Report of AcciesFC v Newton Stewart RFC

Saturday 16th Nov 2013

Result Accies 23 -7 Newton Stewart

Anniesland welcomed our friends from the Borders on an overcast November afternoon.

Accies started off at a great pace as is their style this season and moved the ball about the park, but resolute defence and some lack of ball retention meant the game stuttered to get going and it has to be said created some frustration amongst both players and spectators. The first 30 minutes continue in this vein with neither side dominating.

With 8 minutes to go before halftime Accies were pressing on the Newton Stewart line and putting even more pressure on their young stand off as he was attempting a clearance kick and Ben Frame was within inches of the charge down but the ball deflected off his finger tips and landed on the 22 and into the waiting hands of a Newton Stewart player who picked it up, moved the ball to his right and after some very good handling the right wing scampered in and under the posts. We probably will not see a better end to end try at NA this season. Duly converted 0-7

From the resulting kick off Accies again attacked with ball in hand and created another pressure position inside the danger zone and from broken play Graham Bryden drew two defenders and put replacement Gus MacCallum into the corner, but the conversion was missed. 5-7

There was another 3 minutes of interplay on the half way and the referee blew for half time, Accies trailing despite having the best of the possession and attacking positions. 5-7

The second half started off with high hopes of Accies converting their domination of possession and territory levels into points, but it was Newton Stewart who got into Accies 22 with some strong individual runs from their forwards and put their prop into the clear and he duly crossed the white wash to score a converted try. 5-14

The Accie coaching team decided this was the point to make some substitutions and youngster Jamie Loomes came on at 10 and Kiran MacDonald entered the second row. This was a signal, along with some stern words from the captain, for Accies to raise their game and increase the tempo of their play. This combined with far better ball retention created a much improved look to Accies shape and the gaps did start to appear. It was our ever present and tireless prop, Fabio Marchetti , who was given the ball 20 meters out (although he probably will tell you it was on the halfway line) who saw the gap and went through it. He then looked up for the off load but realised he was facing the last line of defence and showing the foot skills of Anton Du Beke of Strictly fame, pirouetted round the desperate hands of the last of the defenders to score under the posts. No player has worked harder and deserves a try more that Fabio. 12-14

Accies were now dominating play and controlling all aspects of the game, however Newton Stewart were still in front and were not going to give up their lead easily. Accies were playing at a much better pace and with greater control. This was creating pressure on Newton Stewart and penalties were being given away. After one missed attempt Jamie Loomes stepped up and put Accies in front for the first time in the game 15-14

Gaps and opportunities were now appearing and it was from one of these that fullback, Ross Cowan beat two tackles to score a well-deserved try. 20-14

Accies continued to pressurise the Newton Stewart line and despite some good opportunities were kept out by committed and determined defence but another penalty allowed Jamie to put Accies two scores ahead. 23-14

Newton Stewart to their credit still felt they could get something from the game and when they got themselves into the Accies half were awarded a penalty in front of the post and decided to go for the loosing bonus point and converted the penalty.

Final Score 23-17

MOTM Having had a long chat with those in the know; it was clear that Calum Robertson had gained the majority vote, took his chance and made the most of it! Well done Calum.

Ref Watch: “Pretty in Pink”, the match was handled well throughout with the ref in control of proceedings, letting the game flow as well as any referee this season. Sure, we could have “mumped” a bit at a couple of decisions, but then so could NS at a couple that went against them in fairness : a good 8 out of 10.

This article was posted on 18-Nov-2013, 11:04 by Hugh Barrow.