Good evening everyone
There has been a smile on everyone's faces at New Anniesland this week, it is amazing what two wins on a Saturday can do for the general spirit
The 1st XV played exceptionally well in Inverness on Saturday. The weather conditions were unbelievable. Before the game the players could hardly hear themselves speak in the changing room for the noise of the wind rattling the windows. When they went onto the pitch it was a howling gale, scudding rain showers and bright sunshine, a highly difficult combination in which to play rugby. In the first half Accies had the advantage of the elements and used them well. The fact that they were only 10-3 up at half-time was largely up to the standard of refereeing. Three good tries were denied and it seemed that every time Accies had any momentum going the whistle would go. In the second half the forwards performed heroics by playing 'stuff it up your shirt rugby.' The big forwards, Steve Begley, Sandy Fitzpatrick and Claudio Urra (from Chile) were particularly effective in this area. In the second half Stewart Smith sealed the win with a marvellous break from his own 22 and a 70 metre sprint to the line.
The win has given the players new heart and with a number of others recovering from injury there will be real competition for places this week.
On Saturday Accies play Waysiders/Drumpellier at New Anniesland with a 3-00 pm kick off. (Note 2-00pm kick-offs start on 31st October after the clocks go back.)
Waysiders/Drumpellier were promoted at the end of last season from SHE National League Division 3. Accies last played them in a league game 4 or 5 years ago at the time when Accies were surging through the leagues. From experience they are a tough side to play against and are well coached by John Shaw the ex West of Scotland and Glasgow XV flanker.
Soup and sandwiches will be available for supporters before the match.
The crowds at New Anniesland have been steadily growing this season and the attendance for the Greenock Wanderers match was the best for many years. It is not surprising as it is such a good afternoons entertainment and the conviviality in the Clubhouse after the match is like the old days.
The good news from the Anniesland's this week is the start of a new team. Accies, GHK and Hawks have had such a large influx of players this season that it has not been possible to give everyone a game. This can be a real turn off for any young player. To overcome this the three Clubs have got together to form a new team called the Anniesland Hawks. The team have been admitted to Reserve League West 3 to fill a gap in the league. It will play for the first time on Saturday against Hamilton 3rd XV at Hamilton. Although they have missed the first four games of the league programme they hope to catch up by using the allocated stand by Saturdays. The team will play in Hawks colours.
Accies will make a major contribution as Andy Dunlop is one of the driving forces behind the team and it is likely that he will have 6 or 7 young players from New Anniesland with him. It will be a young development XV and we all wish it success.
It is known in SRU speak as 'growing rugby in Scotland' and we are doing our bit.
Have a good weekend which hopefully will include a visit to New Anniesland
Kind regards
Alasdair Graham
Accies Team for Saturday
 
15    Brad Bell
14    Craig Wright
13    Stewart Smith
12    Jamie Doig
11   Dougie Horne
10    Alan Wilson
09    Richard McKnight
 
01    David Calder
02    Adam Howie 
03    Fabi Machete
04    Robin Bryant
05    Fraser Cameron
06   Jack Walker
07    Cruz Kawakameni
08    Steve Begley
 
16    Chris McAlpine
17    Claudio Urra
18    Stuart Goudie
 
Accies welcome back no fewer than 5 first team regulars for the game against Waysiders/Drumpellier at New Anniesland on Saturday. In the backs Jamie Doig, the captain, returns after injury and Dougie Horne who was not available last week. Mike Hermes drops out with an eye injury. In the pack, Robin Bryant, Fabi Marchetti and Jack Walker return. Chris McAlpine and Claudio Urra drop down to the bench and after his excellent debut in Inverness Sandy Fitzpatrick is unavailable. It looks a well balanced side.
a powerful 2nd XV will also play at New Anniesland against Ardrossan accies. they will be hoping to add to their 5 wins from 5 wins so far this season
 
 

This article was posted on 8-Oct-2009, 21:33 by Hugh Barrow.