Dear Diary,
On Saturday I went across the fence to New Anniesland where I witnessed a significant improvement on the unappealing fare on offer the previous week, with many of the side’s youngsters standing up to be counted and to overshadow the efforts of the older brigade.

Accies’ intention was clear from the start, with the ball being moved at every opportunity. This tested the GHK defence, which held firm, with many hits made by all players. Eventually Accies realised they were up against a strong set of backs (having spotted neither the admirable Burliegh was a forward playing at centre nor the skilful R. Johnston was a scrum-half playing at centre) and set about driving close to the breakdown. After Accies had converted a penalty GHK retorted with a driving and flowing move which culminated in Christie adding to his growing try total. Criggie converted. Christie revealed later that he was delighted to be playing on the wing in front of the Accies’ supporters and to score his first try against that club. Accies replied with a converted try of their own soon afterwards and for a long time it was nip and tuck, until Criggie converted another penalty. Accies then scored a try to take a narrow lead late into the game. Accies scored again then Criggie converted a penalty as GHK tried, eventually without success, to stay in touch.

There was a stramash following a close to high tackle on the Accies stand-off half, but it was clearly not as high as he alleged because there was no diminution in his ability to talk. Indeed when he started commenting to our touch-judge, I thought I might have to write to the Accies’ Committee, referring to abuse of match officials. However, things settled down and suddenly McDermid broke a finger (again) while defending manfully. I hope he has a rest, and straps it to an adjacent finger for at least a season. GHK forwards were putting on a superb defensive display with Macleod outstanding as was his charming wife on the touchline. Accies used what seemed to be a whole team of substitutes in an attempt to grind down GHK but never wholly succeeded. Youngsters Gribben, Graydon, MacDonald and Beverley were to the fore.

A second line-out option was provided when Graydon and Thow were briefly together and with Macdonald throwing accurately. GHK seemed to raise their game against the better quality opposition. Accies were keen to off-load in the tackle and this contrasted with the older style game plan of GHK who when in doubt took the ball into the breakdown. However, many times they were turned over. On other occasions they were penalised for helping the ball emerge and one felt that the referee had not grasped the positive as opposed to negative play element of the game.

Captain O’Callaghan commented on how difficult it is to catch up with the game as a substitute. I understand all substitutes are used in order that everyone gets onto the park, but if there were only a few more bodies, that 3rd XV might be accessible, and everyone would have a full 80 minutes to display their talents.

The team was Kennedy, McDermid, R. Johnston, S. Burliegh, Christie, Criggie, Taylor, M. Reid, Moscrop, MacDonald, A. Reid, Fuchs, Beverley, MacLeod, Gribben Graydon. Substitutes O’Callaghan, Nelson, E. Thow A Reid . Other team members in attendance Watson. Touch judge McNair.

Final score 16-32. Mentioned in dispatches M. Reid and S. Burliegh. Man of the match MacLeod. Played 16 won 10. There is a 2 week rest before we visit Garnock.

In the clubhouse afterwards I asked an Accie chap if he had heard the score from Aberdeen. He retorted that 'we don't care about them any more'. I hope he is in the moronity, sorry minority. There was some discussion about a joint Accies/GHK over-35 side however given the evidence above one must question the wisdom of another joint venture.

The referee from the first XV fixture came in and volunteered the information that the pass for the final Accies try looked a bit forward from where he was. Given that he was viewing from a different pitch, across the cricket square, and confirming the thought of every spectator, it was surprising the match official who was closer had failed to spot it. On the other hand, c’est la vie ……….

note from Ed
Strange comment attributed to an Accie considering half the current Hawks team are Accies--Murray Strang,Stewart Smith,Stuart Low,Ricky Munday,Richard McKnight,Matt Smith,Steve Begley,Niall Caddell,---Kenny Sinclair and Richard Maxton--sons of Accies--Sandy Warnock--grandson of an Accie and even Snoopy who played for Accies Mini section coached by another Accie Richard Mcknight

This article was originally posted on 12-Feb-2006, 22:56 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 13-Feb-2006, 08:31.