Dear Diary,

On Saturday I went to Anniesland to watch the 2nd XV played at home against Annan 2nd XV. The sky was overcast and, following recent steady rainfall, the pitch was scattered with patches of mud, which necessitated many scrummages being moved sideways to drier sections. GHK suffered a heavy defeat to Annan at the start of the season but the boys were definitely up for it on this outing, far more than last week away to Newton Stewart.


Following early GHK pressure Bill Criggie slotted a penalty, awarded for off-side at a ruck. Annan responded with a midfield surge but on one of the few occasions in the match when they released their backs, a sloppy pass was intercepted by Colin McGonnigle who strolled 70 metres to touch down under the posts. McGonnigle certainly looked more of a full back this week and perhaps this should be his position, as it opens up better running lines for his pace to exploit. The GHK forwards operated well as a pack, with great mobility to and commitment at the breakdown. The front row were under pressure from a huge Annan trio, but stuck to the task well.


The score at half-time was 22-0 but following the second half collapse last week, one felt the game was not yet won. However, the GHK stamina held, because so many had been at training, according to the 1st XV coach. He would be well served in taking time out to see the quality of play exhibited in the 2nd XV, what with playing and winning against all those teams who have 1st XVs in National League 4, 3 and even 1. Maybe next week at Strathendrick, with both teams there, will be his opportunity.


The weakest part of the GHK game plan is the line-out, where week after week there is a struggle to retain possession, and this occasion was no different. If the throwers, jumpers and supporters managed to attend just a few training sessions together one feels this deficit could be corrected.


McGonnigle scored another try, and was joined by S. Burleigh and Macrae. It is worth recording the rare event of Bill Criggie missing a conversion attempt. Also worthy of recording was the skilful and physical impact made by the introduction of Scott Burliegh’s younger brother late in the game. Annan must have been heartened by voluntary departure of one of our star men, only to come up against a replacement stand off half with such a formidable physical presence. In addition Higgins certainly adds steel to the midfield, and with the pace of McDermid outside, the backs appear itching to play on a wide, flat pitch. Overall, it was difficult to declare a man of the match, as the team functioned so well as a unit.


Following the second incidence of high tackling by an Annan player Alex Siddell took the law into his own hands after the referee had blown, and the penalty was reversed. I understand that he is in some sort of armed force; discipline, Siddell, discipline!


When Annan eventually scored it was from a pass that went forward by at least six inches. The referee later confessed to me that he had detected it, but did not feel that making that call would benefit the remainder of the match, as he had blown so frequently for off-side and illegal use of hands in rucks, that he feared he might be accused of bias. Annan certainly did seem surprised by a referee at least attempting to impose off-side lines, but GHK benefited from the lessons learned in this regard last week. In addition the referee revealed that he had continually considered yellow-carding the Annan hooker for persistent infringement. Arguably, had he done so, this would have benefited Annan, due to the ground they lost through the hooker’s misdemeanours.


The team was McGonnigle, Christie, MacRae, Higgins, McDermid, Criggie, R. Johnston, Siddell, Carlin, Moscrop, Fuchs, Watson, S. Burleigh, Gribben, Graydon. Substitutes F. Johnston, Taylor, Makusha, Lewis, Another Burleigh. (Any errors please tell me next week, signed Alex).


The referee was McNair from Glasgow Hawks and touch judge the injured forward Neilson.


Played ten won six. Next week, Strathendrick away, kick-off 14.00 hours. I understand many of our supporters live in that general area and I hope they will all turn out to support the team.

This article was posted on 13-Dec-2005, 09:08 by Hugh Barrow.