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Premier 3 Rugby
Ardrossan Accies v Kirkcaldy R.F.C.
Accies finished off their league campaign with a 6 try win in a hard physical game against a strong combative Kirkcaldy side.
In perfect conditions Kirkcaldy started the match ,Accies stand-off Allan Wilson returned the ball upfield,Kirkcaldy’s burly loose head prop drove back into the Accies half before setting up the ruck, a kick upfield was cleared into touch to give Kirkcaldy the first lineout . Accies were awarded a penalty on the 4th minute but the attempt at the posts went wide. 2 minutes later Accies pressure paid off when a Stuart Lamont tap down from a lineout was quickly distributed out the line, Allan Wilson offloaded to Ross McDougall who came in from the wing on the crash ball and powered over for the score, Wilson kicked the conversion to put Accies 7points in front. Both sides were using the dry conditions and moving the ball wide , several attempted line breaks by Kirkcaldy’s big centres were being effectively marshalled by good accies defence ,with Jamie McKee, Mick McFarlane and Stuart Lamont putting in some big hits. Kirkcaldy levelled the score on the 15th minute when their left wing intercepted a pass inside his own 22 and sprinted down field to score under the posts, the conversion was good .
Accies front row were beginning to dominate the scrums and disrupting the Kirkcaldy put in, when Kirkcaldy had the ball they were using their big props to drive the ball up the middle of the park and set up quick rucks but excellent play by Innes Frazer and Ben Hamilton was resulting in turnover ball for the Accies. On the 25th minute Accies scored their second try when a kick ahead was re-gathered and spun wide , Tyrone Taiepai passed to Andy Duncan who burst through tackles before offloading for Jamie McKee to finish off with a try, the conversion was missed. Accies further extended their lead 5 minutes later when right wing John Young evaded 3 defenders before diving over in the corner, the conversion was missed. Mathew Grant scored Accies 4th and bonus point try when he darted through the Kirkcaldy defence to score with 2 minutes of the half remaining, the conversion was good. On the half time whistle Accies gifted Kirkcaldy a score when they tried to move the ball in front of their posts instead of kicking to touch, the move misfired allowing Kirkcaldy to pick up and drive at the line before their tight-head prop Wallace bundled over, the conversion was good.
Half Time Score
Accies 24 Kirkcaldy 14
Tyrone Taiepai started the second half for the Accies and once again they were encamped in the Kirkcaldy 22 , from an Accies scrum a Gordon Telfer pickup released Mathew Grant to drive close to the line, the ball was recycled quickly but Accies were penalised for not releasing allowing Kirkcaldy to clear the danger. Kirkcaldy were coming back into the match and for the first quarter all the play was in the Accies half where driving play by their big forwards was taking them close but good defence by the Accies was preventing them from scoring. Accies eventually began to get back into the game and Allan Wilson kept the scoreboard ticking over with another penalty.
Big Accies lock forward Scott Nimmo was making the hard yards when he had the ball in hand and the lineout was working to perfection with accurate throwing by Euan Thomson . Accies scored their 5th try on the 30th minute after Innes Frazer ripped the ball from a Kirkcaldy maul, the ball was moved wide, Euan Thompson chipped over the advancing defence and Bruce Hunter raced in to gather and score, Allan Wilson kicked the conversion. Accies finished off their try scoring when a superb move involving forwards and backs saw Ben Hamilton score, the conversion was missed. Kirkcaldy scored a conciliation try in the last minute when second row Wilson went over, the conversion was good.
Final Whistle
Accies 39 Kirkcaldy 21
Accies have now finished their season unbeaten since the New Year and the players are to be congratulated for another very good performance . The final whistle also ended Hooker Euan Thomson’s time at the Accies as he is moving south to work , he has been part of an outstanding front row for the last couple of seasons.
Premier 3 Rugby
Dumfries Saints v Ardrossan Accies
In perfect spring weather Accies travelled to Dumfries for their penultimate league match of the season. The Accies team sheet listed the return of Allan Wilson at 10 and John Young deputising for the injured Robert Hunter on the right wing .
A Dumfries kick-off started the match, Mick McFarlane fielded the ball and carried for 10 metres before setting up a ruck, the ball was spun to Allan Wilson who put in a long kick into the Dumfries 22 where they conceded a line out, Accies were penalised giving Dumfries the first penalty of the match . Accies opened their account on the 6th minute when Gordon Telfer picked up at the base of a scrum on Dumfries’s 22 line, he broke through two tackles before offloading to Allan Wilson who cleverly stepped outside the cover defence before passing back inside to Telfer who went over for a try. Wilson converted to put Accies on 7 points. Dumfries opened their account when they were awarded a penalty following a fine line break by inside centre Whiteford , stand-off Kerr duly kicked the 3 points. Accies squandered an opportunity to go another 3 points in front when a penalty award was taken quickly instead of going for the posts but the momentum was lost when the ball was spilled . Both sides were playing an open game where the ball was being moved wide, the Accies pack was providing a good platform for the backs and Captain Andy Duncan was regularly making incisive runs through the Dumfries defence.
