Match Report: Glasgow Accies 26 VS 26 Whitecraigs (03/11/18)

This was a very impressive performance from Accies, playing the biggest side we have faced for some seasons. It was clear from watching the opposition arriving that this was going to be a tough day. Could it be that the quality of diet is better in the South side of the city? However the sun was warm in the sky and there was a good atmosphere around New Anniesland, which was in its usual glorious condition.. 

As I have said Whitecraigs pack looked enormous as they arrived at New Anniesland and they had a few backs that looked as if they could play in the back row. So this reporter was, shall we say, concerned that this was going to be a big task for Accies and in particular for the forwards. Well within no time at all it was clear that the Accies pack was clearly the better unit and were dominating the set piece and disrupting their line-out.

Their big forwards were difficult to stop in the loose but Accies were not looking vulnerable. The backs were tackling well and the team looked well drilled and organised, which is a great compliment to the coaching team. It was after a solid period when Accies had been camped inside Whitecraigs half and after some great carrying from the forwards that quick ball was pounced on by scrum half, Adam Lowry, who released the players on the blind side and some superb handling and soft quick hands from 3 players, forwards and backs, released Kris Mathie to cross for the first try. A difficult conversion missed but Accies were certainly on top and looking in control at 5 – 0.

Whitecraigs are a good side that has been in National 2 for several years and are well drilled and coached. Their exceptionally large forwards were carrying well and proving difficult to put down. They demonstrated their abilities when with good carrying from their large forwards they worked themselves deep into Accies half and quick ball released the backs and Kris Mathie was faced with a 2 on 1 situation which he coped with superbly and managed to stop the move and then turn the ball over and Accies managed to clear the danger, finally with a superb kick from Cammy Wray. This was one of the few times that Whitecraigs had been in Accies 22 during the first 40 minutes and it was very much against the run of play that in the final minutes of the half that Whitecraigs got themselves into Accies 22 and from some work from their forwards score. This was converted from the touch line and so they went into half-time 5 - 7 ahead.

Half-time 5 – 7

Whitecraigs kicked off and Accies collected the ball and with a couple of strong carries they got the ball to the halfway line and Scott Briggs then burst onto the scene and with an incredible piece of hard running broke several tackles and beat two of the last defenders to score under the posts, a superb individual try. Gordon McGuire converted to take Accies into a 5 point lead at 12 – 7.

But this Whitecraigs side are experienced and always putting their opponents under pressure with hard running and heavy forwards. It was almost inevitable that a couple of missed tackles saw them take full advantage and they found their chance out wide on the right to level the score and with a superb conversion from wide out they took the lead again at 12 – 14. It now looked as if this was not going to be Accies day, but no one had told the Accies pack and with great work they faught themselves inside the opponents 22 and from a well-controlled line out the ensuing maul saw the ball moved to Ryan Sweeney who was not going to be denied. Another successful conversion from Gordon McGuire saw Accies ahead once again at 19 – 14. Surely this would now be consolidated and Accies could run out justified winners. Well from a scrum that Accies were dominating, it was wheeled through 90 degrees and as the ball popped out it landed in the hands of their back row forward and he took full advantage of this good luck and suddenly Whitecraigs were over under the posts and yes the conversion put them ahead 21 – 19.

It did seem that the rugby gods were working to deny Accies their deserved win but then Kris Mathie following up a kick ahead collected the bouncing ball to race past the final defenders to once again score under the posts, conversion put Accies 26 – 21 ahead. With only minutes left was this going to be the try that brought justice to the score line? Accies had dominated most of this game and really were due a victory but yes, Whitecraigs made the most of a messy situation and after Accies looked tired they  missed a couple tackles allowing Whitecraigs to scored far out on the right. This conversion was missed and the teams were tied at 26 – 26.

The final whistle was blown and despite a herculean effort from Accies, which was worthy of a victory the players had proved that they are capable of moving forward from here.

Full-time 26 – 26

Accies performances over the past few weeks have demonstrated that this is a team capable of winning a lot of games and despite the injury list, still being too long, this squad of players that were playing at New Anniesland today, demonstrated that they are developing into a very good side. There is a very tough game next week against top of the table Biggar, away, and then two home games against Highland and Lasswade, I am sure the coaches will be greatly encouraged by today’s performance and their prospects for the upcoming games.

