GHK 2nd XV v Glasgow Accies 2nd XV

Saturday 4th September 2010

Old Anniesland

GHK 20 Accies 19
This season Accies 2nd XV are playing in the Reserve League 1st Division West. Following their promotion last year this is highest division in which they have played for several years and their first match was against one of the favourites, local rivals, GHK, on a narrow and bumpy pitch at Old Anniesland. As you will note from the score above it was a very close affair.

On a perfect day for rugby, except for a stiff breeze blowing down the pitch towards the Anniesland Road, end it turned out to be a very entertaining game to watch with both sides being willing and able to run the ball. In the end Accies will be kicking themselves for losing a game that they should comfortably have won by half time.

It took Accies only four minutes to open the scoring when a good infield break by right wing Andrew Brown, son of former Ayr full back John Brown, enabled full back Joff Stenhouse to link up to score a good try close to the posts. Stand off Ben Wilkinson converted for a 0-7 lead.

GHK stormed back and within three minutes had scored following two penalties in succession and a quickly tapped third that caught Accies napping. 5-7

The remainder of the half was mainly in Accies favour but move after move foundered by the narrowness of the pitch.

There was one more score. John Dillon, Accies powerful No.8 used his strength to squeeze over in the 20th minute for an unconverted try. 7-12

Half time.

This Accies side, showing many changes from last season, had blended together fairly well especially as they are playing at a higher level. The backs looked lively but were a bit over anxious and chances were squandered. The forwards, bolstered by the presence of Alan Perrie had looked good in the set pieces but were allowing GHK to dictate the terms in the open play.

Playing with the wind in the second half GHK kept the pressure on Accies for the third quarter and in the 50th minute kicked a penalty for 8-12 and in the 57th minute took the lead with a converted try following a missed tackle, 15-12.

Early in the final quarter they scored a similar looking try from a suspiciously looking forward pass. 20-12.

Realising that they were in danger of going down to a much heavier defeat the Accies players dug in and had numerous chances but failed to keep it simple and they were lost. Sadly Ben Wilkinson’s kicking boots deserted him and two or three penalty opportunities went narrowly passed the uprights.

Finally Accies got it right. With five minutes remaining the ball was passed along the back line and Ross Kennedy, the centre, surged through the tiring GHK defence for a try that Ben Wilkinson converted for 20-19. It could not have been closer.

New coach Ewan Smith and team manager Nigel Campbell were disappointed with the outcome but must be consoled by the fact that they have some good material to work with and many more players to return from wherever.

This article was posted on 5-Sep-2010, 09:50 by Hugh Barrow.