Saturday 4th March 2023
This was this reporter’s first game back at New Anniesland for several weeks. It has been a tough period since my back operation in November, through Christmas and into 2023, but what a game to start with. The pitch was in magnificent condition and perfect for running rugby.
Accies kicked off and put real pressure on the Kirkcaldy receiver, a penalty resulted and the ball was kicked into the corner. The ball was secured at the lineout and driven forward, but when stopped by the bulky Kirkcaldy forwards, the ball was presented to Rob McNaught who fired his quick and accurate service to Conor Niblock at 10. With what was clearly a practiced training ground move, Conor ran flat and the burly Matt Holland, running a straight and terrific line, broke the defensive line and scored under the posts. A brilliant start and an easy conversion for Colin Taylor. 7–0
This had been a similar start to the game that Accies had had when they visited Kirkcaldy, and I am sure they were therefore full of confidence. Kirkcaldy are a big and very proud side and were quickly into the attack in Accies 22, but a mistake, a dropped ball, was pounced on by the pumped up Matt Holland, playing in the centre, and he hoofed it well into the Kirkcaldy half. It was unfortunate for Kirkcaldy that the player following up was Ross Cowan and he was first to the ball and following a deft footballers boot he was first to the ball as it crossed the line beside the posts. Try number 2 and up stepped Colin Tayler to make it a full house. 14–0
Accies were certainly not dominating the game and particularly at scrum time. This was a very heavy Kirkcaldy pack who were using it’s clear weight advantage to good use. Their big forwards were trying their best in open play to run at our defence but Accies tackling was up to it.
Accies were also testing the Kirkcaldy defence when they had ball in hand and Declan Papadakis, in particular, made several telling and powerful runs at their defence, breaking through on several occasions, despite some of his fellow forwards not sure where he was going to attack next. He was ably supported in these efforts by Max Hutcheon and James Evans. Accies were looking very effective with ball in hand, if at times a little loose. It was Accies penalty count that was causing them the greatest problem, and I think from this reporters position in the stand they were having difficulty understanding today’s referee’s interpretation of the breakdown laws.
It was once again from inside their own 22 that Accies defensive pressure created a loose ball and it was snaffled up and recycled. Terrific work by the brilliant and energetic, Rob McNaught at 9 created the opportunity for Matt Holland to break away and off load to Ross Cowan to race home, passed the desperate defenders to score Accies 3rd try, but this time out wide on the left. A very difficult conversion missed. 19–0
Accies had now converted two tries from Kirkcaldy attacking efforts within their own 22. A good sign of a team ready to pounce on any mistake from their opponents.
It was clear that Accies number 8 Declan Papadakis was well up (as they say) for today’s encounter and was carrying with real determination into the Kirkcaldy defence and on many occasions was breaking the first up defenders efforts to stop him, It was from one of these drives that a pass to the supporting Matt Holland created enough space for him to draw a couple of defenders and off load to Ross Cowan, supporting at pace to break clear and scamper home for Accies bonus point score. CT converted with ease. 26–0
It was not clear from the stand whether Accies took their foot off the peddle, felt they had the game in the bag or the departure of the dynamic running number 8 Declan Papadakis and the subsequent upset in the team set up, but suddenly Accies were under real pressure inside their own 22 and looking vulnerable. They were giving away too many penalties at the breakdown and scrum but clearly their opponents sensed an opportunity and after several drives their forwards crossed the whitewash. Easy conversion. 26–7
Kirkcaldy were clearly encouraged by the try and their strong and bulky forwards were running with renewed enthusiasm and commitment. This was allowing their quick backs some room to manoeuvre and their standoff used this space to side step several Accies defenders and score under the posts. Great individual try and conversion. 26-14
Accies had played badly for 10 minutes and conceded 14 points, but for the remainder of the first half they collected themselves and appeared to have regained their dominance.
