McCready who crossed for the bonus point try.   Conversion successful       24 – 32

The question was with players having to go off with yet more injuries could Accies get one more try and at least a losing bonus point? Well, sitting in third place in the league demonstrates that Preston are a well drilled and fit unit and worked themselves into the danger zone and yet another close quarter drive saw them cross for their 5th try to what must have seemed like the finish of any resistance from Accies. It was to be Accies who scored last, demonstrating a strong spirit and determination, they had demonstrated since they allowed their opponents to get an 18 point lead.  In the final minute, another break down the blind saw the ball pushed into Preston Lodge’s in-goal area and Jack McCready was the quickest player to react and touch the ball down. A rushed conversion went wide.                29 – 39

The whistle was blown for full-time and despite the fact that Accies had spilled 3 or four good scoring chances in the second half they had won the battle since they were 18 points behind by scoring 29 points to Preston Lodge’s 21, something for the players to take on board, and not allow teams to get a start on them.

Full – time     29 – 39

A lot of hard work required over the coming week with a visit to League leaders Dumfries to come. Let us hope that we see some returning players but I am sure the boys will travel in a positive mode. By the end of that game Accies will have played 4 of the top 5 clubs, A really tough start and I am convinced the players and coaches will start onto the winning trail soon.

Accies travel to Peebles for first away fixture

Strong Team travel to the Borders

Despite a serious number of injuries, Accies travel to Peebles with a positive attitude:

The backs tomorrow sees a new centre partnership with Scott Simmons sidelined with a badly fractured finger and with Adam Lowry unavailable due to work, we have a new half-back starting lineup!.

Fullback:- Ross Cowan

Left Wing:- Ronan Joy

Outside Centre:- Gregor Macewan

Inside Centre:- Matt Holland

Right Wing:- Colin Taylor

Stand-off:- Finlay Russell

Scrum-half:- Robert McNaught

The forwards for tomorrow have the same front 5, however with the injury to Kenneth Beattie the back row has a new addition:

Loose Head:- Chris Goodfellow

Hooker:- Greg Valentine

Tight Head:- Jason Currie

Second Row:- Greg Connelly

Second Row:- Chris Johnstone

Blindside Wing Forward: Jock Tondle

Openside Wing Forward:- Stuart Holt

Number 8: Tommy Spinks

Our finishers for Saturday are Front Row forwards Mark Howie and Logan McGonigle and backs James McNaught and Jack McCready.

Match Report for Game against Newton Stewart

Tennent’s National League Division 2

Glasgow Accies v Newton Stewart

Played on 7th September 2019 at New Anniesland

Today’s match was played in glorious sunshine and on a playing surface that would be the pride of any club in Scotland and a credit to the groundsman, Robert Cheape and his staff. They should be very proud of the magnificent pitch that the two teams enjoyed today.

Pre-match pitch inspect - or admiration society.

It was a real pleasure to welcome one of the most hospitable and friendly club sides in Scotland to New Anniesland and it has always proved to be a close encounter whether here or down at Bladnoch Park and so it proved today.

Accies came out of the traps and demonstrated the flowing rugby that they are always trying to play. However it was clear that the boys from Newton Stewart were equally determined to stop them and when a ball was spilled they immediately put Accies under pressure with hard driving forwards and some well-placed kicks. Newton Stewart had the majority of possession and territory in the first 30 minutes and were camped inside Accies half for long stretches. However Accies were not helping themselves by giving away too many penalties which allowed the opposition to pin them back inside their 22.  Despite this it has to be said that Accies defence throughout this game was superb and repelled most of efforts by the Newton Stewart side to break them down.

The pattern of play in the first half seemed to be that Accies would defend then break out, put together some good passages of play only for the final pass to be intercepted or dropped, or the player about to pass would lose control and the opposition then would work the ball back into Accies danger zone.  In one of these passages of play the Newton Stewart stand-off found himself up against a forward and a quick side-step saw him over the line. The conversion was missed but Accies were now behind in what look like a game that would yield few points.   0 - 5

Accies went on the attack but again a penalty allowed their opponents to push them back into their own half. The game had become very fragmented with too many stops and starts which seemed to break up the rhythm of both teams so neither side was able to get on top.  With about 5 minutes to go today’s referee indicated a penalty just outside Accies 22 and this time the conversion was successful.        0 – 8

With the first half drawing to a close the referee signalled a scrum just inside Accies half with Accies having the put in. Throughout this encounter Accies had secured their own put in. The ball was moved to the back of the scrum and No.8, Tommy Spinks, pick up and having broken the first defenders tackle he carried the ball into the opposition 22, from the ensuing ruck the ball was moved superbly along the backs and this time the final pass stuck and Ross Cowan crossed for Accies first points. This reporter believes that that will be one of the tries of the season come April!  Up stepped Gregor Macewan who converted from out wide and Accies were once again back in the game and fighting for points.      7 – 8

This had been a half of “what if’s” and Accies were clearly showing great heart and commitment in a game that was being dominated by the defences.

