Linlithgow 25 v Glasgow Accies 18

Match Report

Mains Park, Linlithgow

29/09/07



“Turnovers cost Accies dear!”


On a bright sunny day Accies travelled to Linlithgow hoping to reverse a series of defeats over the last three seasons against the men from Linlithgow. With Mains park being something of a bogey ground for Accies so it proved to be again however the defeat was squarely down to the amount of ball they turned over which cost them dear as for large parts of the game Accies were in control through their impressive pack which although missing Steve Begley (flu) and Andy Pogrel (injured) were again strong in defence and very powerful in attack, particularly with the driving maul.


Playing down the slope and with the breeze behind them Linlithgow look to play the game squarely in Accies territory with some early thrusts from forwards and backs and their early pressure yields a penalty to open the scoring.


Linlithgow 3 v Accies 0


Accies re-start and press up field but with the packs evenly matched Linlithgow stick to their early game plan and continuously kick for field position to create pressure. A second penalty is awarded but Accies get a let off as the kick goes wide. The relief was only temporary as a loose drop out kick give Linlithgow a chance to press for an early try however, Accies defence is magnificently strong, a real feature of this season to date, and they hold out following a try saving tackle from Matteo Giovanazzi. Linlithgow keep the pressure on with some strong running from their very impressive No 6 who was their stand out player and some strong running from their centre, eventually Accies are penalised for off side and Linlithgow kick their second goal of the day.


Linlithgow 6 – Accies 0


Accies finally got on the score sheet following a scrum on Linlithgow’s 22m line, too eager Linlithgow come offside and Ali McLaren did what he does best and stroked over the kick.


Linlithgow 6 – Accies 3


Heartened by this Accies score a superb try through Ross Chassells minutes before half time. Accies pack had driven Linlithgow for 20 metres sucking in defenders Accies moved the ball wide through the centres with great support from the pack shifting the attack to the left which opened up the right hand side of the field and slick hands through the backs saw Ross take the pass and run into the corner from 20 metres out.


Half Time: Linlithgow 6 – Accies 8


After an even start to the second half a loose lineout throw gave Linlithgow possession which they kept for fully three minutes with some excellent driving play with the ball moving around through forwards and backs and eventually Accies run out of defenders and the Linlithgow centre runs into the corner unopposed and their full back converts the try from the touchline.

Linlithgow 13 – Accies 8

Accies come back at Linlithgow and create huge pressure by driving a maul fully 30metres deep into Linlithgow’s 22m and inevitably a penalty is awarded; sadly Ali McLaren missed the kick. Accies are still in good field position from the drop out and attack again from a lineout however Linlithgow turn ball over and kick to clear. For some unknown reason Ali Mclaren decided not to catch the ball but let it bounce, inevitably the ball bounced the wrong way and Alan Wilson gathers and is forced into a hurried kick downfield under pressure. Linlithgow seize the opportunity and move the ball up field on the left side, excellent breaking and support play again leaves Accies with no defenders in place and Linlithgow run in the try and convert.


Linlithgow 20 – Accies 8


Accies strike back via an Ali McLaren penalty following Accies best play of the day with Gareth Williams making two breaks in a series of running rugby that has Linlithgow grasping at thin air and the forwards supporting well. Linlithgow are penalised for going offside and the kick sails over.


Linlithgow 20 – Accies 11


Sadly for Accies further ball is turned over and Linlithgow take full advantage to score the winning bonus point try.


Linlithgow 25 – Accies 11


Accies fight back and using their successful driving maul get to within 5 metres of Linlithgow’s line. Penalty after penalty follows with Linlithgow having a man finally sent to the sin bin. Accies kick to the corner and drive over the line to close the scoring and gain a losing bonus point.


Linlithgow 25 – Accies 18


Ultimately it was another loss and Accies need to convert their pressure into wins by cutting out the number of times they turnover the ball as it is proving to be the only way teams can score against them because Accies defence at set plays is first class but when they turnover ball they can be caught out of position.

This article was posted on 1-Oct-2007, 08:55 by Hugh Barrow.