Glasgow Accies 27 Waysiders/Drumpellier 0
10th October 2009
New Anniesland
 
Accies Win with Late Bonus Point

 
 
For the second week in a row Accies recorded a win but this week they managed to secure the maximum of the five points by scoring four tries and thus a bonus point. The win was created by a sterling effort by an the Accies pack that were ahead of their opponents in every aspect of the forward work.
They scrummaged so well that early in the second half W/D had to request uncontested scrums as they had run out of front row replacements. This was certainly not to Accies advantage, as by that time the scrum had become a potent weapon. The lineouts were secure and when needed they could quickly recycle the ball when it was needed. The mystery was why it had taken them to the first minute of injury time to score the fourth try.
The positive aspects of the game were that Accies did not let W/D score, by and large they kept their opponents outside their 22, the driving by the big forwards, with Steve Begley, Cruz, Adam Howie and Jack Walker, when he replaced Steve Begley in the second half, in the van, sucked in the opposition and had them on the back foot for most of the game and their tackling, especially by Stewart Smith and Jamie Doig was devastating. On the negative side the speed at which the backs passed the ball was chronically slow, they lay too deep when in an attacking position and sometimes the handling was a little fallible. But too much criticism is inappropriate when you win so comfortably and witness a huge improvement in confidence since the start of the season.
The first half took some time to get going. Accies attacked and attacked but could not get over the line. Stout defending and the final pass were the main contributing factors.
It took 32 minutes to get on the score sheet and that was a penalty by Richard McKnight. Then it happened, straight from the kick off Accies caught W/D in their defence and a solid tackle released the ball. It bounced kindly for Dougie Horne on his own 10 metre line and he showed a clean pair of heels to run 60 metres for a score under the posts duly converted by Richard McKnight.
Three minutes later Stewart Smith surged out of his own half and like a swarm of bees Accies forwards and backs flew after him. Cruz got to his side first and there was no stopping the big back row forward as he too scored at the posts for Richard McKnight to convert. So little for so long and then in the space of six minutes Accies were 17-0 up.
At half time the Accies support was purring with anticipation looking forward to a scorefest in the second half. But they were to be disappointed for the first 26 minutes as the game became a bit of a turgid affair. It seemed that the only thing of note was the referee’s whistle. Most of it justified but as a result Accies could not get the continuity into their game that they were seeking.
Jack Walker had replaced Steve Begley at half time and shortly after that Stuart Goudie replaced Craig Wright on the wing.
In the 66th minute Cruz followed up a beautiful break in midfield by Richard McKnight and when he was held up just short of the line the ball was recycled
 
2.
 
quickly for Steve Begley (who had returned to replace the injured Robin McBride) crashed over for a try Richard McKnight.
22-0.
Accies were now in sight of the bonus point and W/D were equally determined that they were not going to get it. Wave after wave of attack and counter thrust followed but Accies could not reach their goal. Finally in the last play of the game Accies were awarded a lineout five metres from the W/D line and a clean catch and drive and Jack Walker was over for the all-important score.
 
It proved to be a good day all round for Accies players as the 2nd XV beat Ardrossan Accies by 70-18 scoring 12 tries to their opponents 2. Ross Chassels was the leading try scorer with 3. Accies have now won their first 6 games and top their league. They play excellent handling and running rugby and are a joy to watch. Their spirit is great and they obviously enjoy playing together.
 
Accies also supplied players to the new Anniesland Hawks XV playing their first competitive game against Hamilton 3rd XV. The won by 5 tries to 4 and gained a try bonus point.
 
Next Saturday Accies 1st and 2nd XV’s are away to Stewartry in Castle Douglas. The coach leaves New Anniesland at 11-15 and supporters are welcome to travel with the teams.
 
On 24th October Hawick YM are the visitors to New Anniesland. There will be a big support that day as it is the pre-match Brian Lockhart Lunch for players who played with him in the 60’s and 70’s. There is still room but please contact us early to secure a place.

This article was originally posted on 10-Oct-2009, 20:46 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 10-Oct-2009, 21:36.