Half – time   7 – 8

There were murmurings around the stand that it is always a good thing to score just before half-time, well clearly nobody said anything about that to the Newton Stewart players who went at Accies with renewed vigour straight from the kick off and with some good handling the ball was moved to their fullback who step inside the last defender and crossed for Newton Stewarts second try. Again the conversion slipped past the right hand post to leave them still within striking range.       7 - 13

The game was going from end to end with Accies backs looking very dangerous but it seemed that elusive last pass went astray or they got isolated. Their efforts however were rewarded with a penalty 30 metres out which Gregor Macewan duly converted to bring them back to within 3 points.       10 – 13

With this end to end rugby it was Newton Stewart’s turn to go on the attack and it should be said that Accies showed real heart and commitment to stop several waves of determined opponent’s forward drives. That heart and attitude will stand this team well in the coming months. However despite several superb breaks Accies could just not find the answer. In fact after Newton Stewart had been pressurising Accies line a good piece of work by Matt Holland to rob the ball from one of these charges saw it recycled on our own line and moved superbly along the backs and Ronan Joy on the wing scampering down to inside the opponents half. With Ross Cowan inside him and clear, one more pass and Ross would be over, however the tackler managed to dislodge the ball from Ronan Joy’s hand as he looked for the supporting player and the momentum and chance were lost. Accies kept up the tempo and were finally awarded a penalty which they decided to kick into the corner. Line-out lost chance gone and time ticking by. However another opportunity was presented when they were awarded a second penalty, this time in front of the posts. The Captain, Chris Johnstone, decided to at least go for the 3 points and the draw. Gregor duly converted and it was all square.        13 – 13

There was no time for either side to mount a serious attack and a simple knock-on saw the referee blow for fulltime.  In truth neither side deserved to lose or win the game.  It was a very competitive encounter, where neither side were going to give an inch.  Two teams that defended till they dropped, worked tirelessly throughout the 80 minutes to play rugby and ended up with neither on top.  There were clearly signs that this was the first game of the season and a great deal of work will have to be done by players and coaches over the coming weeks. Newton Stewart will be a tough side to beat when they are in this mood and they will be a good addition to National 2 rugby. I know the Accies players are already looking forward to the return fixture if not the bus trip.

Full – time 13 - 13

The first encounters in this year’s National 2 campaign have shown that it is going to be a fascinating and very tough season and that there is going to be very little between top and bottom sides.  

Next week the boys travel to Peebles and they will be preparing for a very tough encounter.

I have said so many times that I am becoming boring (not for the first time I hear many say) that support home and in particular away really helps the players and their game head!

Our First Game of Season 2019/20

Saturday 31st August - Accies take on Dumfries

Tomorrow sees the National League Cup get underway with Accies taking on fellow National 2 side Dumfries Saints.

Your Team for Saturday is as follows:-

Forwards: Backs:

1 Christopher Goodfellow 15 Gregor Macewan

2 Chris Scott 14 Colin Taylor

3 Jason Currie 13 Ronan Joy

4 Kenneth Beattie 12 Matthew Holland

5 Christopher Johnstone (C) 11 Jack McCready

6 PJ Rankin 10 Adam Lowry (VC)

7 Stuart Holt 9 Robert McNaught

8 Kane Greggain

Game changers:

16 Mark Howie

17 Greg Valentine

18 Calim Duke

19 James McNaught

20 Finlay Neilson

There will be soup and hot rolls available pre-match and a warm welcome!!

Pre-season training starts with a bang!

It was really encouraging to see so many players out for the first Tuesday and start of pre-season.

Just a warm up!

It was great to see some old friends and new faces all working well.

The enthusiasm was infectious and the attitude excellent.

With over 30 players attending it required several of the senior players to help develop and control the evening - another great sign that Andy Jackson and Ryan Grant have leaders amongst the squad!

There is the second of the pre-season sessions on Thursday at 7.00pm at Lower Windyedge (off Jordanhill Drive), you will be made most welcome!

Next Tuesday the 9th of July their is to be a players meeting which will start at 7.00pm in the Clubhouse at Helensburgh Drive, all players and those interested in joining our happy family Club, are encouraged to attend.

