Accies Victorious in the Gilmore Cup


Friday 14th August

Glasgow Accies 37 GHK 16
Donald Reid the Accies Director of Rugby expressed his delight at the outcome of this pre-season match played at Anniesland last night. He felt that the performance of his players was a reflection of all the hard work that had been done in the gym and on the training pitch during the summer. He particularly mentioned his pleasure with the performance of the players who have returned to New Anniesland this year. Dougie Horne on the left wing was outstanding and deservingly won the Accies ‘Man of the Match’ award. Dougie Horner who has been out of rugby for nearly three years with a serious leg injury played in the centre in the second half and will clearly be challenging for a place in the 1stXV this season. In the pack David Calder at loose head, Adam Howie at blindside flanker and Scott Thorburn, until he had to retire with a knock, all performed with merit and will be a more than useful addition to the XV.

The game was played on a surprisingly firm school pitch despite the fact that more than an inch of rain had fallen in Glasgow earlier in the day. However it was fortunate that it remained dry throughout the game.

For the first game of the season the quality of play from both sides was surprisingly high and the game was most entertaining. The level of fitness was excellent and GHK had clearly put a big effort into getting a side ready to challenge for the 3rd Division of the National League. They were naturally disappointed at the size of the defeat but could be comforted in the fact that they were competitive throughout and never gave up the challenge. They have an outstanding goal kicker in their fullback David Wilson and their pack will become a formidable force once it adjusts to playing at a higher level in the national leagues.

The game was evenly contested for the first 7 minutes until Andy Jackson brought off a great turnover deep in his own half. This released Stewart Smith who had a long run up field and when he was brought down GHK conceded a penalty that Ali McLaren duly slotted from 45 metres with a deflection of the right hand upright. Accies immediately conceded a penalty from the kick off and the scores were level at 3-3

Accies old failing of giving away penalties was still evident and within 15 minutes the total was seven. From the seventh GHK increased their lead to 3-6.

In the 20th minute Richard McKnight beautifully picked up a loose kick from GHK off his toes and he surged upfield before putting in a long kick that GHK had to scramble into touch near their own goal line. A neat take by Steve Begley followed by a classic drive and David Calder was able to touch down. Ali McLaren duly converted from wide on the left.

10-6

The big Accies pack was now beginning to dictate play and in the 32nd minute Accies went further ahead when Alan Wilson was tackled high and again Ali McLaren slotted the kick.

Up to this stage the Accies defence had been sound with Ian Corry and Stewart Smith putting in some crunching tackles. Now Stewart Smith moved into an attacking role. He broke through from deep in his own half and found Dougie Horne on his outside. The speedy winger scorched home from fully 40 metres and touched down close to the posts. Again Ali McLaren kicked the conversion for a 23-9 half time lead.

At half time the Accies coaching team made numerous changes to ensure most of the replacements got some game time.

For the first ten minutes of the second half GHK were in the ascendancy but despite being camped on the Accies line they could not find a route to get through to the try line.

In the 53rd minute Accies scored again through a great individual effort from the powerful Stewart Smith who was proving to be a handful for the GHK defence. 30-9 and Accies were looking comfortable.

However they were sleeping when GHK broke away from yet another penalty, now into double figures in the second half alone, the ball reached Sean Murray and the winger showed why he was a regular in the Hawks side last season. He showed a real turn of pace to outrun the Accies defence to score a try that was converted. 30-16.

Stung by this reversal Accies stepped up a gear and good handling put Dougie Horner in the clear. The little centre showed how badly Accies had missed him in the last few seasons by scoring between the posts. Needless to say Ali McLaren converted to complete a perfect kicking evening with 17 points.

The final 10 minutes were a bit scrappy as players understandably tired.

Final Score 37-16

Both sides were under strength due to injuries, holidays, and work commitments but this was still an entertaining contest and there were enough players on show to suggest that both sides should be a competitive force in the their respective league campaigns.

Accies have a much bigger squad available than in the last two years. Still to return arte Jamie Doig, the captain, Fabio Marchetti, Chris Wright, David McLaughlin, Craig Wright, Chris McAlpine, Ross Chassells, Matt Syme, jack Walker and two new players Euan Donald a centre from Perthshire and Carl Bates ex army and Rugby League player. Euan Shand and Simon Young will also be available during September until they return to University.

Accies have now played there one and only pre-season match. Next week is a different match, as many of the players will be attending Ross Chassell’s wedding in Majorca.

The first league game is at New Anniesland on Saturday 29th August when Lasswade are the visitors. The kick off is at 3pm. please come along and lend your support.

Last Night’s Team:

Fullback Ali McLaren

Right wing Mark Hannah

Centre Stewart Smith

Centre Ian Corry

Left wing Dougie Horne

Stand Off Alan Wilson

Scrum half Richard McKnight (Capt.)

Prop David Calder

Hooker Matteo Giovanazzi

Prop Fraser Cameron

2nd Row Steve Begley

2nd Row Robin McBride

Blindside Adam Howie

Openside Andy Jackson

N.8 Scott Thorburn
Replacements

Centre Simon Young

Centre Dougie Horner

Wing Max Henderson

Scrum Half Richard Taylor

Prop Alan Perrie

2nd Row Robert Fuller

Flanker Graeme Ker

Flanker Arno Favre

This article was originally posted on 14-Aug-2009, 19:43 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 15-Aug-2009, 11:56.