Good evening all,
After their long journey to Caithness last week Accies players are no doubt looking forward to returning to the flat and open space that is  New Anniesland for the game against Aberdeenshire on Saturday (kick off
3-00pm). This is the 7th game in a 22 game league programme and the record is 3 wins at home and 3 defeats away. Fortunately 3 bonus points have been gained in the away games and Accies lie in 4th position in the league with a total of 17 points. The teams in 2nd and 3rd positions are still in sight so everything is still there to play for and a good win on Saturday will help the cause.
The team selection is interesting as two of the backs introduced last Saturday have retained their places.
Douglas Laidlaw at centre is a 19 year old from North Berwick. Two years ago he played in a very good North Berwick High School side that reached the semi final of the Scottish Schools Cup. He is a tall powerful player and demonstrated last week that he could handle the ball with ease and was a sound tackler.
Tom Cullen on the left wing is shorter and stockier and exceptionally strong as one would expect from someone who is a fitness advisor to Celtic Football Club. He is 24 years old and a product of Leeds University where he graduated with a degree in Sports Science. His home Club is Worcester RFC and he has played for them since taking up the game. He has taken part in a number of age group finals at Twickenham. Last Saturday, with a limited supply of the ball, he proved to be difficult to bring down and was exceptionally powerful in the tackle. We wish both players a long and distinguished career with the Club.
Other changes see Mike Hermes return to his usual spot on the right wing and hoping to extend his try scoring of 6 tries so far this year.
In the pack Jordan Sime an ex Glasgow Academy boy, comes into the side at hooker to replace Matteo Giovanazzi who is away at a wedding and David Calder replaces Fabio Marchetti, who is unavailable, at prop.
Graeme Simpson moves back to his preferred position at No. 8. At this time there is one 2nd row forward unlisted as the coaching team are awaiting news on availability.
The forecast for Saturday is good so why not come out and give the boys a cheer and see if Ali McLaren can get his 100th point of the season. He is currently on 91 which includes 6 tries equalling Mike Herme's total.
 
Team
15    Ross Chassels
14    Mike Hermes
13    Stewart Smith (Capt.)
12    Douglas Laidlaw
11    Tom Cullen
10    Ali McLaren
09    Stephen O'Donnell
 
01    Jamie Coskry
02    Jordan Sime
03    David Calder
04    Adam Taylor
05    A.N. Other
06    Chris Wright
07    Andy Jackson
08    Graeme Simpson
 
16    Chris McAlpine
17    Kenneth Beattie
18    Dougie Horner
 

This article was posted on 8-Oct-2010, 06:18 by Hugh Barrow.