Accies further increased their lead when they put together 4 phases of play involving a variety of overlap and miss moves before being awarded a penalty, once again Wilson kept the scoreboard ticking over. Dumfries scored on the 30th minute when slack Accies defence allowed open side Flanker Miller to go over for a try, the conversion was missed. Accies scored their second try 5 minutes from half time when they won a Dumfries lineout , the forwards piled in and produced a 15metre driving maul which finished when Lock Forward Mick McFarlane crashed over for the score, Allan Wilson converted.
Half Time Score
Dumfries 8 Accies 17
Tyrone Taiepai started the second half , a Stewart Lamont catch and drive took play back into the Dumfries 22. On the 5th minute of the half Dumfries scored their second try after Accies lost the ball in the scrum, outside centre Satala evaded Accies tacklers before linking up with his inside partner Whiteford who surged over, the conversion was good to narrow Accies lead to 2 points. Both sides added 3 points to their respective totals when they were both awarded kickable penalties. Accies should have scored again on the 25th minute when Mathew Grant broke down the touchline ,his grubber kick through the defence was scrambled clear ,if the ball had been passed inside it would have found two supporting runners with a clear run in. Accies again scored when they replicated their second try, a catch and drive saw Jeffrey Anderson touchdown in the corner, the conversion was missed.
Accies were reduced to 14 men when Tyrone Taiepa was sent to the sin bin with 8 minutes of the match remaining. With numerical advantage Dumfries launched several pick up and drives at the Accies line before moving the ball wide and use the overlap to allow Whiteford to score his second try, the conversion was missed.
Final Score
Dumfries 23 Accies 25
This was an excellent win for the Accies over a side that had not lost a league match at home. The forwards once again were dominant in the set piece and where Gordon Telfer was producing good line breaks from No 8. The platform they provided enabled the backs to regularly attack the opposition line where Full Back and Captain Andy Duncan was particularly prominent.
Premier 3 Rugby
Ardrossan Accies v Greenock Wanderers
March 10, 2012
Tyrone Taiepa kicked off the match for the Accies in dry dull conditions , Accies had wind advantage in the first half. Accies produced a good move after 2 minutes involving close support play by the pack which took play deep into the Greenock 22, Accies were awarded a penalty, a quick tap and go saw Mathew Grant touchdown for the first of his hat trick of tries . The conversion was missed but Accies were 5 points in front. Accies were awarded a penalty on the 5th minute when Greenock were guilty of being offside , Robert Hunter duly dispatched the kick to add another 3 points for Accies. 15 minutes had elapsed before Greenock managed to get into the Accies red zone , a penalty kick to touch gave them an attacking lineout 5 metres from the line, the ball was spun wide and scrum half Allan McDougall drifted through the Accies defence to score, the conversion was missed.
Accies came close after the restart when Tyrone Taiepa kicked a high ball, Gordon Telfer latched on to it and carried close to the Greenock line before being tackled but the referee penalised Accies for not releasing allowing Greenock to clear the danger. Accies were having the majority of possession and territory and the pack was beginning to dominate at the set piece with Frazer,Thomson and Hamilton winning the battle in the front row. Gordon Telfer’s excellent driving runs and close support play from Stuart Lamont and Anthony Flint was increasing the pressure on the Greenock defence ,causing them to be regularly penalised for being offside as they tried to contain the Accies attacks. The referee ‘s patience finally ran out as he sent Greenock’s McDougall to the sin bin , Robert Hunter once again was accurate with the boot and put Accies on 11 points. 2 Minutes from halftime Accies scored again , Euan Thompson disrupted a Greenock move and charged 30 metres before being tackled , Mathew Grant picked up at the ruck and darted over for his second try, Robert Hunter converted .
Half Time Score
Accies 18 Greenock 5
Accies were penalised straight from the kick-off and Greenock’s Kenny Diffenthal kicked the penalty to put his side on 8 points. From the restart Ben Hamilton and Innes Frazer drove into the Greenock half, the ball was recycled quickly and passed through the hands to right wing Robert Hunter who sprinted 35 metres towards the line and only a good cover tackle denied him a score. Greenock produced 3 phases of play but robust Accies defence was knocking them back and intelligent positional kicks from Taiepa ensured that play was kept in the Greenock half. On the 10th minute Accies were reduced to 14 men when Euan Thompson was yellow carded for not releasing. Greenock came close when a clever cross kick by Diffenthal found his No 8 clear on the right wing but the ball was spilled and the opportunity lost.
Another high ball from Taiepa found Jamie McKee, his line break and offload to Calum McKechnie took play into the opposition half, Greenock were penalised and Accies kicked to touch. An excellent catch by Stuart Lamont produced a driving maul by the pack and Michael McFarlane crashed over for the score. Hunter once again kicked the conversion. Greenock were again reduced to 14 men when their No 15 was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle on Jamie McKee. Accies scored their fourth and bonus point score when Mathew Grant broke from the base of the scrum and touched down. Robert Hunter converted.
