New post on Glasgow Accies Rugby Club


Killie Match Report: Oh, Yes – he’s back!!
by Webmaster
Mathew Pryderi Pritchard was born on 30th March 1973. Those more “mature” Academicals amongst us (of which there are many) will likely be unaware of this skateboard wielding, testicle piercing, vomit drinking Welshman. Some of the younger set may however be aware that “Pritchard” was the co-founder of hit MTV series Dirty Sanchez, and as the above dates will allude to, celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday. Now, one would be forgiven for questioning the relevance of the above information however allow me to highlight the glaringly obvious. One of Pritchard’s most popular stunts is to be run over by a car travelling at 40mph. Could it not be considered ironic then that on the day of his 40th birthday, Accies were to put 40 points past Kilmarnock in a match which will surely go down as a car crash for the visitors? Could it?........probably not.

And so here we were. Another fine spring afternoon. Two closely matched sides taking to the New Anniesland turf. Separated in stature by a mere handful of league points, and in geographical terms by a mere dash down the M77 (take the second left at the Grassyards Interchange onto the B7082, at the next roundabout take 2nd exit onto Strawberrybank Road). A healthy home support had managed to shuffle their way to the sidelines with drinks in hand, and the scene was set.

Kilmarnock have proved a sticking point for Accies over the last few years and players mum’s favourite Beaver “Andrew” Jackson was eager to get his men off to a good start. How fitting it was then that it was he who took the first try, taking a long pass from R Beattie and carrying two defenders with him over the line. 7 - 0.

Sparked into action, the East Ayrshirers were to respond almost immediately (in the 5th minute) with some strong midfield running which has become a hallmark of their play in recent seasons. Moving the ball across the pitch, the Killy 12 identified a glaring hole in the Accies backline and simply put the foot down to power in from 40 metres. 7 - 7.

Following a mildly embarrassing pause in proceedings while a match ball was sourced from the clubhouse, we were back into the action. The visitors had clearly come to throw the ball around, and only 3 minutes after their initial foray, the Killy number 11 was sent on a 60m dash up the wing following some slick hands in the midfield. Showing true intuition, the Killy 12 followed his comrade into the Accies 22, where he received a return pass and crossed over for his second try. 7 - 14.

Accies were to answer back with a period of sustained pressure in the visitor’s 22, however were unable to come away with anything for their troubles. It was to be Killy again showing the Annieslanders a thing or two about running rugby when, in the 20th minute, their talismanic 12 was to once again slice through the midfield and head for the right hand corner. Aging beauty (and soon to be father of two) Chris Hamilton was to make a try saving tackle, however Killy were there in numbers and their outside centre received a pop pass from the deck to crash over for another score. 7 - 21.

Despite some enterprising play from both sides, it was unquestionably the West-Galstoners who were making the most of their opportunities. Keeping Accies pinned back on their try line, the home side had no option than to hoof the ball clear. A slightly wayward kick was however collected by the Killy number 15, and following some direct running and accurate handling, the visitors crossed over once more, courtesy of their left winger. 7 - 28.

The home support was already turning to thoughts of what soup Irene would be dishing up, and will there be enough loo roll left at half time, when, with the flood gates now well and truly open, Killy were to cross over the Accies whitewash once more. Showing some impressive phase play and ball retention, the visitors worked their way deep into the Accies 22 where their number 11 once more cut a line which proved too hot to handle. 7 - 35.

Not to name and shame, however it is rumoured that certain members of the home support had already fled the scene of the crime prior to the half time whistle. It is surely not illogical to assume that if one team can score a given number of points in one half of a rugby game, then the other team can do similar? The New Annieslanders were clearly familiar with this advanced mathematical theory, and in the final play of the half, that man R Beattie made a 50m dash down the blind side, and skipped past two defenders to ignite a flame of hope that would burn brightly into the second half (Note: Glasgow Academicals Sports Club will not accept any liability for damage resulting from naked flames on the premises).

Half time score, 14 - 35.

This scribe retired to the clubhouse at half time to investigate the loo roll situation and as such cannot comment with any degree of certainty as to what transpired in the half time huddle. Given what we were about to witness in the second half however, Messrs Wilson and Beattie were confident that their team could build upon Beattie Jnr’s try, and pose a meaningful threat in the second half.

And so with Anniesland spirits lifted, we were into the second half, and within 3 minutes Accies hit back with another score. Ball handling has been a focus of recent training sessions, and Accies were beginning to move the ball across the park with real effect. The north-siders mounted an attack up the right flank which was thwarted only yards from the Killy line. Moving the ball back across field, it was of course R Beattie esq who showed some quick feet to skip around the last defender and round under the posts. 21 - 35.

The next try came within minutes and followed very similar lines. With a realisation that this game was no longer out of sight, and with Killy beginning to show signs of fatigue in the forward pack, Accies continued to dominate possession and territory in equal measure. A series of rucks in the midfield led to the ball being fed down the blind side. Some very quick hands from hockey favourite A Jackson, left young winger Jamie Watson with some room down the right hand channel. Showing some serious pace and desire, young Watson took his chance and crashed over in the corner. 26 - 35.

This article was posted on 31-Mar-2013, 17:18 by Hugh Barrow.