NS Shield Match, Sat 6 October

The Collins English dictionary defines rugby as “a form of football played with an oval ball in which the handling and carrying of the ball is permitted”. On a crisp autumnal afternoon in Newton Stewart, this definition was certainly fulfilled.

This was a match that will unlikely go down in annals of history as an epic encounter, however it was certainly a physical contest with NS employing a predictably forward oriented approach which was to prove the decisive factor in their 15 – 11 victory.

Accies would possibly suggest that a hurried warm up resulting from a delayed bus journey may have put them at an early disadvantage, however to credit NS they took the initiative from the kick off and dominated possession and territory in the first quarter. The opening points came for NS in the form of a penalty kick resulting from a period of prolonged pressure on the Accies line. 3 – 0.

Shortly thereafter Jack Walker was required to leave the pitch following a head knock, and was replaced by Accies stalwart Graeme Simpson who was possibly not anticipating such an early involvement. NS then continued to enjoy the majority of possession and around the 30 minute mark, crashed over the Accies whitewash following a serious of pick and go’s deep in the Accies half. 8 – 0.

Accies then seemed to shake themselves off following some stern words from their captain and would have been looking forward to half time at the passing score line. NS had different plans however and shortly before the whistle, extended their lead with a well taken try resulting from a midfield break. Half time, 15 – 0.

This match was never going to be out with the capabilities of the Accies side, and some strong words from the coaching staff at half time roused the Annieslanders into action. This was translated into points early in the second half when Accies opened their account with a penalty kick to take the game to 15 – 3. A NS player was yellow carded as part of the same incident, and Accies were clearly encouraged by this turn of events.

Immediately from the resultant kick off, Accies gathered possession and some direct running and a well timed pass from Ali McLaren led to Robert Beattie crossing over in the corner to take the score to 15 – 8. McLaren missed the conversion however this was excusable given his prior involvement.

The last points of the match were to come around the 50 minute mark when McLaren struck another penalty to bring the score to 15 – 11.

Accies were to rally in the latter stages however the physicality of NS proved insurmountable for the Anniesland side who will no doubt be disappointed with the outcome given the opportunities that were presented throughout the game.

Accies play host to East Kilbride next week where they will be seeking to pick up some much needed points in a season which is still waiting to get started for them.

This article was posted on 8-Oct-2012, 12:15 by Hugh Barrow.