Each game sees an improvement in this side and once they get into an injury free run then it is this reporter’s view that wins will come and an improvement in our league position will ensue. 

Match Report: Falkirk 20 VS 19 Glasgow Accies (29/09/19)

On a cold and windy day Accies kicked off playing into a stiff wind blowing straight down the pitch. On top early on Accies were suffering in the conditions with a creasy ball and this was allowing Falkirk to stay with them giving them an opportunity to kick with the wind. From early on it was clear that Accies pack were on top, they were putting real pressure at the scrums and were stealing line out ball regularly. Their defence was also greatly improved and it was only after an easy made mistake that Falkirk took full advantage of the scrum in the middle of the pitch, on halfway, and from a quick heal the ball was released to probably the most dangerous player on the field, Falkirk’s strong and fast fullback and he, along with the right winger, beat the cover defence to add to the successful penalty, they had converted two minutes earlier, to score. Their scrum half proved to be a very good kicker who converted from out to the right to make the score 0 – 10.

Accies were clearly not unsettled by this and reasserted their dominance up front and it was only some handling errors that were stalling Accies effort and allowing this very experienced Falkirk side to keep Accies inside their own half for much of the 1st half. This is the 5th game of the season and we are still waiting to see the same 15 taking the pitch. This does create problems for the flow that a side needs and on Saturday the new back division that only had one training session together, that was struggling in these tough conditions. Individually they were giving it everything they could and showing what good players they are but, unsurprisingly, they were finding it difficult to combine as a unit. 

However it was after a good simple flowing movement with backs and forwards, that took the game into the Falkirk 22 and when the ball was shifted again, after the initial movement was stopped, that a high tackle stopped Accies scoring and the referee immediately awarded a penalty try and yellow carded the guilty Falkirk player. The score was now 7 – 10 and it was anyone’s game to win. This gave a boost to Accies and they were clearly well in this game despite the strong wind in their faces. However another kick into Accies 22 from Falkirk resulted in a ruck where the referee deemed that Accies fullback Kris Mathie had held onto the ball, which it has to be said was a very tough call. Falkirk’s reliable kicker made no mistake with the simple kick.

Half – time 7 – 13

The second half kick-off and Falkirk were clearly looking for a quick start. However today the Accies defence was superb and the pack were well on top. I would say this was an unusual game in that it was the very hard running, well drilled Falkirk back division who were keeping their team in the match despite their pack getting a lesson in the tight. Their half-backs had used the wind well in the first half and were using what little ball their pack were supplying to good use against the wind. Accies forwards were driving their opponents off the ball at the scrums and disrupting their opponents line out and it was from superb maul ball it was moved to the blind side and a superb sprint home from Jack McCready saw him crossed the line, out wide on the right. Tough conversion missed so Accies were now only 1 point behind their opponents, and looking very capable of scoring again.   12 - 13 

The travelling support were now thinking that this could be our day, but a couple of simple mistakes allowed Falkirk into Accies 22 and some good back play saw the ball in the hands of their hard running centre who scampered over to the right of the posts and the inevitably successful conversion saw the difference go back to an 8 point lead    12 – 20.

With only 15 minutes of the game remaining it was Accies who were still working very hard for the result. From a period of great work by the ball carrying forwards it was the superb Erland Oag who ran a clever line in the centre and showing real determination and strength broke the first line of defence and scampered clear. Despite several desperate attempts to stop him he was not going to be deprived of his try, which was just to the right of the posts and this time Cammy Wray’s conversion was successful and it brought Accies once again to within 1 point at 19 – 20.

Could Accies do it and score something in the final 5 minutes? Despite some great effort and pressure on the Falkirk line they came away with nothing. It was not to be and to add insult to injury young Harry Briggs was knocked out as he attempted to carry the ball over the line but was tackled just short and in the ensuing ruck received a kick to the head. Having been out cold for a few minutes there was no question but he had to go to hospital, a sad end for a player who gave everything, as usual, to the cause.

Full-time 19 - 20

So the final whistle was blown and a game that Accies could well have won was lost and they only had 1 point for all their terrific efforts. There are some seriously good areas of the game for Accies to look at, with their pack showing signs of developing into a very good unit and a half back partnership that could really get the side into winning mode. Individually the backs look strong and determined but just need a little longer working together. So this side has had a truly difficult start to the season, with an unfair number of injuries and players unavailable, but there are positive signs and they have a great deal to build on. Next week sees Whitecraigs visit New Anniesland and I am sure the coaches and players will be up to turn things around. 

