“I don’t care about the score just get the win…”
 
Those were the wise words of Coach - Nigel Campbell that were ringing in the ears of Accies’ 2nd XV as they ran out to renew hostilities with GHK’s 2nd XV on the back pitches at Old Anniesland. GHK 1st’s were hosting East Kilbride on the main pitch. Having played each other numerous times in recent times there wasn’t the same anticipation as the recent 1st XV derby fixture at New Anniesland but the fire was as strong as ever to put one over on their nearest neighbours.
 
Accies fielded a team that would’ve graced Accies 1st’ XV only a few years ago with Dave Calder, Fraser Cameron, Robin Bryant, Si Cadwallader and wait for it… Andy Pogrel!, in the pack. Alan Wilson, Ali McLaren, Ali Smith, Ross Chassells and the fashion enigma that is Max Henderson (providing a cameo appearance up from London for the weekend) in the backs.
 
The first half was all about establishing territory and pressure on a sticky, gluey pitch making swerves and side steps a little bit tricky, but it was Accies who came out on top as after heavy pressure on GHK’s line, the clearance kick was, incredibly, charged by Si Cadwallader, reactions took over and he caught it 6 inches out and fell over the line for the opening try converted by Ali McLaren.
 
The first half continued in the same vein, but with Accies’ experience and nous keeping them ahead of GHK, the penalties were traded and the first half closed out at GHK 6 Accies 10.
 
The second half continued in the same vein but with a touch more openness as the bragging rights were still up for grabs and GHK needed to score some tries to win the game. However, further heavy pressure from Accies’ pack resulted in Robin Bryant falling over the line from extremely close range for Accies’ second try – the combined distance of Accies two tries was about 6 inches!, with Ali McLaren delivering the conversion.
 
Penalties were traded as the game came to a conclusion of the final scoreline of GHK 2’s 9 – Accies 2’s 20.
 
Summary: Accies had the muscle and the experience with Andy Pogrel - fresh from baby duties - rolling back the years with some dominant, storming runs. GHK tried to throw it around, particularly in the latter stages of the game, and they should be encouraged by the talent that is there in the 2nd XV, when a couple of tries would have rescued them but Accies’ defence held, just at times, but just all the same!
Particularly pleasing from an Accies’ perspective was the return of Alan Wilson – a former Club Captain still in his late 20’s…. ok maybe early 30’s… but blighted for 18 months with a serious and tricky shoulder injury to the extent of Alan thinking of giving up the game. It was good to see Alan working his way back into the groove, from scrum half, probing, barking orders and making sense of what was in front of him, we wish him well in his return to rugby as he brings a good, positive, dose of Ayrshire grit and reality to the champagne rugby style at Accies.

This article was originally posted on 5-Nov-2011, 23:45 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 5-Nov-2011, 23:57.