Good morning everyone,
With a number of players returning this week it was anticipated that there would be several changes in the starting XV for tomorrow's game against Annan at New Anniesland, what was not anticipated was that four of the players from last weeks game would be unavailable through injury. Winger Tom Cullen, flankers Andy Jackson and Chris Wright and N0.8 Kenneth Beattie. It really has been a wretched season for injuries, mostly of a minor nature necessitating a week or two weeks off. This breaks the continuity and disrupts the pattern of play. We are fortunate to have so many players otherwise we would be pushed to field a 2nd XV.
However there is good news also. Brad Bell has finally got back from America and should be with us for at least three months. Mike Hermes returns after a three week lay off with concussion, Ali Mclaren has recovered from injury and resumes at stand off allowing Stephen O'Donnell to return to scrum half. Fabi Marchetti is back at tight head prop, after a three week absence having been out of the country, and that should stiffen up the right side of the scrum. Young Chris McAlpine did a good job in his absence. Jack Walker is back after a long lay off with a shoulder complaint and comes in at N0.8 after a good game in the 2nd XV last week. Graeme Ker, son of former Accies centre Alan Ker, replaces Andy Jackson at open side flanker. Finally Graeme Simpson has returned after a two week absence and is on the bench ready to come on as an impact player. It is certainly not all gloom and doom as we get ready for the 10th game of the season.
The kick off is at 2pm.
Team
15 Brad Bell
14 Mike Hermes
13 Stewart Smith
12 Douglas Laidlaw
11 Craig Wright
10 Ali McLaren
09 Stephen O'Donnell
01 Jamie Coskry
02 Matteo Giovanazzi
03 Fabi Marchetti
04 Adam Taylor
05 Chris MacLellan
06 Claudio Urra
07 Graeme Ker
08 Jack Walker
Replacements
16 David Calder
17 Graeme Simpson
18 Alan Birsall

This article was posted on 29-Oct-2010, 10:22 by Hugh Barrow.