It was brilliant to see so many supporters at the Bearyards to witness this momentous day in the 150 year history of Glasgow Accies. Since the creation of Hawks in 1997 when Accies had to start from the bottom of the Scottish league system they have worked tirelessly to make their way up through the leagues. Well today this young, well coached, team gained promotion to the highest league we have been in since that day!
This was not the best game of rugby we have had the pleasure of watching this season but it was most certainly the most satisfying. With a heavy pitch making running rugby difficult it was great to see Accies and Glens trying to play fast open rugby.
The first few minutes saw Glens attacking, but it was clear that Accies defence, which has worked well all season, was holding firm. At the first opportunity Accies back line fired into action and stretched the Glens defence. The first try came from some quick recycled possession two beautiful passes later and Craig Wright, Accies captain, was put in the clear to run in and score out wide.
The conversion missed. 5 – 0
There followed the best period of Accies rugby in the game which resulted in two quality tries, the first of which came after Accies were awarded a scrum on Glens 22. The scrum was solid and when, the ever present, Swedish International, Andreus Nilserius, picked from the base of the scrum and drew 3 defenders onto him and with a perfectly timed pass released the strong running Stewart Gray to run in, untouched. This time Chris Rhodes was successful with the conversion. 12 – 0
Accies were moving the ball with the skill and speed we have come to expect this season. They have given us all moments to remember, many of which I am sure we will all be recalling in a couple of weeks’ time, but today a piece of stand-off magic saw Chris Rhodes put a cross kick, that Fynn Russell would have been proud off, into the path of his grateful captain Craig Wright to score his second and Accies third! Tough conversion successfully landed 19 – 0
This was the end of the action in the first half and it was clear that some of the nerves being suffered by the large crowd were calming down.
Accies were on top but the heavy ground was slowing the game down and both sides were struggling to keep up the flowing rugby we all enjoy. It was Glens who scored next when they were called back to a penalty after advantage had been played but no gain made. It happened that one of Glens second row was standing where the referee was and a quick tap saw him drive over from 5 metres for a converted try. 19 – 7
It was Accies and big Mo who had the final word. Some crisp handling and movement saw Mo Mustafa on hand to take the scoring pass and touch down beside the posts.
Conversion successful 26 – 7
The game was petering out and both sides were clearly tiring from the effects of the heavy pitch but the joy at the final whistle was understandably unbounded.
As I have said, it was great to have so many supporters at the game to share in the joy of victory and promotion. So on behalf of all the players and coaching staff I would take this opportunity to say an extremely big thankyou to everyone who has supported them throughout this memorable season. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to Mr and Mrs Andrew Howie who have been loyal supporters all season. It was great to see both of them yet again at the game. Tom, at 90, is the oldest passed President of Glasgow Academicals!

See you all on the 23rd!
Donald
For those of you that did not know Saturday was Gordon MacKay’s birthday and there would have been no prouder Accie at the Bearyards than Schnozz – he did what we all hope to do – he made a difference!