Match Report Sat. 28 Sept…Glasgow Accies FC .. vs .. Irvine RFC

This scribe left New Anniesland a happy man after watching the youngsters of Accies taking on the experienced top of the table men of Irvine, and producing a performance of real commitment and skill, to record an awesome win!

Summer returned to Anniesland with warm sunshine and a beautiful pitch. How fortunate we are to have Robert Cheape and his outstanding team of groundsmen. The home support were all anticipating an exciting game between the young and exciting Accies, and what looked like a very strong and well organised Irvine team, sitting comfortably as league leaders, having played 4, won 4, with 172 points to their credit, and only 42 against. – Could Accies possibly tame the League leaders?

Your scribe has to admit that having watched a very polished and organised Irvine side going through their warm up routine, … were we in for a really tough game?

Irvine kicked off, and for some minutes, play remained in the middle of the pitch with neither side really taking the advantage. The ball broke from a ruck and was in the hands of Accies front row stalwart, Elliott McLaren, in what should have been the scrum halves position, and he started off on one of his runs, which we have all now come to enjoy! With the experienced Craig Wright in support of the break, and seeing a possible opportunity available, he shouted for the ‘kick through’ (realising Elliott’s kicking skills !!) which the powering prop duly obliged with, … and Craig, running at his astonishing speed, closed in on the flight of the ball, thinking for a minute that he would have to let it bounce, but quickly realised that he could take it on the full, which he did, and raced all the way to the line for a brilliant unconverted try. Score 5-0

Irvine are not top of the table for nothing and worked hard with some clever rugby to get themselves back into Accies 22 where their talented stand off converted a penalty to make it 5-3. This was followed within 6 minutes by another penalty duly converted to make the score 5-6.

Accies re-focused, and started to get back to their game plan, but despite some good team work between the backs and forwards were still playing rugby in their own half. Once again some loose play by Irvine presented the talented Accies fullback Ross Cowan with the ball on his own 10 metre line, and he quickly saw the opportunity to ‘break’, and with amazing skill, he beat several Irvine defenders to romp home under the posts for a spectacular individual try, duly converted by Stewart Seaton. It was, indeed, a joy to spy a parent’s pride of our new full-back, … a product of Kelvinside Academy. Score 12-6

It must be said that new coach, John Couper, has the respect of his young protégés, having coached many of them through the ranks to Hawks u/18’s level last season. They enjoy playing for John, and for each other. This enthusiasm, blended with the quality of Accies seasoned players is clear evidence that Anniesland rugby can flourish, when, at the same time, we see the young Beattie brothers, Kenny and Robert, making their way over the fence into the Hawks fold.

As expected, Irvine are not a team to lie down, and they did come back at Accies, and were soon inside the home 22, and putting real pressure on the Accies line, which was eventually crossed by the dynamic Irvine No8, for a well-earned try. A superb conversion from the touch line gave the visitors the lead. Score 12-13

Accies worked hard from the kick off and put themselves inside the visitors 22 and produced a concerted period of pressure which resulted in a penalty in front of the posts which was duly converted by no.10 Stewart Seaton. Half-time … 15-13

There was a real feeling of anticipation amongst the Accies support, that their team were playing a quality of rugby that could well produce a victory which many at the kick-off might not have expected!

The second half started with some indifferent rugby, but Accies were working hard to keep pressure on the Irvine boys, and from a ruck ball just inside Irvine territory, the ball was passed from Accies ever exciting scrum half Ben Young to his no. 10, Stewart Seaton, who broke through a gap in the Irvine defence and weaved his way through some desperate tackling to score a truly quality try, which he converted. Score … 22-13

As expected, Irvine came back at Accies, and after some concerted rugby, were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. The Accies players expected a place-kick, but the determined and crafty Irvine side saw the chance of a quick ‘tap’ penalty, … and three passes later, their prop went over in the corner. Good rugby was not rewarded with the conversion on this occasion. Score 22-18.

Things were getting tense, and the game ebbed and flowed, with both sides trying to create opportunities to establish control. Accies were determined not to relinquish the lead, and a piece of brilliance from exciting full back Ross Cowan, taking a run down the touchline and the crowd were on their feet,…. Could he make it to the line again, but a desperate tackle stopped his progress. However, his talent was not spent, and a clever inside flick saw “man of the match” Craig Wright putting out a secure hand to collect the ball and run over for the bonus point try. Score 27-18

Twenty minutes to go, and Irvine were determined to recover their pride and maintain their top of the league position. The onslaught was relentless and the commitment total, but this scribe has to compliment the attitude and determination of the Accies defence to hold out, … which they did, to record what was a most well deserved win.

Comment should be made of back-row replacement, Kris Boyle, who came on towards the end of the first half, following an injury to our captain and quality flanker Michael Walker. Kris had progressed from Accies to Hawks some seasons ago, but is returning from a major injury, and has started his recovery process through Accies. He was magnificent in his efforts, and along with Elliott McLaren who worked tirelessly as replacement Captain, worked to control the game, making all the correct decisions when it came to closing out the game – a function we have not carried out well on other occasions.

This was a spirited performance from what is a young side. I for one believe that coach John Couper has a team that is starting to show signs of maturity, and one which has an ability to worry any opponents, with their fast and exciting style.

…….. Donald Reid.

And finally, a word about our near-neighbours, friends and fiercest rivals GHK who were understandably a little "picqued" at an earlier posting of ours which claimed that - pre-Saturday - Irvine were the only unbeaten side in our league. This was, of course, complete hog-wash as anyone with half an eye on our league this season would have realised as GHK were also unbeaten pre-Saturday, and we are happy to admit our error in this regard. We can assure Ronnie and pals on the Committee that the scribe responsible has been roundly thrashed for said mistake and his consumption of Merlot whilst writing such nonsense will henceforth be closely monitored and restricted to a single bottle! Chin-chin!!

This article was originally posted on 1-Oct-2013, 06:29 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 1-Oct-2013, 20:17.