Glasgow Accies 19 v Allan Glens 23 Match Report
New Anniesland
10th November

“Chances spurned as Accies lose in local derby”

Accies opened brightly on a cool November afternoon as they entertained local rivals Allan Glens defending an unbeaten record against Glens that stretched back more than a decade and the early signs were good as following a number of sorties into Allan Glen’s territory they opened the scoring through Gareth Williams with the first try after 10 mins.
Accies 7 – Glens 0

With Accies clearly on top they press on looking for the second try, however as they move the ball out to the backline the pass was dropped and Allan Glens’ centre gleefully picked up and ran 60 metres up field, the Accies cover ran him down but Glens’ rangy No.8 was in support and took the pass for the equalising converted try.
Accies 7 – Glens 7

Stung by this sucker punch Accies swept onto the attack again with some terrific individual runs from Craig Wright and Ian Corrie slicing through Glens’ defence and finding the pack that took on the charge and drove over from 10 metres out with Matt Franklin getting the try and his second in Accies first team colours.
Accies 12 – Glens 7

Again Accies swept all over Glens with power in the pack but Accies errors and lacklustre decision making meant Accies scorned three try scoring chances and kept Glens in the hunt and 5 mins from half time on one of their few forays into Accies territory Glens’ diminutive, but sprightly, stand off dropped a sublime drop goal to bring them back into touching distance.
Accies 12 – Glens 10

As if to rub salt into the wounds, right on half time Glens’ stand off repeated his earlier feat with another well taken drop goal on their next visit to Accies territory. Both goals were against the run of play but credit to Glens for taking their chances.

Accies 12 – Glens 13 (Half Time)

Accies opened the second half slowly, trying to re-assert their authority on the game, but Glens can clearly see their chance to gain a valuable and rare win in a difficult season for them. However, just as Accies start to get on top disaster strikes when, having got into a good scoring position in Glens’ 22m zone the ball was moved down the line and Glens intercepted and ran 70metres down the field to score a controversial try. Controversial in that the Glens centre clearly knocked the ball on in the process, however everyone bar the referee saw it and play swept on and the try was awarded. These things happen in games and Accies had time to re-address this, however unfortunately for the referee it was to prove crucial in the final points tally.
Accies 12 – Glens 18

Accies were rocked by this shock score but slowly but surely regained control of the game again through their strong pack and stalwart Andy Pogrel scored from 10 metres out as the pack took total control for a spell to put Accies in front with 10 minutes to go.
Accies 19 – Glens 18

Accies backline finally started to mix up their moves, in particular a grubber kick through from Gareth Williams nearly ending with a try for Jamie Doig who was forced into touch just short of the line.
Glens recovered the lineout and substitute stand off Drew Letham kicked right for touch. The ball fell short and bamboozled young Max Henderson as only a rugby ball can and the Glens right winger caught the ball on the bounce and swept downfield 75 metres for the final try of the match, it was tough on Accies but again they still had time to recover the game with a try.
Accies 19 – Glens 23

With only 10 minutes left Accies chased the game, but significantly Glens had something to defend and defend they did. Accies again had all the pressure and intent but couldn’t finish off their attacks and as the game wound down to the final few minutes’ controversy again reared its head as the Accies pack rumbled for the line. After a series of drives and scrums Glens pulled the maul down 2 metres from the line and used hands in the ruck to clear the ball back onto their side. It must have been a close call for the referee, and probably the right call, who perhaps didn’t want to give the penalty try as it would have meant the winning score but the following punch up from Glens No10 should have resulted in a yellow card and a scoring chance would have opened up. It was not to be and deep into injury time Accies continued to pound away at Glens’ line and after 5 attacks the ball was passed out and sadly knocked on and the game was lost.

A deeply disappointing result for Accies which the losing bonus point will do nothing to absolve the pain as they were clearly the better side but didn’t perform anywhere near to their potential with their play littered with errors that kept Glens in the game. Well done to Glens for their tenacity but Accies will rue this as a lost opportunity to move up the league table against the team at the bottom of the league

This article was originally posted on 11-Nov-2007, 21:16 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 13-Nov-2007, 08:00.