A rather stretched Accies squad arrived at Tranent to receive another blow with Mike Hermes failing a late 'fitness test' before kick off. Colin Tennant, who has excelled at 7 all season was once again pressed into service on the wing. Perhaps it was the disruption but in the first half Accies were on the back foot against a fired up Ross High fighting to avoid relegation. However it was clear that with a bit of composure opportunities would come wide out.

Half time saw Accies turn round 10-0 down and with Dougie Horner limping off heads could have gone down. Coach Wintle came on at 9 with Al Mclaren moving back to 15. However by the start of the second half Accies were beginning to cope with Ross High's aggressive driving style and as possession improved the game plan started to come together. Quick phases and run arounds started to suck in Ross High's flankers and exposed a lack of pace out wide. After good midfield interplay from Wilson and Simpson, Craig Wright, looking very sharp, was released twice within his own half and finished excellently. Johnny Adams, who has struck up a first class partnership with Al Wilson, copied the feat for a third and put Accies firmly in control. As the Accies forwards came more and more into the game number four came from persistent pressure and handed Craig a third try on the blind. Al Mclaren converted 3 from 4.

A decent second half from a weakened team. No doubts about man of the match. Even Ross High awarded it to Craig Wright.

This article was posted on 29-Jan-2006, 18:24 by Hugh Barrow.