Fixture List for Season 2019-20

Glasgow Accies Fixture List for Season 2019-20

National Cup

1st Round - Saturday 31st August v Dumfries @ New Anniesland

2nd Round - Saturday 26th October

¼ Finals - Saturday 25th January 2020

Semi Finals - 28th March 2020

Final – Saturday 18th April 2020

National League 2 

1st Half of League Season

Saturday 7th September v Newton Stewart - Home

Saturday 14th September v Peebles - Away

Saturday 21st September v Preston Lodge – Home

Saturday 28th September v Dumfries – Away

Saturday 5th October v Whitecraigs – Home

Saturday 12th October v Gordonians – Away

Saturday 19th October v Kirkcaldy – Away

Saturday 2nd November v Hamilton – Home

Saturday 9th November v Falkirk – Away

Saturday 16th November v Stewarts Melville – Home

Saturday 23nd November v GHK – Away

2nd Half of League Season

Saturday 30th November v Newton Stewart – Away

Saturday 7th December v Peebles – Home

Saturday 14th December v Preston Lodge – Away

Christmas Break

2020

Saturday 11th January v Dumfries – Home

Saturday 18th January v Whitecraigs – Away

Saturday 15th February v Gordonians – Home

Saturday 29th February v Kirkcaldy – Home

Saturday 7th March v Hamilton – Away

Saturday 21st March v Falkirk – Home

Saturday 28th March v Stewarts Melville – Away

Saturday 4th April v GHK – Home

Six Nations

Saturday 1st February v Ireland – Dublin

Saturday 8th February v England – Murrayfield

Saturday 22nd February v Italy - Rome

Sunday 8th March v France – Murrayfield

Saturday 14th March v Wales – Cardiff

Accies complete the Edinburgh 10K for Marie Curie

What a magnificant effort by all concerned!

A group of Accies completed the Edinburgh 10K run on Saturday 25th as part of the effort the Club are making to raise money for Maries Curie.

A BIG thanks must go out to all those who have supported the efforts with sponsorship on the ‘just giving’ site and to Emma Burns for her time and commitment in getting them organised.

They have also done a bucket collection outside Debehams.

Accies retain the Burnbrae Trophy

“Some people will wear anything to stand out!”

West 7’s Tournament 2019

Accies returned to Burnbrae as defending Champions from 2018!

Accies took a strong squad to Burnbrae which was clearly determined to do the Club proud. Hugh Lindsay, our outstand openside flanker, who played such an important part in our success throughout this season, captained the side and had at his disposal a Team Manager of impeccable credentials, Frazer McCready.

So as the tournament got underway Accies took on the 3 other teams in their group and it has to be said that they demonstrated some of the skills that were evident in the second half of the league season.

It has to be said that several of their opponents were surprised at the ability of the Accies players to move the ball into space and therefore create an opportunity to score tries. In the final game of the preliminary rounds I watched a young man playing on the wing who scored 3 tries and on investigation was about to leave the Academy this year, Colin is looking forward to joining the Club – a real prospect!

Clever management of player and substitutions, allowed the squad to be well prepared for the semi-finals.

Now we got down to the serious part of the competition. The semi-finals were about to start and Accies were going to be up against the best teams left in the competition. Was the early comprehensive victories just weakness in the opposition or real skill on the part of the Accies players? Well from the start it was clear that this group of players were well organised and clearly determined to retain the trophy.

Their semi-final was against one of the host sides and after a couple of superb tries it was clear the boys had raise their game. There were some great tries but none more so that a try by Jack McCready when he used his ability to move off either foot and his superb speed to leave the defenders ineffectual and score a superb try. The players worked hard to create space for the quick runners but they also work hard in defence when it was required and gave away very few points.

The manager, Frazer McCready, used every player throughout the tournament to maximise their effectiveness. We were lucky in having  a group of skilful players and they did not rely on one or two individuals to make a difference,

The final was between  what was clearly the two best sides in the tournament, with Wigtonshire having travelled up from the Borders for the occasion and had brought a talent group of players, which included a Hawks second row player.

Accies got off to a perfect start with a well worked try early on, but Wigtonshire were clearly up for the encounter and when an Accies attack broke down and the ball was turned over, Wigtonshire broke through and clear. However Scott Simmons was hunting down the runner and although it looked like a certain try, Scott timed his attack perfectly and he knocked the ball out of his hands just as he was trying to touch it down. Not only that but he got the ball and started the move, from inside his dead ball area that resulted in Accies second try – brilliant work!

This clearly had annoyed the Borderers and again they broke clear and this time made sure the ball was touched down. So it was now 2 tries to one and the tempo was increasing. The Borderers were starting to get frustrated by Accies ability to retain possession and defend in depth, and this was stopping them really getting back into the game.

The second half saw Accies stand-off Chris Rhodes and winger Ruaridh Hood both reading the situation beautifully and a chip ahead was collected by Ruaridh who drew the defender, passed inside to the supporting Ryan Sweeney who then passed it back out for Ruaridh to score. Evidence that Accies had a great team who all had skills so they did not depend on individuals.

