GHK 8 – 29 Edinburgh Accies

Cup fever gripped Old Anniesland this week with GHK playing hosts to Premier two high flyers Edinburgh Accies, a full 7 divisions above GHK in the Scottish Rugby mix. The main pitch at Old Anniesland was the stage for what was a thoroughly entertaining match to which the Accies coach, Ian Barnes, stated after the game that the score line had flattered his side.

GHK were without second row Neil Gilmartin and openside Fraser McKinven from the pack but Nick Cram and Dave Fearnley deputised. In the backline, Stuart Hunter was welcomed back after injury and played at centre with Chuck McIllroy starting at fullback.

An excellent weeks training had put GHK in a strong frame of mind going into the game and the knowledge that they were pitting their wits and skills against a team who enjoyed playing a similar brand of rugby, had the players, coaches and committee in hopeful mood of causing an upset.

From the kick off, it was clear that Accies wanted to put a couple of quick scores on the board using their bigger pack and within the first 5mins drove over from a lineout which they caught and drove. GHK got wise to this tactic and managed to repel a couple of repeat attacks and went on the attack themselves and showed Accies that they were not going to lie down. For the next 20 minutes Accies hardly saw any of the ball as GHK showed that their attacking flair cannot only rip apart National 5 teams, but can cut through premier 2 teams as well. Chuck McIllroy, Andy McTavish and Colin Donald were making breaks and but for some excellent cover tackling and some unlucky handling errors GHK would have drawn level.

The Accies defence was targeting GHK captain Olly Jones but the midfield playmaker called a training ground move off an attacking lineout and took the ball to the line and as the Accies defenders went for him, he put Dave Fearnley through a massive hole in midfield, he linked with Stuart Pollok and Nick Cram but handling errors let this promising attack falter.

GHK were playing their usual style of rugby throughout the game and decided to run from their own try line when the better option would have been to clear their lines, but the coaches have always encouraged the players to playing attacking, running rugby and it usually pays off but a turnover whilst GHK were attacking was moved wide to the wing and the Accies flyer managed to step inside two tackles to go over for a converted try on the left handside.

A penalty in the Accies half allowed them to kick deep into GHK territory and a ricochet at the lineout luckily found its way to an Accies player who reacted quickest to the ball and dashed over for a converted try. The score was totally against the run off play and GHK again went on the attack with the coaches words ringing in their ears that Accies did not deserve that try. GHK pressure lead to penalty was awarded 30 metres out and Jamie Millan knocked it over to get the hosts on the score sheet.
The half finished with GHK on the attack once more but more errors from the home side kept the score at 3-19.

GHK made some changes at the half bringing on Chas McFarlane at scrum half, Alex McLemon in the middle row and Ali Smeaton in the centre. The half started with Accies looking to dominate up front, a game plan that looks like coming from their coaches. Accies were putting pressure on the home line but the GHK defence was outstanding and some notable tackles from Colin Donald, Dave Fearnley and Chas McFarlane held the attacks out. One massive defensive effort came after a prolonged period of pressure but Stuart Pollok turned the attacker virtually on the line and forced the penalty from which Millan was able to clear his lines.

The game was pretty even in the middle period of the second half with defences on top. Unfortunately young GHK middle row Scott Ferguson had to be carried off with a leg injury, which was a shame as the former Kelvinside pupil was having a very strong game, whilst the game was stopped for the injury, the crowd were kept entertained with some impressive one handed pushups from the skipper.

GHK were throwing everything at Accies but their defence held firm. Accies did not look like scoring until a GHK mistake allowed them over. An intercept from the right winger after a poor pass allowed the speed man to sprint over from half way. Minutes later GHK had a penalty and tapped and went but once again a handling error went to ground and the same winger kicked ahead and won the race for the touchdown. GHK were gutted that it was only their own mistakes that let Accies over the line in the second period.


GHK were on their own 5m line and had a lineout, Chas McFarlane made a break through the middle of the forwards and linked with Pollok who offloaded in the tackle to Gordy Reid who set up ball on half way. The quick ball from the ruck was moved wide well by Ali Smeaton to Stuart Hunter who burst away down the line only to be tackled but kept the ball alive to Colin Donald who managed to hold off the attempted tackles as he ran down the line and fed inside to Ali Forbes who dived over for the best try of the game. A move that went from one line to another involving so many players against one of the best teams in Scotland had the crowd, coaches, committee and players jumping for joy.

The game finished with GHK on the attack but no more scores came their way. Everyone at Old Anniesland were extremely proud of the home teams performance and it again proved that GHK are misplaced being in National league 5. GHK now enter the plate competition with the draw still to be made but next weekend they return to league business against 3rd placed Cumbernauld at home, kick off 2pm.

GHK team: McIllroy, Love, Jones, Hunter, McTavish, Millan, Rand, Forbes, Lohar, Welsh, Cram, Ferguson, Donald, Fearnley, Pollock, Reid, McFarlane, Mclemon, Smeaton
GHK man of the match – Dave Fearnley

This article was posted on 6-Dec-2005, 10:44 by Hugh Barrow.