Match report: Glasgow Accies 40 VS 31 Howe of Fife (22/09/18)

Accies players arrived at NA knowing that they really needed a win to get their season back on track and that Howe of Fife were in exactly the same position. Two teams that were desperate for points and clearly able to play attacking rugby, if results and points for were any guide.

It was however Accies who appeared to be suffering from early nerves with some hesitant tackling and poor kicking, however they settled themselves and after some really good work by the forwards and control from the half backs, Ryan Sweeney found a gap and opened the scoring. After an unsuccessful conversion Accies were 5 - 0 ahead. 

From the kick off Accies recycled the ball and it was moved wide and Wray, the young stand-off who was demonstrated some great vision,  made half a break and sent an inside pass, reminiscent of Carter in the World Cup against France, to the supporting forwards. This launched a superb series of runs and off loads between forwards and backs with full-back Mathie finishing off the move for the try. A real reminder of last season rugby and with the successful conversion by Wray,  Accies were 12 – 0 ahead.

Accies were clearly now gaining confidence and moving around the park with real purpose and direction. Forwards pressurising their opponents and the backs creating space, and it was from a superb long pass by Wray where he missed out two players to put Mathie clear to cross for his second try on his return from injury. Another successful conversion saw Accies increase their lead to 19 – 0.

Howe are a skilful team with some strong carrying forwards and hard running backs. They also have a young scrum-half who exploited some lazy play from Accies when he took a quick penalty which sucked in the home defence and then moved the ball wide for their wing forward to score wide out on the right which was brilliantly converted to make the score 19 – 7.

Accies were stung by this and Howe took full advantage of some poor defence and once again from a sharply taken penalty they broke through and scored their second try, again converted to make the score 19 – 14.

So suddenly from cruising at 19 – 0 and looking very strong Accies had allowed their opponents back into the game and were now only 4 points ahead and looking very unsure. Could they just hold out to half time and regroup as there was only a few minutes remaining? Howe had very different ideas and yes, would you believe it, from another quickly taken penalty their number 8 romped home to level the scores but another successful conversion put them 2 points clear at 19 – 21. The crowd were expecting the whistle for half time and how disappointing it would be to go into the second half down after their great start. But Accies showed great attitude and with only seconds on the clock they were awarded a penalty, from the restart and put the kick inside the Howe 22 and from the ensuing lineout and good work from the forwards, they recycled ball, scrum half Lowry saw our prop Goodfellow clear on the right and a superb pass released the prop to cross for the last move of the first half and with the conversion saw Accies 26 – 21 ahead.

Half – time 26 – 21

It is always felt that to score just before the end of the first half is a real confidence boost and with Howe having seemingly achieved this for it to be snatched away by Accies last second try it was unclear who would feel better.

Howe certainly came out of the traps with real determination and their big carrying forwards were giving Accies defence a real test. It was also clear that Accies defence had been tightened up and their commitment was equal to the task. Accies had been inside their own half for some considerable time but a superb break by Chris Woods took him inside Howe’s half  from just outside his 22, he then noticed the supporting Scot Simmons who raced the final 35 metres through two desperate tacklers to score under the posts, just reward for a hard working centre and the successful conversion made the score 31 – 21.

Accies were committing to many infringements and the penalty count was getting Accies close to a yellow card. Part of the problem was that Accies were trying to tackle man and ball and a slight misjudgement meant the awarding of a penalty for a high tackle. This was keeping Accies inside their half as the Howe stand-off was a very good kicker. Equally Accies forwards were stealing lineout ball and the backs were running back at Howe with determination. The game was still either side’s to win but Accies had control of the scrums throughout this game, credit to forwards coach Ryan Grant, and after Accies had knocked on 15 metres from the opposition line the resultant scrum was driven back by the Accies pack and the ball popped out from the side of their pack and it was pounced on by blind side wing forward Greg Valentine who sent Sweeney clear to score his second try. Jack McCready was successful with his conversion, having taken over from the substituted Cammy Wray.  So Accies supporters were feeling a little more relaxed as the score had moved out to 40 -21.

