Anniesland, Glasgow, the alma mater of so many fine rugby players, witnessed another historic day on Saturday with the first fixture of the new force in Scottish rugby, coincidentally called Anniesland (Stags). This is a combination of Glasgow Academicals’ and Glasgow High Kelvinside players who wish to play entertaining social rugby. Some may mock, but the last combined side from Anniesland (what were they called again? Buzzards? Vultures? Sparrows? Yes that’s it Hawks) went on to set new standards in Scottish rugby, and there seems no reason to doubt this brave band of stalwarts can do likewise.

Playing against Hamilton Bulls on the Accies’ curling pond, looking and feeling as lush as one can remember and under a scorching late summer sun, the first 10 minutes of the game were taken up with introductions and gentle probing of the Bulls’ defence before McGloughlan dashed 25 metres to score under the posts. Shortly afterwards James Ogilvie was through with only the full back to beat but failed in his attempt and missed the support. After 30 minutes a flowing move started with a break by the canny Russell Johnston from a loose Bulls’ kick was finished by the strong running Colin McGonigle. A few minutes later the veteran Macrae was on hand to accept a scoring pass from young Ogilvie (who had obviously learnt his lesson from earlier) and with Bill Criggie successful in all conversions the half finished with the Stags leading 21-0.

There were wholesale changes to personnel at half time, and shortly after the re-start Andy Holmes (claiming to be a back row forward but playing on the wing) made an outstanding break (from another loose Bulls’ kick) and linked to Rod McLeod who put Andy Nelson away to score. Just two minutes later Holmes who was showing great strength and awareness in his running made another dazzling break, but McLeod, who was again on his shoulder, dropped the pass. Russell Johnston at full back was having a rampaging game, running at every opportunity. By this stage the Stags’ forwards, working well together as a unit, were dominant, and it was one way traffic, with the Bulls’ defending stoutly but unable to prevent McGonigle scoring in the corner and Ogilvy touching down after a flowing move by the Stags’ backs. After another break by Russell Johnston the Stags’ number 16 (who should make himself known to more persons in order that someone on the touchline knows him) scored. There was just time for the old codger David Tait to decline a huge overlap before scoring the final try. The referee Rob Whiteside from Hamilton, who had an excellent game, then decided enough was enough. Final score 50 -0. Thereafter a few beers were consumed to celebrate the occasion.

The players taking part were: David Tait, Bill Criggie, Fabrizio Marchetti, Fraser Simpson, Matt Franklin, Fraser Milne, D. McLoughlan, D. Whiteley, Scott Buchanan, Andy Watson, Colin Hodgekiss, Ian Macrae, Scott Buchanan, Rod McLeod, Andy Holmes, Nicol Thow, Colin McGonigle, Tony Smith, Stuart Wilson, Russell Johnston, Fraser Johnston, Craig Sankay, James Ogilvie, and Fraser Milne.

Next week the Stags are away to Cambuslang and all social rugby players are welcome to participate; contact Stuart Wilson or Alex Christie. Hugh Barrow will be pleased to forward Emails to them.

This article was posted on 10-Sep-2006, 22:41 by Hugh Barrow.