Blackburn RFC 15 Glasgow Accies 12


Accies go down with a fight in Lancashire


Accies made the long trip to Blackburn for a pre-season friendly to play the Lancashire side in a first ever match.

The game turned out to be evenly matched and played in an excellent spirit by two committed sides.

Due to other commitments, injuries and late calls off’s Accies had to borrow two wingers from their opponents to make up full sides. Blackburn were pleased to assist as they had a large squad and it gave their coach an opportunity to see some players in action for the first time. As it turned out the two loan players were excellent and therefore removed at half time to return to the Blackburn ranks.

For the first 20 minutes Accies were under the cosh from a lively and organised side and it was not surprising that they found themselves 5-0 down at this stage.

Gradually the Accies pack, which was nearly at full strength, began to master the slippery ball and greasy underfoot conditions.

Good driving and rucking helped to give them a plentiful supply of the ball but despite this they lacked composure inside the 22 and a number of good chances were squandered.

Half Time Blackburn 5 Accies 0

Five minutes after the interval Accies lost possession deep inside the Blackburn half. The home team quickly turned defence into attack taking the play close to Accies line from where they drove over for the second score.

10 minutes later Accies lost another score when the opposition hooker picked up a loose ball at halfway and strolled past four despairing tackles to score in the corner.

At this stage with 20 minutes to play the tables turned and from this moment until the end it was all Accies. Firstly Jamie Doig burst through but was held up at the post and shortly after a determined Simon Cadwallader burst through to score at the side of the post, breaching the excellent defensive wall. Gareth Williams converted to narrow the margin to 15-7.

Still Accies piled on the pressure and with 10 minutes remaining a rumbustious drive by Andy Pogrel resulted in a second try.

It was ironic that two Lancaster Grammar boys in the team should have scored for Accies.

The final frantic minutes saw more pressure from a very fit Accies, but despite a yellow card for the Blackburn 2nd row forward, they managed to hold on for a 15-12 victory. Had shown a little more composure and not overlooked a three to two overlap the victory would have been theirs.

Blackburn proved to be very hospitable hosts and they will be welcome at New Anniesland any time.

Overall this was a much better performance by Accies especially the forwards and should provide a platform for the future especially if the unforced errors and decision making improve. The intensive training throughout the season is beginning to pay dividends.

There were a total of 11 players of first team standing missing from this game and it is hoped that they will all be available next week in the final match before the league season begins.

Simon Cadwallader was voted man of the match and thanked for his efforts in organising the trip.


Accies Team:


Craig Wright
Guest
Simon Young
Jamie Doig
Guest
Gareth Williams
Alan Wilson (Captain)
Simon Cadwallader
Matteo Giovanazzi
Fraser Cameron
Pete Meiklem
Andy Pogrel
John Dillon
David McLaughlin
Scott Thorburn

This article was posted on 20-Aug-2007, 07:33 by Hugh Barrow.