Highland 19 v Glasgow Accies 12

17th November 2007

Canal Park

Inverness


“Spirited Accies edged out in the Highlands”


Following last weeks loss against Allan Glens, Accies’ selectors wielded the axe and a much changed Accies team, plus temporary coach Stephen Winter, travelled to Inverness in anticipation of a tough match following a tight match at Anniesland earlier in the season.

Fortunately for both teams the strong breeze died down as the game started and the game was on.

Highland kicked off and Accies knocked on from the kick and were immediately under pressure with Highland showing early intent to run the ball and play a 15-man game. Accies defence, however, was absolutely magnificent as they kept out wave after wave of Highland attacks and crucially turning over priceless ball to clear their lines. The onslaught lasted for 12 minutes but Accies held them out and slowly but surely picked up possession and began to stamp their own authority on the game.

With the pack putting in their usual strong performance and new scrum half Ian Williamson whipping the pack like a jockey on a thoroughbred the sign were looking better and confidence started to grow.

Accies backs started to tear holes in the Highland defence, almost, at will particularly when running back ball from deep kicks with Gareth Williams and Craig Wright returning the ball with interest as they stepped and swerved past Highland tacklers.

The opening score came from one such deep running return, Highland kicked long, Gareth Williams fielded, stepped and fed Craig Wright who scorched round the first two tacklers in his own half. Making good ground, but getting closed down, he passed out to an unlikely candidate Matt Franklin, Matt made a few good yards and popped the pass to Fraser Cameron who, for a second row simply strode around the Highland centres with pace and drew the winger popping inside to the supporting Matt Franklin who, almost in surprise at no Highland defender willing to tackle, promptly ran in the opening try from 15 metres out.

This was Matt’s third try in four games, an unheard off strike rate for a tight head prop, there’s clearly something in the water in Muirend


Highland 0 – Accies 5


Buoyed by the opening score it’s all Accies and some of the play is outstanding with forwards and backs linking and pop passes keeping the momentum going forward and Highland grasping at thin air and with temporary coach – Stephen Winter’s words ringing in their ears to relax and try things, Jamie Doig did just that and chipped over the rush defence from a scrum, scooped up the ball and scored Accies second try converted by Gareth Williams.


With half time looming Highland tried to come back but Accies were solid to put in the best 40 minutes performance of the season.


Highland 0 – Accies 12


Injury to Accies’ talismanic No.8 Andy Pogrel meant a debut for Graeme Kerr (son of Alan) at flanker and Accies were to be dealt another injury 10 minutes later with the very impressive Matt Symes also being injured and Paul Howell, the front row replacement having to come on.

The, now heavier, Highland pack began to get on top and pressure unfortunately told as following an Accies scrum a poor pass to Jamie Doig was spilled behind the Accies try line and the talented Highland scrum half pounced to open Highland’s account.


Highland 7 – Accies 12


Sniffing an opportunity to salvage the game Highland went at full tilt and 10 minutes later got their second try from a scrum 5 metres out a classic No. 8 pick u, pass to the scrum half to feed the winger crashing in from 3 metres out again converted.


Highland 14 – Accies 12


With Highland still on top, again they pressed on but often kicked away possession where Accies’ back three lay in wait and following some tough games at stand off Gareth Williams playing at full back was an absolute revelation, side stepping in the mould of Barry John or Phil Bennett in their heyday, barely a Highland player touched him as he continually danced his was up the field on consecutive occasions.

As it was Highland pulled together and following a series of drives ran the ball out left and with defenders running out their No.8 dove over in the corner for their third try.


Highland 19 – Accies 12


With 15 minutes to go Accies roused themselves and went in search of the converted try to tie the game. Again, outstanding play from Gareth Williams side stepping all of 45 metres nearly took them over but the supporting Fraser Cameron just couldn’t take the pass and the chance was lost.


Full Time: Highland 19 – Accies 12


In the cold light of day it was another loss but a bonus point was gained and importantly the players showed that the heart and the ability is there. An extremely relieved Highland coaching staff told it’s own story as they had been predicting a comfortable win. There’s still plenty to improve and next weeks home tie against Caithness is now a must win game but the signs were a lot more positive

This article was posted on 17-Nov-2007, 19:01 by Hugh Barrow.