5 minutes from time Robert Hunter suffered a severe leg injury as he sprinted for the line necessitating the medical staff to stretcher him off. With all the play now in the Greenock half it was only a matter of time before Accies scored ,inevitably centre Ross McDougall finished off a good handling move to go over. The conversion was missed.
Final Score
Accies 37 Greenock 8
This was a comprehensive victory for the Accies where the pack dominated the opposition, the backs defended well and moved the ball at pace and Greenock were never really allowed into the game. The injury to the talismanic Robert Hunter however took the shine off the win.
Premier 3 Rugby
Accies v Howe of Fife
Accies welcomed a Howe side who were currently lying second top in the league and had lost only twice in the season so far. Accies were without their influential playmaker /stand-off Allan Wilson who was out through a hand injury, Tyrone Taiepa was deputising at No 10.
The weather forecast was accurate as Howe kicked off the match the rain and wind started , Howe had the slight wind advantage. The ball didn’t go the required 10 metres giving Accies the firstscrummage of the match where Howe were penalised , Mathew Grant quickly fed Tyrone Taiepa hisoffload allowed Andy Duncan to surge into the Howe 22 before a spilled ball stopped the Accies attack. Accies had a chance to get on the scoreboard on the 10th minute but the wind took Robert Hunters penalty wide of the posts. On the 20th minute , against the run of play and in only their second visit into the Accies half Howe scored, from a scrummage inside the Accies 22 Howe’s No8 Mason picked up and drove through slack cover to go over for a try, the conversion was missedbut Howe were now 5 points in front. Accies were producing good spells of offensive play but acombination of sound Howe defence and spilled passes was preventing them from scoring.
The forwards were carrying on from last week’s performance by providing a solid scrummaging platform for the backs and Mathew Grant was at his abrasive best as he harassed his opposite number on Howe’s put in. Accies came close on the 25th minute when Anthony Flint was tackled5 metres from the try line but Howe were awarded a penalty at the ensuing ruck allowing them to relieve the pressure. Accies attacked in waves , Gordon Telfer broke through the defence and from a ruck Tyrone passed outside to Stuart Lamont who went over but the referee decided that the ball had been nudged forward and disallowed the try. Accies still were applying pressure as the forwards battered Howe’s defence , Accies second row of Scott Nimmo and Michael McFarlane were prominent in support play and driving forward at pace. Howe were reduced to 14 when their Hooker was yellowcarded for illegally preventing an Accies try being scored .The pressure finally paid off when MathewGrant darted over from the base of the scrum to score, Robert Hunter kicked the conversion toput Accies in front. On the half time mark ,Howe had a chance to regain the lead but their penaltyattempt went wide of the posts.
Half Time Score
Accies 7 Howe 5
A Tyrone Taiepa switched kick -off continued the pressure on Howe and Accies were again backinside the opposition 22. A Robert Hunter penalty from 30 meters out extended the Accies lead afterHowe were penalised for not releasing at the tackle. Both sides were defending very well , Accies centre pairing of Jamie Mckee and Peter Gossman were stopping the big Howe three quarters from getting over the gain line. A superb Stuart Lamont catch and surge to the line was stopped just short, the ball was recycled and once again barging carries by Nimmo and McFarlane were breaching the Howe defence. Accies were having the better of possession and territory but Howe’s defence was resolute as they rebuffed the waves of attacks. Accies began to use their substitute’s bench with Martin Henry, Bruce hunter and Jeffrey Anderson joining the fray.
Howe managed to get into the Accies 22 and only sound tackling by the Accies stopped them
from scoring. A quickly taken tapped penalty by Howe’s No 7 Wilson caught the Accies defence unprepared and he dived over for the try, the conversion was missed but the scores were now levelat 10 all after 28 minutes of the half. On the 37th minute Accies scored the match winning try when a Mathew Grant blind -side break released Robert Hunter to use his speed and outstrip the cover defence to score under the posts, he converted his own try to put Accies 7 points in front.
Final Score
Accies 17 Howe 10
This was another good performance from the Accies who were determined to reverse the defeat suffered earlier in the season from Howe. All the team performed well and deserved their win over agood side that has aspirations of winning the league.
Cartha vs Ardrossan
February 25Premier 3 Rugby
The Accies team included big Australian second row forward Scott Nimmo making his return to the side since being injured in November.
On a heavy pitch Tyrone Taiepa kicked –off into a stiff wind for the Accies, Cartha’s stand-off caught the kick and immediately punted the ball into touch to give Accies a lineout on Cartha’s 22 line. From the lineout, Accies Kiwi flanker Anthony Flint drove for the line before being tackled, the ball was quickly recycled and again Anthony Flint got his hands to the ball and went over for the try. Robert Hunter kicked the conversion to put Accies 7 points in front with 2 minutes of the match played. From the restart kick the ball was spilled to give Cartha the first scrum of the match just inside the Accies 22, Referee Timpson penalised Accies for being offside and Cartha’s stand-off McKinnon duly kicked the penalty to open his sides account.Accies were again penalised straight from the restart when again Mr Timpson deemed them to have been offside. Cartha kicked to touch where again they were awarded another penalty, this time their attempt at the posts went wide.
