Glasgow Accies 15 Glasgow Hawks 2ndXV 5


Saturday 25th August 2007


New Anniesland School 1st XV Pitch


With the teams playing their final warm up match before the league campaign start next Saturday there was no lack of endeavour from any of the players in this evenly contested fixture. Both sides had players missing and were under strength so perhaps the result is less significant than the performance.

The match was played on a well grassed but greasy surface, the result of overnight drizzle, therefore handling errors were to be expected and there were plenty early on as the sides tested the opposition defence. However it was played at a considerable pace as the play moved from end to end.

In the early stage Accies gave away a lot of penalties and this limited their attacking options hence Hawks had a greater share of territorial possession.

Both defences were tight and few really good scoring chances were available. However, in the 27th minute, Accies defence failed them when Ross McCann, formerly of Garnock, stormed through from the 10-metre line and broke four tackles to score at the side of the posts. The conversion failed.

Accies were clearly stung by this reversal and from a lineout 5 metres from Hawks line John Dillon managed to force himself over for the equalising try.

For the remainder of the half Hawks stormed Accies line without further success.

Over the 40 minutes Hawks looked to be the better side but failure to take chances and sloppy handling errors were costly.

Accies forwards had played second fiddle to Hawks and had given them too much respect.

Half time 5-5

For the first 10 minutes Hawks continued to keep Accies on the back foot but were still unable to capitalise on the territorial advantage with Accies defence keeping a rein on the lively Hawks back division. However the game took a distinctive change in the final quarter as Accies forwards gained more possession. On the hour a move involving Alan Wilson and Graeme Simpson allowed Ross Chassels to come in close to the line and he had sufficient momentum to crash over to give Accies the lead for the first time.

In the closing minutes another surge by Chassels put winger Alan Bruce away on a long run down the left touchline. He was stopped by some expert cover defence and subsequently after a number of rucks close to the line the ball popped up nicely for Alan Wilson to slip over in the corner for the clinching try.

All in all it was an entertaining game to watch as it was played at a fast pace but how much can be read into the result with so many players missing is debatable.

From an Accies perspective they can be pleased with their level of fitness as the hard work over the summer has paid dividends but they are still fragile due the small number of players challenging for a first team place.

Hawks can be pleased with the prospects of McCann and McGinlay in the backs and Pennie Navu and John Morrisay in the second row. Also new scrum half Neil Watson from Aberdeenshire should be a good addition.



Referee: Mr Steven Dowling (Hillhead/Jordanhill)

This article was posted on 26-Aug-2007, 07:07 by Hugh Barrow.