Garnock 13 Glasgow Accies 15


Saturday 30th September 2006


This encounter was every bit as close as the score suggests. It was a game played between two sides that were equally matched and neither was prepared to give an inch. Every yard of territory had to be won and none was conceded without a battle.

In the final outcome this was an outstanding win for Accies. Very few sides go to Garnock and come away with the points. Garnock are a well-organised side with a strong pack and outstanding backs for this level of rugby. However on they day they were well matched. Accies probably just deserved their win on the basis that they scored two very good tries to one and that they were leading when the final whistle blew.

Accies kicked off and during the early stages appeared to have things well under control. A searing break by Richard McKnight from close to halfway almost resulted in a try but the cover was just good enough to catch him in the corner.

However in the 15th minute it all changed. A silly late tackle by an Accies forward resulted in a penalty that gave Garnock a foothold in Accies half for the first time. From the resulting lineout a scrum was awarded from which the No.8 picked up cleanly fed his open side flanker who strode through a fractured defence unopposed.

The try was converted for a 7-0 lead for the host club.

This was the signal for a period of Garnock domination as their confidence soared. At this stage Accies were still losing too many turnovers for comfort. The Garnock No.8 was proving to be a thorn in the side especially with his pick technique at the base of the scrum.

In the 27th minute Garnock increased their lead to 10-0 with a penalty in front of the posts.

Gradually Accies got into the match and in the 33rd minute they scored a beautiful try that was straight from the training ground. Mike Hermes came off his right wing berth and into the line. His pace and strength created enough space for the intruding fullback, captain, Ross Chassels to break through and draw his man before passing to a delighted Craig Wright who romped home for his first try of the season. 10-5

Accies had to survive a few hairy moments before the half time whistle as the Garnock forwards threw wave after wave of mauls and rucks at them close to their line.

With the wind and slope in their favour Accies seemed to feel that this game could be won and 12 minutes into the half they scored another copybook try. From a ruck close to touch and a few metres from touch some slick handling involving Richard McKnight, Jamie Doig and Alan Wilson who came in on the angle for him to score under the posts. Richard McKnight converted and Accies were in the lead by 12-10.

The remainder of this intriguing game ebbed and flowed until 8 minutes from time when Accies gave away a penalty 45 metre out and straight in front. To the delight of their vocal support it was slotted to give them the narrowest of leads.

Accies stormed back from the kick-off and were awarded a penalty, 10 metres in from touch and 35 metres out. The reliable Richard McKnight converted via the upright for the final score. The frantic 5 minutes remaining were nail biting for both sets of supporters.

This was a really good performance from this improving Accies side. Richard McKnight, playing his first 80 minutes of the season, was a great steadying influence and he gave the players around him more confidence. The return of Ross Chassels and Jamie Doig after long injuries also helped the moral and the pack even without talisman Andy Pogrel played a full part in this success.

There is still a long way to go but four wins in a row is certainly the right direction.

This article was originally posted on 30-Sep-2006, 19:56 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 30-Sep-2006, 21:36.