However, Accies second row player, Kane Greggain saw a teammate in a a stramash and entered the fray, unfortunately landing a blow on one of the opposition and the referee had no option but issue a red card. This motivated Howe and demoralise Accies and with the final 10 minutes of the match still to be played, Howe managed to break Accies defence and scored a long range try and although the conversion was missed they had narrowed the gap to 40 – 26.

Still no cause for concerned but Howe’s coach clearly saw the chance for Howe to get to within 7 points and get 2 points out of the game. With only seconds left on the clock Howe’s left winger race clear of the defence from inside his half and managed to squeeze over in the corner to make the score  40 – 31.

Full – time 40 – 31

This was a really entertaining game for all the supporters who had turned out on this beautiful autumn day. Accies showed that they have the playing depth to play some terrific and exciting rugby; despite their current injury issues and Howe of Fife have a team that deserves to be successful as they play flowing and attractive rugby. 

For all the loyal Accies support Saturday was a reward for their patience and, despite testing their nerves, I think the team demonstrated that they are a good side with the skills to play some superb rugby. There is some hard work still to do, as once again they gave away tries in two short periods in both halves. I am sure the coaches will be working hard to avoid this against Falkirk next week through at Falkirk. 

A Great Win At Murrayfield Secures Promotion

This game meant an immense amount to both teams, Accies were sitting on 83 points and Murrayfield Wanderers were sitting on 80, so a win for MW would have put them in contention for promotion and a win would put Accies in the driving seat. A 5 point bonus win was a guarantee of promotion but the record shows that MW had only lost one game this season and that was to Highland by two points. So, with the backdrop of Murrayfield Stadium and the sun shining, the spectators took up their positions. There was a palpable sense of anticipating of a tight and exciting game.

So the scene was set and both sides looked well up for the contest as they took to the field. It was Accies who came out of the blocks fastest with a crunching tackle by Hugh Lindsay from the kick off the attitude was set. The backs flowed from the first series of passing moves and the whole pack looked lively. Within the first 5 minutes Accies forced a scrum in the middle of the pitch on the MW 22. A strong scrum moved slightly clockwise and Hugh Lindsay picked and made the opposition defence hesitate which allowed Josh Waldin enough room to steady the last two defenders and scamper between them for the first try, out on the left.

With the tricky wind making kicking difficult Jamie Loomes missed the difficult conversion                                   5 – 0

For the next 15 minutes the two sides were fairly evenly matched, however it has to be said that whilst Accies were regularly breaking MW first up tackles it was the opposite for MW. So the majority of this period was being played in the MW half of the pitch. Accies came close to scoring a couple of time but an impressive breakout by MW took play just inside Accies territory. A penalty was pushed into the danger zone and after a couple of charges they were awarded a scrum. It was well controlled and a quick pass from their talented no9 saw their equally talented 10 in a small amount of pace, but he produced one of the best side-steps I have witnessed this season, reminiscent of Australian Nick Beale, and romped past the defence for their first try.

He converted his own try from just to the right of the posts       5 – 7

So Accies did exactly what all good teams do after losing a try and virtually from the kick-off they forced their way in the MW 22. A couple of superb drives from the forwards which produced good quality, quick, ball which was transferred along the line and Ross Cowan, now firing on all cylinders, beat several covering defenders to score out wide on the left.

A magnificent touchline conversion by Jamie Loomes made it       12 – 7

From the restart Accies were, once again, pressing and giving their opponents no time either on the ball or in defence, however a loose pass just inside the MW 22 saw the ball land beautifully for their exceptionally fast winger who romped the 75 metres to the posts. MW are clearly a side that can score tries from close and long range.

Easy conversion and Accies are behind again                12 – 14

This was the last time that Accies looked like losing this game and with 35 minutes on the clock the forwards decided to take a bit of a grip on the game. After a couple of penalties and solid forward drives a third penalty saw the line-out on the five metre line and no team were going to stop the drive and try, great forwards work.

This time it was out wide on the right and with the wind in his face Jamie Loomes hit a perfect conversion                                        19 – 14

There were only 5 minutes of the first half left but Accies weren’t finished. They again attacked from a very good restart. Ryan drove the ball back at MW and some great work from the backs saw the play move back into opposition territory. Accies were in control of line-outs and scrums and were working the ball across the artificial pitch with style. Eventually they were awarded a penalty just under the posts and with no time on the clock – ‘take the 3 points’ was the cry from some sections of the crowd. Captain CJ decided on a scrum and to the delight of the travelling support proceeded to drive their opponents over the line for Hugh Lindsay to drop on the ball and score.

