Both of our teams were playing away today and it is always harder especially when one of those teams have a very good home record over the years. Preston Lodge have always been a difficult team to beat in Prestonpans. Accies day did not get off to a great start when it appeared that there was an overheating issue with the bus – never a good preparation for a key game – however, that issue was overcome and the 1st XV arrived at Pennypit ready for action.
Accies were very quickly out of the blocks and 7 – 0 up after just 2 minutes with a converted try. Five minutes later Preston Lodge were level 7 – 7. This was clearly going to be a hard-fought contest, with 2 teams determined to secure the points. Accies regrouped and for the remainder of the first half were firmly on top, scoring four more tries before half time.
Half–time score: 33 – 7
Preston Lodge started the second half with a bang, scoring three tries in quick succession and after just 15 minutes of the restart they had reduced the deficit to just nine points. 33 – 24.
However, this Accies side possesses great spirit and in the 63rd minute scored another converted try to increase their lead to 16 points. 40 – 24.
Preston Lodge continued to fight for a win and scored another two impressive tries before the final whistle.
Full–time score: 40 – 36
I am sure the coaches will be analysing this performance and looking for reasons why we allowed our opponents to score six tries, but a win away from home – and at a notoriously difficult place to win – is a good result.
National 2 is one of the toughest leagues in Scottish rugby and at the halfway stage of the season Accies are proudly sitting two points clear at the top. A great effort from all involved.
Next weekend is a key Saturday for both second-placed Falkirk, and Accies, with Accies having to travel to Newton Stewart (unbeaten at home so far this season) and Falkirk travelling to Dumfries, with a much-improved Dumfries side most certainly on the up. A win at Newton Stewart would be a major step in the boys’ promotion hopes.
The 2’s jumped across the fence for their return match against GHK where they also secured a huge win against old rivals. 37-14
This is a brilliant result for the 2’s and cements their position in the top 4 of the West Reserve League 1. Next week the 2’s are scheduled to play Cartha QP, but as Cartha are having difficulty with raising a 2nd XV team we will have to wait and see.
The whole club is working hard to cement and build on our positions in the two leagues and with good numbers still coming and working hard at training I am sure they are doing their best.
Donald Reid – Club Secretary