April 1st, New Anniesland.
Today was a crucial game as nothing less than a 5-point bonus try win would do for Accies. There was a real nervousness around the clubhouse before kick-off, much smoking and nervous chat! It was also clear from talking to the travelling support that Berwick had targeted this game to get revenge for the last-minute defeat Accies inflicted in the away fixture in November.
Accies were without James Evans and Kane Greggain through injury, so it was a new look back row that was charged with the task. From the off, Accies were clearly in full focus and were transferring the ball between backs and forwards with great accuracy and speed. Soon, they were well inside Berwick territory and a slick transfer from one side of the pitch to the other saw Matt Holland on hand to finish off a great move in the left-hand corner. Great try and an equally fine conversion from Colin Taylor. 7–0
Accies were firmly on top and the pace they were playing with was stretching their opponents. After a superb kick from Conor Niblock behind their back 3, a good follow up put the retreating Berwick players under real pressure and who else but Ross Cowan was on hand to race over in the left corner. This was looking good for Accies. Tough conversion missed. 12–0
Accies were playing the game well inside the Berwick half of the field but were not able to convert their pressure into points. It took a couple of penalties to Berwick for them to move into the Accies 22 for the first time late in the half. They were clearly looking for points and a penalty right in front of Accies posts gave them the 3 they needed. This was a real lift for the Berwick players and they were soon back onto the attack and moving well. They were quickly back into Accies 22 and a deliberate tap down by Colin Taylor meant today’s referee Lee Fish had no choice but to send Colin to the touchline for 10 minutes. Berwick worked really hard for the next few minutes to capitalise on their one-man advantage. They tried to use the blind side of a number of scrums, but some great defence kept them out. Berwick have some very big backs and they were trying everything to tie in Accies back row and inside defenders. At this point the Berwick backs decided to move the ball wide right where they felt the man advantage was, however, Jack McCready saw the opportunity to pounce and intercepted the final pass. He then scampered at full throttle to the Berwick posts, closely followed by their quick centre. An opportunist try and one that clearly relieved the pressure felt in the stands by a vocal support. Jack converted his own try. 19–3
A few minutes later Colin Taylor was back on the field and the first half somewhat petered out.
Half-time 19–3
The Berwick coaches had clearly stirred up their charges during the half-time chat and it was Berwick who came out of the blocks most effectively. They were making every effort to disrupt Accies ball at the breakdown and several penalties for holding on at the tackle followed. Accies were defending superbly and giving their opponents little space to create opportunities to breakaway. It took an outstanding break by Guy Davis to put Accies on the front foot, taking them deep inside the Berwick half and a quick ball transference saw Ross Cowan on hand to finish off the move. This was a well worked try and demonstrated the accuracy and speed that this Accies team from 1 to 15 pass the oval ball. Conversion missed. 24-3
Berwick were still very much in this game and their efforts were soon to pay off. A penalty was kicked to the 5-metre line and from the subsequent line-out their stand-off chipped the ball over the advancing Accies backline and a cruel bounce saw the following up Berwick player on hand to touch down. Easy conversion. 24–10.
Nerves were now visible all-round as the Berwick players started to produce their best period of the game. Berwick were running hard and using their big players to great effect, so it was not surprising that it was Berwick who were next to score and quick transference by their backs saw them create enough space for their left winger to score in the corner. A really tough conversion was missed. 24-15
The tension was palpable and the crowd were holding its collective breath, but this Accies team have a great attitude and were back on the attack. Matt Holland had been covering acres of the New Anniesland turf and was a real thorn in the side of the Berwick players. So perhaps it was frustration or just temper, but one of the Berwick players decided that he needed to slow Matt down so took the opportunity whilst Matt was on the ground to punch him, unfortunately for him Mr. Fish saw him and had no alternative but to pull out his red card.
Accies kept up the pressure and were back in fast mode with backs and forwards linking well, with plenty of hard running and off-loading. Inside the Berwick 22 they moved the ball left and it looked like a try was on, but in just the same spot that CT had done in the first half, one of the Berwick players patted the ball down with one hand – yellow card. Penalty decision was to scrum and with the numbers advantage the scrum was driven forward and just at the right moment Declan Papadakis picked up the ball and drove his way over – good try! Colin Taylor was successful with conversion. 31–15
There was clearly no way back for Berwick now, but they fought to the end and defended superbly. Playing against 13 men is never as easy as it should be and despite their best efforts it was a knock-on just inside Berwick’s half that provided the moment for Mr. Fish to bring proceedings to a halt.
A satisfactory performance and the much need 5 points in the bag.
Full-time 31–15
Today was never going to be an easy day for either the players, coaches, or supporters. Accies needed the bonus point win to keep their ambition of promotion a possibility. So, we are now level with Newton Stewart with both teams on 82 points, with Accies topping the league on points difference. Falkirk have a game in hand and are on 80 points. Assuming Newton Stewart gain a bonus point win at Boroughmuir next Saturday, they will end the season on 87 points, and again assuming Falkirk gain a bonus point win at home to Preston Lodge, they will arrive at New Anniesland on 85 points.
Saturday the 15th will be a title decider. If Falkirk win, they will be champions, if Accies win but don’t gain the bonus point, Newton Stewart will win. If Accies win with a 5-point bonus they will almost certainly win promotion on points difference. What an ending to the season!
Donald Reid