Easy conversion for Jamie Loomes, this time           26 – 14

With the conversion today’s excellent referee Calum Lazenby, who had a very good day with the whistle, blew for half-time.

Half-time   26 – 14

The game clearly still had to be won as MW got the second half with a kick off deep into Accies 22. This was secured, recycled and the ball cleared into touch. I think the general feeling was that whilst Accies were on top any slip-up would cost them and their slender lead would be in danger. But Accies, again using the game plan of flowing 15 man rugby, were soon inside MW 22 and great worked produced a very well deserved try for the indomitable PJ Rankin.

Again from the touchline, Mr Metronome, Jamie Loomes slotted the very difficult conversion                                    33 – 14

This was proving to be the performance of the season and after another 5 minutes of real pressure, quality rugby, Accies were awarded a penalty in front of the post, and this time Captain CJ decided 3 points would put added pressure on the opposition – Jamie duly converted         36 – 14

Accies were now rampant and running at their opponents with confidence and accuracy. From some hard won possession MW kicked for territory but it was collected by one of this seasons outstanding players, Kris Mathie, he had Ross Cowan scampering up on his flank, he sold a dummy of such superb quality, that most of the opposition and crowd were now looking at Ross, and wondering what he had done with the ball. This opened up the gap Kris required and he broke clear and was running clear. The cover defence got to him and he offloaded to Ross, who was now again on his shoulder, to romp in from 10 metres. Great try and a real feature of this seasons style of rugby.

Once again, Jamie converted from relatively wide out           43 – 14

Perhaps a little bit of over confidence or more likely a determination from MW not to lie down, saw them work the ball into Accies 22 and from some hard driving forward moves they finally broke the Accies defence.

Another good conversion from their No10                 43 – 21

Would MW make a comeback, there was still 20 minutes to go but it would require a monumental effort on their part as Accies were clearly not prepared to take a step back. Hugh Lindsay was substituted after a second head knock and Kane Greggain joined the fray. This did not disrupt the teams flow in any way. Neither did the introduction of Adam Lowrie, Chris Nilserius and Harry Walker. It is clear that training involves every player and they all know how the coaches want them to play. So Accies were back on the attack but a couple of penalties saw them pegged back inside their 22.

This time, when the forwards secured good possession inside their 22, Jamie Loomes clearly saw the potential and the ball was moved wide to Ross Cowan, he ghosted outside the first defender which saw him clear and the cover defence was never going to be quick enough to stop him and off he scampered, running the full length of the park, leaving desperate defenders in his wake to score a typical Ross Cowan try.

Yes, Mr Consistent converted from wide out, as I think RC had run out of steam and had touched down early                     50 – 21

Clearly the game was won but Accies were not going to take their foot off ‘the peddle’ today. They were keeping their intensity up and focus clear. They worked themselves well into MW 22 but a knock on allowed them time to re-group. Some good ball handling and running took them up to half–way. Accies were still putting every ball carrier under pressure and from a rather lose and tired kick, Kane Greggain picked the ball up off his toes on Accies 10 metre line, like any good player should, and carried it into enemy territory. As he was about to be tackled he off-loaded to one of the support players who gave a superb pass to, man of the match, Greg Valentine, who broke two tackles as he scampered into MW 22 and when he was stopped 10 metres short a beautiful off load saw Scott Simmonds in support to score the final try of the match

And yes, this was Jamie Loomes kicking performance of the season  57 – 21

After another two or three skirmish the referee blew for full-time and Accies were promoted, a brilliant effort from every player in the club and all the coaches. It takes far more than 15 players to achieve what has been done this season.

FULL-TIME 57 – 21

Despite a couple of below par games this season, this team have been a credit to themselves and their coaches. I know I am always going on about it but I believe the terrific number of supporters both last week at New Anniesland and even more today at Murrayfield, must have seen what it means to all the players to hear the volume coming from their supporters. I also believe they are a team that play a brand of rugby that is both entertaining and a credit to the ethos of Glasgow Accies rugby. We will be playing in the third tier of Scottish amateur rugby next season and the players are proud that this has been achieved without looking outside Scotland for recruits, buying in or paying any player.