Cartha eventually scored on the 14th minute when their heavy pack produced a driving maul to take play inside the Accies 22, the ball was spun wide and a missed Accies tackle in the middle of the field allowed Cartha the overlap for their outside centre to score, the conversion was good to put Cartha on 10 points. Accies were awarded their first penalty of the match on the 16th minute, Taiepa kicked to touch where Stuart Lamont’s catch released Gordon Telfer to charge for the try line but once again the referee penalised Accies for not releasing at the tackle allowing Cartha to clear their lines. Accies were trying to move the ball whenever possible as opposed to Cartha who were keeping the ball tight amongst their heavy forwards. Accies centre Jamie McKee had to leave the field injured on the 20th minute and was replaced by Peter Gossman. Cartha were now having the best of both territory and possession as Accies were still falling foul of the referee allowing Cartha’s No 10 to use the wind advantage and keep play in the Accies half. Cartha scored from another penalty attempt on the 30th minute to put them on 13 points. Robert Hunter added another 3 points to the Accies score when he kicked a penalty after Cartha had been marched back an additional 10 metres for ill disciplined backchat to the referee. Accies were now enjoying more possession and the pack was beginning to get the better of the forward exchanges ,causing concern amongst the home supporters as they were not used to see their pack being driven off the ball at the set piece.
Accies were spreading the ball wide and creating chances but they were guilty of flinging floating miss passes when more orthodox ball transfer would have been more productive. Another penalty on the 35th minute for not releasing allowed Cartha to add another 3 points. On the final whistle of the half Cartha came close and only desperate defence by the Accies saw Cartha’s left wing being bundled into touch just short of the line.
Half Time Score
Cartha 16 Accies 10
Cartha kicked – off the second half as the rain started to fall and into the wind. A good catch by Michael McFarlane allowed Allan Wilson to kick deep into the Cartha 22 where a spilled ball gave Accies the scrum. From the scrum the ball was quickly transferred to Andy Duncan intruding into the line, his feed outside to Robert Hunter saw him outstrip the cover defence to score in the corner, the conversion was missed but Cartha’s lead was now reduced to 1 point Accies had another chance to score immediately from the restart when Allan Wilson kicked the ball deep into the Cartha dead ball area ,Cartha’s left wing made a mess of dealing with a simple situation and gifted Accies a scrum 5 metres out. Accies pack drove Cartha back towards the line where again they were awarded another penalty. Given their dominance in the set piece , Accies opted for another scrum and again shunted the Cartha pack backwards, another reset scrum and forward drive but this time Cartha managed to get a foot to the ball and clear the danger. Cartha’s openside flanker was yellow carded on the 13th minute and Robert Hunter duly kicked the penalty to put Accies back in front. Accies scrum half Mathew Grant was giving a masterclass on kicking from the base of the scrum as he continually kept Cartha pinned inside their 22. On the 17th minute former Captain of the Accies Jeffrey Anderson came off the substitutes bench to make a rare and welcome return to the back row. On the 20th minute, Mathew Grant broke from the base of the scrum on Cartha’s 22, Jeffrey Anderson in support was stopped 1 metre short and Accies awarded the scrum, the pack drove Cartha over the line and Anderson touched down for the try, the conversion was missed but Accies were on 23 points. 5 minutes later Cartha scored when after a penalty kick to touch and an attacking lineout 10 metres from the Accies line ,Cartha’s forwards drove over the line to score, the conversion was missed. Straight from the restart Accies drove into the Cartha 22 and again ex-Captain Courageous Anderson emerged from the back of the maul to crash over for the bonus point try ,Robert Hunter produced a magnificent touchline conversion to put Accies on 30 points.
Final Score
Cartha 21 Accies 30
This was a good win for Accies against a big Cartha side. It was the proverbial game of two halves where Accies leaked penalties in the first period and it was costing them dear , the verbal roasting at half time from rugby manager David Fraser certainly had an effect. The front five were very good indeed and provided the platform for this win which left the Cartha supporters shell shocked at seeing their much vaunted pack taken apart.
Perthshire R.F.C. v Ardrossan Accies
Premier League Rugby
Saturday 18th February
After a 5 week break due to the weather and International fixtures, Accies made the long journey up the A9 to play Perthshire.
A Perthshire kick off started the match with Accies playing directly into a very strong wind and in Arctic temperatures, Alex Pratt was the referee in charge. The ball was caught and transferred to Allan Wilson who punted the ball over the Perthshire line for a drop out 22. The restart kick found touch giving the Accies the first lineout of the match inside the Perthshire half, Accies were judged to have knocked on at the lineout giving Perthshire the put in at the scrum. Accies were penalised for offside giving Perthshire a chance to open their account but the kick went wide of the posts. From the restart kick Martin Henry was quickly up on the Perthshire receiver forcing him to be penalised for not releasing at the tackle, Wilson kicked to touch for an attacking Accies lineout on Perthshire’s 22.
