Glasgow Accies 24 Grangemouth 10

New Anniesland

3rd November 2007


Accies ease relegation worries with win against Grangemouth


On a still November afternoon Accies did enough to pick up a win and a bonus point against Grangemouth, who, before the start of the match, lay two points ahead of them in the league table.

One significant factor for Accies was that all four tries were scored by wing threequarters. All season Accies have had problems in bringing the best out of their talented back division. Today it was different as the ball flowed across the line much more easily ensuring that the pace on the wing became an effective weapon.

The introduction of Andy Jackson into the back row for the first time this season may have been a factor in this improvement. He covered acres of ground, was invariably first to the ball on the ground and put in some significant tackles. This allowed quick ball to be released and gave the backs space to move.

Jamie Doig revelled in the freedom and it was his clean break after 15 minutes that released Mike Hermes for a smartly taken try that was converted by Gareth Williams.

In typical Accies fashion, when in the lead this season they released the pressure and gave Grangemouth the space to tear a hole through their defence for a well executed try to bring the score to 7-5.

Now there was a game on and a much more even contest ensued.

On the 34th minute Accies were unlucky not to score again. With a three to one overlap the referee blew his whistle because he feared that a Grangemouth player was seriously injured. The earlier incident occurred when Max Henderson made a clever inside jink and was cornered by three Grangemouth tacklers. In the tackle two Grangemouth players clashed heads. Fortunately it proved not to be a serious injury.

This incident spurred Accies on and shortly before halftime they scored, possibly, their best try of the season. It started at halfway with a pickup by Graeme Simpson who linked with Ian Corrie who in turn put Mike Hermes away for a scorching try in the corner.

Halftime Accies 12 Grangemouth 5

Shortly after the break there was another bizarre incident. Accies were awarded a lineout 5-metres out from their opponent’s line. With a clever short throw to John Dillion at the front and a return pass to the thrower Matteo Giovanazzi the hooker was able to scamper past the defence for a score. The referee ruled that as he had got in the way of a defender he could not award a try and instead gave a scrum to Accies on the 5-metre line.

Accies were not too upset by this reversal and for most of the third quarter dominated the proceedings. They were rewarded for their endeavours with a third try. Fraser Cameron, playing second row instead of his usual prop position, picked up the ball on the halfway line on the stand touchline and with commendable speed continued for 30 metres before linking with Craig Wright, who had come on as a replacement earlier in the game. The little winger scampered home under the posts for a try converted by Gareth Williams. 19-5

The bonus was now in sight but it was a long time in coming. Grangemouth commendably stepped up their game and held onto possession for long periods of time. Although they could not make much ground against a resolute Accies defence however Accies conceded an inordinate number of penalties giving their opponents better and better field position. Eventually Accies had to yield and Grangemouth drove over for a well deserved try.

19-10 and Grangemouth were only one score away from a losing bonus point.

Deep into the dying embers of the game Accies finally got their hands on the ball and were awarded a penalty that took them near to the line. A good handling movement finally reached Mike Hermes but he was stopped short, fortunately Craig Wright had backed up and he was on hand to take the scoring pass to give Accies a clear cut victory that was a long time in coming.

Over the last month Accies have continued to improve and if they can cut out the errors and reduce the penalty count then there is hope that it can still be a successful season.

One good feature is the number of players in the 2nd XV who are challenging for the 1st XV and most positions have experienced players to cover any call off’s.

This correspondent’s man of the match Andy Jackson closely followed by a rejuvenated Mike Hermes.

This article was posted on 4-Nov-2007, 17:35 by Hugh Barrow.