Today our players ran out in the new Loch Lomond Whisky jerseys and I have to say the boys looked good. On the right sleeve were the three words the players committed themselves to – relentless, clinical and disciplined
Before kick off I asked the coach how are the boys today? I have to say his response slightly worried me as it was somewhat guarded and I think it would be fair to say the first half showed some weaknesses. The game started and we watched as Accies took control of the early exchanges and started to dominate the game, in territorial terms at least. Accies pack was working well, if not at it’s very best but from the touchline it appeared we were stalling at the final hurdle. They did convert their territorial advantage with a well worked try, for the ever-eager Guy Davis, returning from a wedding down south, unfortunately it was too far wide for the Fin who had not quite found his range and he missed, but points on the board. 5–0
So, the travelling support were keen to see more and as the players once again worked themselves into the Hamilton 22 we were confident another try would come soon.
It would be wrong of me not to point out, that Accies appeared to have some issues with finishing off really positive situations with rushed execution and finishing. Unlike their last outing when patience was evident, it looked as if we were impatient to score again, and too many players felt they could get the try themselves. This resulted in some turnover ball and penalties being given away when Accies were less than 5 metres from the opposition line. However, Accies once again worked their way into the opposition’s red zone and after the opposition gave away another two penalties, finally Matt Holland found the gap and stretched for the line. Difficult kick missed. 10 – 0
This is a very big and well drilled Hamilton team, they have an outstanding number 8, who carries as if his life depends on it and their 10, 12, and 15 are truly potent strike weapons. They had quickly read that Accies were attacking close and flat to the gain line and the experience of their number 12 was clearly in evidence as he intercepted a number of passes to halt our attack.
From a slightly misplaced kick by Accies this potent Hamilton back line went into overdrive, but sound cover defence had halted progress 5 meters short of the line. This was the first time in the first half that the opposition had been inside Accies half, let alone the 22. Hamilton are no mugs and they took full advantage of the disarray as Accies defence was now concentrated near the breakdown and some quick ball saw the talented 10 pass the ball wide to their flanker who romped home under the posts. The Easy conversion was made. 10 – 7
This gave the home side a real boost, as they had been under the cosh for most of the first half these 7 points gave them hope. So as the first half drew to a close Hamilton were awarded a penalty just over the ten metre line and their quality kicker converted to draw the points level and the referee for today brought the first half to a close.
Accies had dominated the forward battle and were encamped inside the opposition half for most of the game but Hamilton had taken the two chances that presented themselves and brought the scores level
Half-time 10-10
As the second half got underway this reporter was concerned that in fact, we had allowed the opposition to get back into this game. As if this pitch had a real slope, which it most certainly does not have, Hamilton dominated the first minutes of the second half and in a complete team reversal were camped in our 22. However good defence and some clever use of our very strong bench, Accies avoided giving away any more points and started to build their attacks in a much more structured fashion. Clearly the coaches had identified the fact that Accies were working as individuals in the first half and the way to beat this side was to revert to the game plan and work your way up the field in phases. Accies started to look much more like the team that had dominated the first game of the season and after some superb build up work down the left the backs worked their magic and put Oli Nash in the clear, and with no hesitation and some considerable speed he crossed Hamilton’s whitewash. Good kick from Fin Neilson. 17 -10
The changes made in the pack were clearly visible when at the first scrum of the second half the Accies 8 drove the opposite 8 off their own put in and when we started to compete at the lines-outs Accies could now take control of the second half. However Hamilton were not done and had a good spell in the second half when they were encamped in Accies half but good defence kept them out. Hamilton will be in the top half of the league this season, they have a strong pack, some skilful backs and good ball skills but Accies tails were now up and the attacks kept flowing.
It is a spectator’s joy to watch a well coached side execute the teams game plan. Accies were now keeping their coaches happy and worrying the opposition. After an infringement, frustration I think, Accies were awarded a penalty 14 meters inside the Hamilton half, up steps Fin Neilson and slots to 3 points. 20 -10
Accies were now in control and I could feel the Chair sitting beside exhale and start to relax and breath, but the game was not yet won. This Accies side knew that and as they stepped up their effort they worked themselves inside the Hamilton 22 and with shouts of encouragement from the side-lines, the forwards tied in some of the opposition stragglers with strong pick and goes the ball was move left and to great shouts from the travelling support, the ball was swiftly moved to the wing and the ever popular hooker Tom Blackhall was on hand to crossed the line as if he were a natural winger. An absolutely superb touchline conversion secured another 2 points. 27 – 10
Full–time 27 -10
Accies had secured their second bonus point win and could return to NA to enjoy their success and that of the 2’s with a few well deserved beers.
Next week sees the visit of Boroughmuir RFC after a very long absence and I am sure they will be buoyed by their bonus point win over recently promoted Berwick RFC.
Lunch numbers are growing and we are looking forward to a big day again at New Anniesland.
Donald Reid – Club Secretary