From the lineout, Gordon Telfer drove into the opposition 22 before the ball was recycled, a good move involving Wilson, Duncan and McKechnie resulted in the ball being taken up the left hand side close to the try line before being recycled and switched right but a spilled ball stopped an enterprising Accies attack. Accies were enjoying plenty of possession but the conditions were causing cold hands to spill or miss pass , when Perthshire had the ball ,Accies pressure and defence was preventing them from mounting any tangible attacks. In the scrum, Accies front row of Innes Frazer, Euan Thompson and Ben Hamilton were beginning to dominate their much bigger opposite number and were disrupting the Perthshire put in at will.
Accies came very close to scoring on the 12th minute when from a quickly taken lineout , Mathew Grant threw a long pass to Allan Wilson , his quick feed released Robert Hunter who was stopped five paces short of the try line by a good cover tackle. Accies pressure finally paid off when fast ball along the three-quarter line was finished off by Calum McKechnie scoring, the conversion was missed but Accies were 5 points in front. They came close to scoring again when a move which started inside their 22 saw Tyrone Taiepai release Andy Duncan to burst through the cover defence, his offload to Robert Hunter was returned inside where only a desperate cover tackle prevented him going over. On the 30th minute , Perthshire’s no 7 was sent to the sin bin for a very late tackle on Allan Wilson, Accies kick to touch and the resulting lineout gave another penalty to Accies but again the wind was taking the ball wide of the posts.
Half Time Score
Perthshire 0 Accies 5
With conditions deteriorating Accies started the second period with the wind at their backs and two minutes into the half a quick feed by Mathew Grant found Allan Wilson who sped through to score under the posts, he converted his try to extend Accies lead to 12 points. On the 10th minute and in blizzard conditions , Allan Wilson added another 3 points when he slotted a 30 metre penalty. Accies were now using their substitute’s bench as the weather was beginning to take its toll on the players and play was also becoming fragmented and fractious as both teams tried to adapt to the appalling conditions.Accies very nearly scored again after a penalty was awarded for another late tackle on Wilson, a kick to touch gave them the lineout , Gordon Telfer drove up the left of the pitch and his pass sent Mathew Grant in at the corner but referee Platt decided that the final pass was forward and the try was denied. Accies added another 3 points on the 25th minute to put them on 18 points.
Another good carry by Gordon Telfer was supported by Anthony Flint but once again his dash to the try line was stopped by another last ditch tackle from Perthshire. For the remaining period of the match the game was being played in the Perthshire half but Accies could not increase their score.
Final Score
Perthshire 0 Accies 18
This was a good win for the Accies on what has been a bit of a bogey ground for them in the past. Both teams are to be congratulated for playing in what was the most arduous of conditions. Accies were well on top for most of the match and if the weather had been more favourable the score would have been more. All the team played well , the forwards played as a cohesive unit and the front row were at their belligerent best.
Ardrossan Accies vs Lasswade
Saturday 14th January
After a 5 week break, rugby eventually returned to the Memorial Field with the visit of LasswadeRugby Club. In the Accies team for the first time this season on league business saw the welcomereturn of former captain Kenny Blair.
With wind advantage Lasswade started the match in cold ,dry conditions with a kick –off towards theschool end.
Accies catch and clearance kick was fielded by Lasswade’s no 9 who transferred the ballalong the line.
An attempted chip over the Accies rushing defence was intercepted which saw play being taken into the Lasswade 22 where the first scrummage of the match was given to Lasswadeafter an Accies knock-on.
For the first ten minutes of the half Accies were having the majority of both possession and territory , they were moving the ball at pace and should have opened theiraccount if final pass distribution had been more accurate. Allan Wilson was beginning to dictate the Accies attacks with a combination of half breaks and switching direction of play.
They came very close to scoring when Wilson linked up with Andy Duncan whose intrusion from fullback and kick ahead bounced away from the supporting Stuart Lamont with a clear run to the line. Accies were awarded a penalty after a break and chip kick by Mathew Grant was cleverly caught in mid air by Peter Gossman , the penalty attempt was missed.
From the restart Accies were penalised for being offside , this was the first of many penalties that the referee was to award against them throughout the match.
Accies pressure finally paid off on the 20th minute when from a scrum Mathew Grant fed Allan Wilson who darted through the Lasswade defence before offloading to centre Jamie Mckee to go over for a try, Robert Hunter kicked the conversion to put Accies 7 pointsin front.
Accies were beginning to leak penalties as the referee regularly deemed them to be offside . Theyfurther increased their lead on the 25th minute when again Grant broke from a scrum on Lasswade’s22 line, he fed to Wilson who passed inside to Anthony Flint to surge over the try line, Robert Hunter again converted to increase their lead to 14 points. 2 minutes later Accies were denied a try when a break up the blindside by Gordon Telfer fed Robert Hunter who out paced the cover defence and sprinted 40 metres to go over but the referee decided that the pass was forward.
Acciesunrelenting pressure was eventually rewarded on the 30th minute when a Wilson feed allowed Mick McFarlane to crash over for his debut try, again the accurate boot of Hunter converted.
