Sometimes, when I’m on my way to training, I listen to the football phone in on Radio Clyde (well you’ve got to do something to pass the 30-35 minutes to get from EK!) Recently they’ve been debating the points awarded to players by the press and it got me to thinking about an alternative report so here goes.

Stu Dunk – playing in the less familiar full back role scored 2 tries and has looked quite sharp recently (not sartorially!) 8/10

Rory Love – didn’t score so must have been affected by pre-match talk of being current top try scorer. Had on proper shoes for after game 7/10

Gav MacDonald – strong running, hard tackling forced turnovers from which Hawks profited. Getting back to the form which got him into the 1st XV before his 5 a side football injury! 8/10

Stu Smith – as Kenny Hamilton said after “ pathetic trying to inject a bit of humour into a game of rugby by pretending to throw the ball at a member of the opposition!”
Good handling skills though! Rugby 8/10 Entertainment value 9/10

Mark ‘ I need my scrum cap’ Oatey – one particular catch would have done an England cricketer proud and, when playing in the forwards, showed terrific pace off the side of a ruck from astanding start. Forward 7/10 Back 8/10

Kenny Baillie – one great touchline conversion, a solo try BUT made a searing break in 2nd half, doubted his own gas and passed to……..Davy Stewart?!?! 8/10

Stevie Biggart – exploited blind side well and harried his opposite number all game. Used his kicking game to relieve a lot of pressure in 2nd half. 8/10

Davy Stewart – getting to grips with propping now. Moved much heavier opponent up on his side consistently. Supported well generally but…..see KB above!!!!!

Mattie Smith – scored a great try, led the forwards well and was very much the ‘senior player’. However cruel joke on Friday night with phone call to coach, detracts from all other aspects of his performance. 10/10 downgraded to 1/10

Jason Carlin – couldn’t repeat try scoring exploits of 2 weeks ago and probably won’t for another few seasons! Gets around the park surprisingly well and is an excellent distributor. 8/10

Chris Lyall – carried ball with devastating effect, making hard yards and providing quality ball. The original quiet man. 8/10

Stu Pollock – won lineouts all game, linked well and played at #8 on our ball. Superman!! NOT! 8/10

Nico Nyemba – one of 4 hookers but played well in back row, covering and producing turnover ball. 8/10

Paul Allen and Matteo Giovanazzi – 2 Accies lads who came in and did a great job in very difficult circumstances. Paul scored a great support try and Matteo – yet another hooker! – gave a great display in back row. Thanks guys! Combined 19/20

Kenny Hamilton – didn’t give usual ‘match changing performance’ (his words!) Very quiet match as it was at OA because of his absence!

Chris ‘ when am I going on Ally!’ Breckenridge – dreadful touch judge, but played with usual dashing élan and disregard for coach’s heart! Put in one memorable tackle in a one on one during a Grammar breakout……but they still scored!

Rebecca – picked worst weather of season to do a one off swap with Gemma and also had to put up with KB calling her by the wrong name! Thanks and sorry Becca!

Paul Burr (ref) – didn’t appreciate Stu Smith’s sense of humour (neither do we!) But reffed well generally.

Final Score – 31-17 winners and well deserved considering the changes which had to be made and the strong Grammar team which turned up.

Next week Stew Mels at home and the following week Biggar at home which will be followed by the Mighty 2’s court session to which all who have played even one single game are invited. CHARGE SHEET TO FOLLOW!!!

This article was posted on 20-Mar-2007, 23:14 by Hugh Barrow.