Congratulations to all concerned from Manager through Captain Hugh Lindsay to all the players and not to forget the important ‘water boy’ Greg Connelly!

And retain it!!!! Congratulations

Tommy Spinks to join Accies

Tommy Spinks – Coach and Back Row forward    

Accies are delighted to announce that Tommy Spinks is joining Accies as a player coach for season 2019-20.  He will bring with him a great deal of experience, expertise and energy.

Tommy’s amateur career started when he played mini rugby as a 5 years old. By his fourth year of high school at North Berwick he played for the 1st XV. He was spotted by the rugby coach at Fettes College who got him a scholarship there for his final years.

In June 2014 it was announced that he would join Glasgow Warriors as part of their Elite Development Programme and as part of this deal he was able to play for Glasgow Hawks when not involved with the Warriors.

After a stint in Jersey he re-joined the Hawks in 2016.

Tommy’s Professional career started when he sign for London Scottish straight from Fettes College, and during the 2014–15 season he was loaned out to the Ospreys where he played twice in the LV Cup.

He played twice for Glasgow Warriors in the Pro12 league in their championship winning season; both appearances of the bench. On 28 February 2015 he made his debut for Glasgow Warriors away to Munster at Thormond Park. He also appeared in the 6th of March 2015 home match at Scotstoun against Italian side Zebre. He was also part of the Warriors 7s squad that successfully defended the 2015 Melrose Sevens.

On 28 May 2015 it was announced that Tommy would sign for Jersey Rugby Club where he had one season before returning to Glasgow in July 2016.

Tommy’s International career started when he was picked for the Scotland under 18’s which was followed by selection for the under 20’s, which he went on to Captain in the Under 20’s Rugby World Cup in 2014. He has also played for the Scottish Club XV.

Accies run for Marie Curie

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-burns40

Above is the way to log on to help and support the players efforts to raise money for our chosen charity Marie Curie

After a succesful collection day at Debonhams

Ruaridh James Howard Jackson joins Accies coaching team

Ruaridh Jackson, the 31 year old Glasgow Warriors fullback is to join Accies for the 2019-20 season as backs coach.

Ruaridh was born in Northampton and was educated at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen.

He signed for Warriors as a 20 year old in 2008 where he played at stand-off. He made his International debut in 2010 against the All Blacks. He currently has 33 caps.

Besides his first spell at Warriors, he has played for Wasps and Harlequins before returning to Glasgow in 2017 where he has produced some of his best rugby from fullback.

He will bring a vast amount of knowledge and experience to New Anniesland and will be teaming up with his Warriors partner Ryan Grant to make a formidable team.

A warm welcome awaits any player looking for a Club to join.

GLASGOW ACCIES RFC

Club Profile

For over 150 years, The Glasgow Academical Rugby Club 1st XV has been one of the most successful teams within the sports association. Its history is stamped in the annals of Scottish rugby, with its roots in the governing body’s very foundations. 

In recent years, the 1st XV have become a rampant force in Scottish rugby, powering through the leagues at regional and now national level. Promotion in the 2017/18 season has landed the Accies squad in the highly competitive National Division 2.

The Glasgow Accies 2nd XV, or better known as The Bobcats, are a highly sociable squad playing in the very competitive BT West Division 1 Reserve league. The club boasts players of all ages and prides itself on being one of the most welcoming squads in Scottish rugby. 

But it's not just fun & games, The Bobcats play a vital role in the development of the 1st XV, providing young players the perfect breeding ground to learn the game at senior level. 

Teams

Club 1st XV

Coach

Andy Jackson

Ryan Grant - forwards

Ruaridh Jackson – backs

League/Division Season 19/20

National League Division 2

Aspirations

Premiership Champions

Club 2nd XV

Coaches

Stuart Simmers & Frazer McCready

League/Division Season 19/20

West Reserve League Division 1

Aspirations

Competitive, welcoming, sociable rugby

Club Location: Anniesland, Glasgow

Postcode

G13 1RR

Bus Links          

Frequent buses to Anniesland Road (2min walk from club) with routes from all over Glasgow

Train Link

Anniesland Station (5min walk from club)

Jordanhill Station (15min walk from club)

Membership Cost

Full membership: £110 p/a

Student Discount 

Yes - U21/Student: £55 p/a or £5 per month DD

Is training/playing kit included? Yes

All skill levels welcome to push for a place in our competitive 1stXV squad or play in our 2ndXV ‘Bobcats’ squad. All positions needed,game time and stash guaranteed.

To get in touch use the website contact details.

Superb playing surface

A welcoming Clubhouse