Half Time Score
Accies 21 Lasswade 0
In diminishing light Allan Wilson started the second half and immediately Accies found themselvesdown to 14 players as the referee sent Bruce Hunter to the sin bin. 3minutes later they were down to 13 players when Mathew Grant joined Hunter in the bin. Given their numerical advantage ,Lasswade now enjoyed a period of testing the Accies defence but they did not manage to breach it and where Jamie McKee excelled .
To the ironic cheers of the home support Accies were awarded a penalty on the 14th minute which Robert Hunter duly kicked, 5 minutes later he followed this with another successful penalty fromthe half way line to put his side on 27 points. With the home side back to a full complement ofplayers.
Accies started to bring their substitute players into the game. Lasswade were reduced to14 players after Robert hunter was tackled while in the air fielding a high ball. Accies scored their fourth and bonus point try on the 25th minute when a Jamie McKee break released Andy Duncan ,his feed to John Young saw play being taken into Lasswade’s 22 before Young’s inside pass found Robert Hunter in support and go over for a well constructed try, he also converted.
With Acciestotally dominant it was only a matter of time until another score was recorded and it came on the 30minute when another Mathew Grant break down the touchline found Anthony Flint in support to go over for his second score, once again Robert Hunter converted.
Final Score
Accies 41 Lasswade 0
This was an outstanding performance from the Accies team which quite simply blew Lasswadeaway, they played with pace and power and supported each other throughout. All the team played very well but special mention has to be given to the back row of Blair ,Telfer and Flint who were everywhere, and Mick McFarlane who had his best game in an Accies jersey. The final penalty count of 19 against the home side and six for was rather excessive . Rugby Manager David Frazer said “the team played well, the forwards created the perfect platform for the backs to flourish and the score could have been much more”
G.H.A. Rugby v Ardrossan Accies
In horrendous weather conditions Accies travelled to the south side of Glasgow to play this return league match against GHA. Accies team showed a change to that printed in the match programme,a late withdrawal of Mathew Grant saw Bruce Hunter in at scrum half and John Young on the left wing. With gale force winds and driving rain Tyrone Taiepa kicked off for the Accies to start the match, a clean catch by GHA saw the ball being transferred to former Glasgow Warriors pro’ player Hefin O’Hare to drive upfield. From the ensuing ruck GHA’s Dunn put in a cross field kick which was bundled into touch, GHA won the lineout ,the ball was spun wide but Accies were penalised by referee Ms Alex Pratt for straying offside giving GHA a chance at the posts, the ball was sent wide.
GHA pressure finally paid off when on the 12th minute a forward drive saw their hooker Malcolm go over, the conversion was missed. GHA were coping with the weather conditions far better than Accies ,they also were having much the better of territorial and ball possession. Accies managed to open their account when Allan Wilson kicked a penalty but were dealt a blow on the 15 minute when big No 8 Scott Nimmo left the field he was replaced by Martin Henry . With the weather making the lineout’s a lottery , GHA won an Accies throw-in on the 20th minute , the ball was spun wide , Jericivich chipped over the Accies defence before feeding inside to O’Hare to score.,the conversion was good to put them 12 points to 3 in front. Accies were falling foul of the referee and were beginning to be penalised regularly for not releasing at the tackle .
GHA scored their third try on the 25th minute when from a lineout and forward drive the ball was transferred quickly across the pitch to allow their No 7 to go in for the score, Tane Jericevich kicked the conversion to put them on 19 points. Accies came close when an excellent charge by Gordon Telfer saw him being tackled a metre short of the line but once again Ms Pratt penalised Accies for not releasing at the tackle. Accies were awarded a penalty on the 35th minute and Allan Wilson was successful with his 30metre attempt. Accies should have been awarded another penalty shortly after, when Wilson was cynically taken out without the ball but the only person that didn’t notice the offence was referee Pratt. As the half time whistle approached Tyrone Taiepa broke through the GHA defence but his offload to Stuart Lamont was spilled with the try line beckoning.
Half Time Score
GHA 19 Accies 6
GHA started the half , the kick was gathered by tight head prop Innes Frazer whose bulldozing carry left two GHA tacklers on their backsides. GHA scored their 4th and bonus point score when GHA’s Auld attempted to intercept an Accies handling move, he knocked the ball forward ,hacked on ,checked , then realised the referee had missed it , regather and go in for the try much to the embarrassed amusement of the GHA supporters, Jericevich kicked the conversion to put them on 26 points. Accies lost another player when open side wing forward Anthony Flint retired injured, followed shortly by Stuart Lamont with an arm injury. With all their replacements on, the team had to be reorganised with Euan Thomson moving to the backrow,Teddy Rodger coming in at Hooker,Ross McDougall to open side flanker,Jamie McKee to scrum half and Calum McKechnie onto the right wing , with the wind and rain showing no sign of abating Accies were still defending well under constant GHA pressure but were still being penalised by the referee. Props Innes Frazer and Ben Hamilton were regularly carrying the ball from close support play and making good ground ,Gordon Telfer was also breaking through the gain line with some powerful carries. GHA’s No 10 was sent to the sin bin on the 20th minute after he tackled Andrew Duncan who was off his feet but Accies numerical advantage didn’t last long when 2 minutes later prop Innes Frazer was issued with a yellow for going into the ruck from the side. This seemed bit harsh as it was a first offence or maybe it was just the referee balancing up the teams , however it meant unopposed scrums for the next 10 minutes. For the remainder of the match GHA were in attack with Accies defending, although Accies did have their chances, a lovely break by Robert Hunter saw him clear through the GHA defence, his outside pass to his supporting wing did not go to hand and a try scoring opportunity was missed.
