Glasgow Accies 17 Aberdeenshire RFC 16
New Anniesland
Saturday 9th October 2010
7th Game National League Division 2
‘A Close Run thing’
The collective sigh of relief from the Accies supporters that greeted the Aberdeenshire’s stand off’s relatively easy penalty miss and the referee’s final whistle could be heard at Anniesland Cross. To the end of their playing careers the Aberdeenshire players will wonder how on earth they lost this game. They had 80% of the possession and 80% of the territorial advantage but only got over the line twice. With limited possession Accies scored three tries. The Aberdeenshire coach will probably reflect and tell his players that you can bludgeon the opposition to death up front but if you fail to kick your goals and do not have the backs to penetrate a determined defence you will be lucky to score more than two tries in a game. He will no doubt also say that you have got to be aware that the counter attack may be very costly.
Fortunately for Accies they have a back division that can both run and handle at pace and that was the difference between the two sides. Accies defensive effort was also immense and on Sunday morning there were sure to be a number of sore bodies when they woke up.
Frankly Accies scrummage was minced despite the fact that the Club has acquired a brand new scrimmaging machine. I suspect that it is still in its wrapping paper. In other aspects of the forward play there were many positive points. The lineout worked well with young Kenny Beattie particularly prominent in the latter stages when it really mattered. The back row tackled everything that moved above the grass and the whole pack did not give in to their massive opponent’s continual use of the rolling maul. Special mention has to be made of Tom Cullen. What a versatile player he is. Last week he played on the wing against Caithness, this week he was the hooker in the absence of Matteo Giovanazzi. He was everywhere, popping up all over the ground with the ball in hand and very difficult to bring down with his low centre of gravity.
While the game was not a classic it was certainly very exciting and in its way entertaining.
The pitch was, as usual, in perfect condition and dry but there was a stiff breeze from the Clubhouse end. During the first 14 minutes the sides were testing each other out and establishing the pattern of the game that turned out to be the dominance of the hefty Aberdeenshire forwards against the quick silver Accies backs.
Aberdeenshire struck first converting a penalty  from in front in the 14th minute. 0-3. Then, and from what seemed for ever, Accies were back on their own line defending desperately. Finally a free kick and a penalty relieved the pressure. For once Accies secured possession and quickly worked the ball to Mike Hermes who set off on a typical run but his inside pass was knocked on and the chance was lost.  Accies were, however, starting to get some ball and when they were awarded a penalty 40 metres out the quick thinking Andy Jackson grabbed the ball and set off at pace. He was hauled down just short of the line but quick ruck ball was sent spinning through the hands of the backs all the way to the opposite touchline where Craig Wright dived over for what was a very well constructed try. Ali McLaren banged over the conversion from the touchline to give Accies a 7-3 lead. Straight from the kick off Accies were penalised and the Aberdeenshire standoff kicked his second penalty.
Half Time 7-6
The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Accies under intense pressure but not yielding. After 10 minutes of this the game turned on its head. Accies broke out from deep in their own 22. Mike Hermes led the charge until Craig Wright and then Jamie Doig took over. Suddenly the ball was back over the halfway line where Aberdeenshire were penalised at a line out. Ali McLaren’s kick took play deep into the opposition 22. Accies won the lineout and spun the ball to the opposite side of the field where e they won another lineout. Again the ball was sent through the hands and this time Jamie Doig intruded from full back for a splendid try. For once Ali McLaren missed a relatively easy kick 12-6.
Aberdeenshire stormed back and in the 67th minute pushed the Accies scrum back over their own line for a try 12-11
Not daunted by this set back Accies secured the ball from the kick off and recycled it to Mike Hermes who scorched into the right hand corner for a vital try 17-11 and 13 minutes remaining. Momentarily the though crossed the Accies support that they might get a four try bonus point. Aberdeenshire made absolutely certain that would not happen as they stepped up the pressure.
With five minutes remaining The Aberdeenshire’ pack finally got some reward for their dominance in the rolling maul with a try in the corner. 17-16
A very tense final 5 minutes ensued when Accies survived two relatively easy penalty kicks at goal that drifted wide of the uprights.
A vital home wins but too close for comfort. The performance will have to step up a level at Hawick YM away next Saturday especially the scrimmaging.
 

This article was posted on 12-Oct-2010, 17:33 by Hugh Barrow.