Half–time 26–14
Whatever Ryan and Ruaridh said at half time did the trick, because from the kick off Accies looked a different side to the team that had finished the first. They were quick, accurate and running positively. They were recycling the ball quickly and allowing the backs space and this was troubling their opponents. It was superb team work, with forwards carrying and offloading, a lovely chip ahead and collection, followed by some superb support running from Scott Simmons that produced the opportunity for the player that so reminds me of Scotland’s, George Horne, Rob McNaught, to scamper home, having twice been involved in the move. Great rugby. Conversion missed. 31–14
This reporter felt the game was being hampered by some interesting decision from the master of ceremonies, but perhaps that was just my interpretation of what was happening in front of me. There were several minor injuries which always disrupt the flow of any game. However, it was Ross Cowan who grabbed the opportunity when the opposition made another mistake, this time at a lineout and young Robert started the counter attack, this was taken on by Matt Holland who off loaded to the supporting Scott Simmons who raced clear of the scrabbling defenders to score. Accies now appeared to be back in control. Conversion successful. 38–14
The Accies coaches were now encouraging their charges to run everything and make their opponents work even harder to stop them out wide. Both backs and forwards were now in running mode, and with Declan Papadakis back in action after a spell on the touch line after a stinger to his shoulder, Accies produced some great running rugby and were creating enough space for Matt Holland to run clear and reach the try line out wide on the right. Tough conversion missed. 43-14
Accies were now hungry for more and when Kirkcaldy were penalised around their 10-metre line a quickly taken penalty was supported by several Accies backs and forwards and, Ross Cowan was on hand to side-step his way to the try line for another touchdown. This time Colin Taylor nailed the conversion. 50-14
Kirkcaldy took full advantage of some slack play by Accies and after a couple of penalty kicks into Accies 22, their aggressive and powerful number 8 forced his way past a number of disappointing tackles to cross the line for their 3rd try. 50-19
Despite the encouragement of their third try, it has to be said that the Kirkcaldy pack were now looking tired and the defensive cover which had been good in the middle part of this game was now lacking. Accies forwards and centres exploited this superbly and several clear breaks ensued, but as so often happens when you are on top, the passing was a little loose and several opportunities went abegging. However, one chance came and having been involved in the move twice it fell to the pocket dynamo that is Scott Simmons to cross the whitewash for another try. 57–19
From a lineout on the far side from the stand, the ball was taken in field and then recycled to the right. Suddenly James Smith found himself in space and two beautiful sidesteps later saw him scamper over the line and under the posts. CT converted. 64-19
A final flurry and a tired and defeated Kirkcaldy side were confronted with several Accies players running and passing out of their desperate tackles to see Ross Cowan receive the ball just outside the 22 and two beautiful side steps later they watched as he touched down for Accies final try under the posts. 71-19.
In the end this was a comprehensive win for Accies but I am sure the coaches and players will be analysing where they could have done better. Accies scrum was under severe pressure for the entire game and I am sure Ryan will be working very hard during next week’s training sessions to rectify that before an even bigger test down at Dumfries. Accies had a couple “lazy” periods when they allowed Kirkcaldy back into the contest and perhaps could have been a little more accurate in their execution, but it was a sound performance overall. The lineout worked well and the running and ball carrying by the forwards was great. Young Robert McNaught was a constant threat to Kirkcaldy and his service was quick and accurate. The backs ran and defended well and Ross Cowan was always a threat.
Full–time 71–19
Your Support
Accies have 4 more games to play and if we win them all we have a chance of being League Champions. We play our final away fixture next Saturday at Dumfries and then have 3 home games on the bounce. The first is against Preston Lodge RFC on Saturday 25th of March, followed by Berwick RFC on Saturday 1st of April and finally against Falkirk RFC on Saturday April 15th – all at New Anniesland – your support for the boys will make all the difference and we would love to see as many of you as possible out.
I will let you know who the speakers are for the 3 lunches that we will be organising and hoping that as many of you as possible will be able to come along. I will also let you know what gorgeous food will be on our menus.
This could be a phenomenal season finale for Accies and your support is vital in hopefully getting the players over the line – never underestimate the power and help that a big crowd make to the players.
Two For The Future
Congratulations to TGA boys, Finlay Lockhart (S5) and Cameron Calder (S4) who represented Glasgow & the West Under 16 Fosroc SRU squad @ Stirling County against the other Regional sides. Well done boys and we look forward to seeing you in Accies jerseys!
Donald Reid