Final Score
GHA 26 Accies 6
GHA deserved their victory as they had longer periods of domination of the match and handled the conditions much better than the Accies . Accies did have their chances but being penalised regularly at the breakdown prevented them from gaining any advantage. Accies players who stood out in the particularly arduous conditions were Innes Frazer,Ben Hamilton and Gordon Telfer.
Ardrossan Accies v Dalziel .R.F.C.
In Saturday’s edition of the Glasgow Herald, their rugby correspondent predicted a narrow Accies victory in this match, usually when this happens Accies lose but on this occasion he was correct as they won this hard fought and often heated encounter.
On an overcast day Tyrone Taiepa started the match with a kick into a stiff wind; Dalziel fielded the ball and immediately transferred it to their No 10 who put a long diagonal clearance into the Accies 22. Accies wing John Young fielded the ball and fed inside to Robert Hunter who kicked to touch to give Dalziel the first lineout of the match,from the lineout Dalziel’s standoff kicked the ball dead to give Accies a scrum on the halfway line. Accies had a good chance to score on the 5th minute when Robert Hunter used his pace to break from his own half, the ball went to Kiwi flanker Anthony Flint who carried for 20 metres before being tackled 2 metres short from the line, the referee decided that he did not release in the tackle allowing Dalziel to clear through a penalty kick to touch.Accies were again penalised twice within the space of 2 minutes and from the second of these Dalziel’s No 10 put his side in front by 3 points.
Accies were awarded their first penalty of the match on the 15th minute but Allan Wilson’s fine touchline kick came to nothing as Dalziel won Accies attacking lineout. Accies produced a good piece of driving play by the pack which saw Euan Thomson charge deep into the opposition 22 where Accies were awarded a scrum from a Dalziel knock-on. From the base of the scrum Mathew Grant made a typical darting break to race through the defence and score, Allan Wilson was successful with the conversion to put Accies on 7 points after 22 minutes. Accies were still falling foul of the referee giving Dalziel possession through numerous penalties and giving them the opportunity to bring their potent three-quarter line into play,but the Accies defence was good and nullifying the Dalziel attacks. Accies forwards were beginning to play off the front foot and gaining ground through abrasive charging runs by Mick McFarlane and Stuart Lamont, they had a chance to extend their lead on the half hour mark but Wilson’s penalty attempt went wide of the posts. Dalziel came close to scoring on the 35th minute when a good break by their outside centre was supported by his forwards, the ball was spun wide but spilled in the tackle giving Accies a scrum and clear the danger.
Dalziel eventually scored when the ball was quickly distributed from a lineout on Accies 22, the ball was passed to their left winger who had intruded into the line and he went in for a try from a well worked move, the conversion was good to put Dalziel back on front by 3 points. As the half time whistle approached Allan Wilson tied the score for Accies with a good 25 metre penalty.
Half Time Score
Accies 10 Dalziel 10
The second half saw Accies captain Andy Duncan on the field after an absence of 2 games through sustaining concussion 3 weeks ago. He replaced John Young whose position was filled by Jamie McKee moving onto the wing. Dalziel started the second half , a good catch and drive by Scott Nimmo gave Allan Wilson the chance to put in a long clearance kick up field but once again Accies were penalised for being offside as they chased the kick. The referee was causing uproar in both sets of supporters as his interpretation of the laws was inconsistent and mystifying towards both teams. He was not applying the high tackle law and on one occasion a high tackle on Anthony Flint completely removed his headband but referee Watt waved play on.
10 minutes after the restart Dalziel had the chance to go ahead after Accies had conceded their 13th penalty of the match but the kick rebounded off the base of the post. Accies shuffled their pack with Scott Nimmo moving to Tighthead prop to replace Innes Frazer and Martin Henry coming on in the second row. Accies scored their second try on the fifteenth minute when a backrow move from a scrum saw No 8 Gordon Telfer go in for the score, Allan Wilson converted a difficult kick to put Accies in front. An injury to Jamie McKee stopped play and after medical attention he was replaced by Michael Young.An attacking lineout on Dalziel’s 22 line should have brought Accies additional points after a Michael McFarlane peel and drive ,the ball was spun wide but a poor final pass prevented a try being scored.Accies had another chance to add to their total on the 25th minute when they were awarded a penalty after the pack had driven Dalziel back at the scrum but again the kick went wide of the posts. 10 minutes later Allan Wilson slotted a long penalty attempt after Dalziel had been caught offside to put Accies on 20 points. As the final whistle approached Dalziel eventually breached the Accies defence when their No 13 went in for a converted try.
