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Match against Lasswade
Date: Saturday 29th August 2009
Kick-off time: 1500 hrs
Location: New Anniesland
Competition: SHE National League Div 2
Final score: Glasgow Accies 20 Lasswade 24
Accies Disappoint in First League Match
This was a hugely disappointing result and performance by Accies in the first home league match of the season. Playing into a stiff South West breeze in the first half Accies looked fairly comfortable in the first 14 minutes. With a little more guile and composure they could have had a couple of scores early on but it was not to be. Accies have a dreadful propensity to give away penalties, especially in the early stages of games, and it proved to be costly.
After gaining a lot of ground the 4th penalty cost them dearly. Lasswade using simple tactics kicked the ball deep into the corner and from the subsequent lineout brushed the Accies forwards aside for a try in the corner. The new law that does not allow you to pull down a rolling maul had certainly caught out Accies. Sadly this change will probably mean teams sticking the ball up their shirts and rolling down the pitch. Lasswade had clearly adapted to the law change quickly but one suspects that a more observant referee may catch them regularly for ‘truck and trailer’ offences.
In the remaining 4 minutes of the first quarter Accies put in a more concerted effort and two penalties by Ali McLaren narrowed the score to 6-7
Better was still to come when, for the first time in the match, Accies used their powerful running backs to create a score. A thundering burst through the centre of the field by Stewart Smith was followed by quick ball after he was tackled, leaving Mike Hermes enough space to beat two men and run in for an unconverted try in the corner. 11-7
Ali Mclaren continued with his fine kicking form by nudging Accies into a 14-7 lead with another penalty.
At this stage Accies were looking comfortable going towards half time with a lead and the wind behind them to come in the second half. However their confidence was premature as Accies conceded two more penalties allowing Lasswade to gain a lineout 5 metres out from the line. This was taken quickly with the Accies players failing to spot the danger and Lasswade were over for a second try similar to the first.
HALF-TIME SCORE: 14–12
From an Accies standpoint most of the first half was encouraging but the lineout and tight scrums were not functioning as well as had been hoped for despite winning two balls against the head.
The second half performance was decidedly poor especially as Accies had the elements at their back. The forwards allowed a well-drilled opposition pack to dominate the rucks, mauls and breakdown points. Also the tackling lost its edge resulting in two tries being conceded.
There were some bright moments with great runs by Cruz, Jamie Doig, Jamie Smith and Richard McKnight all of which could have lead to tries if they had been supported but they petered out by giving away penalties for holding on or spilling the vital final pass. It also has to be said that the Lasswade cover defence was extremely tight ensuring that opportunities were few and far between.
Despite the problems Accies did get back in front with two more penalties from Ali Mclaren for a 20-19 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
Accies David Calder was yellow carded at this stage for killing the ball quickly followed by the Lasswade replacement. It has to be said that if the referee had taken similar action in the first half it would have been a better game and it would have cut out a lot of silly niggle.
This less affected Lasswade than Accies and they stepped up the pressure to secure a victory. Accies missed a crucial tackle on the right allowing the winger to squeeze in at the corner for the final score
There appeared to be about 5 minutes remaining when the referee called matters to a halt.
Accies must learn from this defeat if they are to do anything this season. There are a number of obvious points to consider. In the backs there was a failure to move the ball quickly to allow the speed and power of the inside backs and fullback to be used more effectively. They must learn to harness the wind when it is in their favour. Too many forwards seem to get in the way of the backs when open spaces appear.
In the forwards there is an urgent need to sort out the line out and to sort out the opposition if they are interfering with it. The scummaging appeared to be distinctly shaky despite the fact that Accies have a fairly hefty pack. Finally there is a great need to work more as a unit especially at the breakdowns and for greater dynamism around the field.
Some of the forwards seemed to be struggling with early season fitness and this is up to the individuals concerned.
Stewart Smith was awarded the man of the match but from a spectator’s viewpoint Adam Howie, playing his first game for Accies was right up there with a good performance at blindside flanker.
Next match V Newton Stewart on Saturday 5th September away. Coach leaves at 10-45 and spectators are welcome to travel with the playing party.
FINAL SCORE: 20- 24
Accies gain 1 bonus point. Lasswade gain 5 points
Accies Squad:
15. Ali McLaren
14. Mike Hermes
13. Stewart Smith
12. Jamie Doig
11. Dougie Horne
10. Alan Wilson
09. Richard McKnight
01. David Calder
02. Matteo Giovanazzi
03. Fabi Marchetti
04. Robin Bryant
05. Steve Begley
06. Adam Howie
07. Cruz Kawakameni
08. Graeme Simpson
Replacements:
16. Matt Franklin
17. Graeme Ker
18. Ian Corry
Referee: Mr Tom McNicol Lanark
This article was posted on 30-Aug-2009, 06:59 by Hugh Barrow.
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