Final Score
Accies 20 Dalziel 17
This was a good win for Accies in a very tight and hard fought contest ,both sides gave their all in an intriguing battle that was only marred by erratic refereeing ,ridiculous amount of penalties and ill disciplined flare ups. Accies defended well under pressure and good clearance kicks from Wilson and Taipea kept play in their opponents half and if errors had been eradicated on final ball distribution they could have scored more.As for Dalziel , they are a good well drilled unit with a set of backs who were slick and handle at pace but were let down sometimes by petulant retaliation when tackled.
Morgan R.F.C. v Ardrossan Accies
Saturday 12th November
Accies travelled to Dundee for this difficult fixture between two clubs who were only separated by 2 points in the lower half of the league table. The Accies team sheet showed the return of Mathew Grant at scrum half after missing 6 games, the forwards selection was probably the strongest for some time and only the absence of captain Andy Duncan denied the rugby management team of fielding their optimum side.
A Tyrone Taiepa kick started the match on what was a very pleasant day , a Morgan catch and quick distribution along their back line was halted by a crunching tackle by Jamie McKee on his opposite number ,who was penalised for not releasing. Allan Wilson who was on kicking duty today , missed the opportunity to put Accies in front. Accies were beginning to fall foul of the referee and were penalised twice in succession for being offside at the ruck and scrum, 10 minutes of play had elapsed and Morgan had still not managed to get into the Accies half. Accies forwards were beginning to dominate the scrum and on the 15th minute their pressure paid off, a typical quick break by Mathew Grant from the base of the scrum was well supported and the ball carried into the Morgan 22. The ball was quickly recycled at the ruck , Allan Wilson fed Tyrone Taiepa who deftly passed back inside for Robert Hunter to break the cover defence to score. Allan Wilson was successful with the conversion to put Accies 7 points in front. Accies forwards were constantly disrupting the Morgan lineout but were still being penalised by referee Martin Hose and from one of these decisions Morgan added their first points when No 10 Millican kicked a penalty attempt on the 25th minute. An injury to Accies winger John Young saw him being replaced by Calum Wilson.
Immediately from the restart kick a catch and drive by Stuart Lamont was supported by Ben Hamilton who carried the ball into the Morgan 22 , Morgan were penalised this time giving Accies another opportunity to score. Morgan launched an attack on the 35th minute and quick hands saw the ball being transferred from the ruck along the back line to the left wing , only a superb cover tackle by Robert Hunter denied them a try.
Accies again scored when a wonderful worked move saw Grant break from the scrum , he eluded two defenders before passing to Anthony Flint , Gordon Telfer in close support received Flint’s offload and was tackled 1metre out , the recycled ball was sent to Allan Wilson who went in for the try. He converted his own try to put Accies on 17 points. On the half time whistle Accies again were penalised and Morgan’s Millican added another 3 points to their total
Half Time Score
Morgan 6 Accies 17
Morgan started the second half , Accies knocked on but Morgan were penalised, Allan Wilson kicked to touch to give Accies an attacking lineout. A very good catch by Lamont was supported by a forward driving maul which gained 20 metres but indecision and reckless passing when the ball was released prevented the Accies from benefiting from the forwards efforts , much to their annoyance. Accies kicking from hand was below par and losing them territory , they were also becoming guilty of trying to run ball from their own 22 when they really should have been kicking for position and only going wide when they were in their opponents half. Morgan were beginning to have a spell of possession as Accies continued to be penalised , they continued to try and take play through their big centre but the excellent defensive tackling by Jamie McKee was stopping them repeatedly.
Accies were having difficulty in playing into the strong sun resulting in the ball being spilled regularly , Morgan had another opportunity to add another 3 points but the easy kick was unbelievably missed.Accies began to use their substitutes bench with Martin Henry , Boyd Littlejohn and Teddy Rodger replacing Michael Mcfarlane , Gordon Telfer and Calum Wilson, the game was not being allowed to flow as the referee was still penalising both sides with monotonous regularity. Morgan eventually scored on the 25th minute when they were awarded an attacking lineout 10 metres from the Accies line , a catch and forward surge saw their captain Phypher get the touch down.The conversion was missed. Accies had another chance to stretch their lead when the pack drove Morgan back at the scrum, Morgan were penalised but the attempted kick went wide of the upright. Accies finally added another 3 points when good play involving Grant,Hamilton ,Frazer and Flint took play deep into the Morgan 22, from the ruck Mathew Grant found Allan Wilson standing in the pocket to drop a goal. On the final whistle a misplaced Accies clearance allowed Morgan to field the ball,charge up field and score, the conversion was missed.
Final Score
Morgan 18 Accies 20
The sense of relief from the Accies players when the final whistle sounded was palpable, as they very nearly surrendered a game that they should have had won by the interval. The pack played well and was dominant throughout so why put the ball wide when you don’t have to. Mathew Grant brought urgency to the side ,although his partnership with Allan Wilson was a bit rusty given that they have not been playing regularly together. Still a win is a win and it brought some satisfaction to the faces of playing management David Frazer and Ian Hunter but they know it’s still a matter of “work in progress”