On a very pleasant autumn afternoon at New Anniesland, and with a pitch in wonderful condition, Accies started with a bit of a stutter – and it has to be said that the Oban lads looked well organised and drilled. I think everyone at the game looked at the size of the Oban pack and thought our pack would have a long hard day.
However, the first set scrum put paid to those thoughts as Accies drove their opponents off their put in. This seemed to raise spirits and for the rest of the first half Accies dominated possession and territory.
Accies started to run with power and direction and the forwards were carrying and rucking for their lives whilst the Oban players were defending with courage and skill. It certainly felt that all the pressure that Accies were applying should have resulted in some points.
However despite many close calls the whitewash was not crossed for over 30 minutes, but Accies scrum-half Chris Jubb was orchestrating the match by keeping the pack working and the backs moving. Oban were defending with enthusiasm and some real skill.
However, Oban’s impressive No 8 was sin binned, and sadly Accies resultant kick was just missed by No 10 Stewart Gray, so with only 10 minutes to half-time the crowd were settling for a no-scoring first half, but we were wrong, as Accies took full advantage of Oban being reduced to the 14 men and following some fantastic work by the pack produced good ball for Chris Jubb and his fellow half back, Stewart Gray to use, and use it they did with some superb long passes which created enough space for recent returnee, full back Ross Cowan, to score in the corner, and a superb conversion made it - 7 - 0
The crowd had hardly collected its breath when home prop Chris McAlpine, picked up a loose kick-off and drove back into enemy territory, and with superb backing up and driving rugby from Accies forwards, No 7 Sam Miller, who was putting in another superb personal display, finished off the movement with a well taken try, and an excellent conversion by Stewart Gray took the score to - 14 -0
With the half time whistle imminent, Oban were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which took the half time score to - 14-3
The second half started with Oban pressure which resulted in them gaining a second penalty which they converted - 14 – 6
Happily this had the effect of stirring Accies into action and they were then back to where they had spent the majority of the game, in the Oban 22, where a pressurised clearance by the Oban full-back did not make touch. The ball was collected by Ross Cowan and the crowd held its breath as he ignited the ‘after-burners’ and scorched over from a good 50 metres out for a great individual try and one worth the entry money for those lucky enough to be there !!
Another fine conversion from the touchline took the score to - 21 – 6
Accies unfortunately had started the day with only one available front row replacement, so had only 3 reserves, an injury to prop Calum Adams meant that the game had to go to uncontested scrums which really did not suit Accies at all, as they had dominated the scrums and line-outs up to this point. The pressure they had applied to the Oban scrum meant that their substantial No 8 platform was seriously reduced, and since Accies did not now have that tool the Oban back row got more into the game and were putting Accies under pressure.
Unfortunately referee Stewart McLean from Cambuslang deemed that Accies No 6, Fergus Rowan, had committed an offence at one of the breakdowns and he was subsequently yellow carded. This gave Oban a new belief, and with some really good rugby, they produced a much deserved try which was converted by their impressive No.13 - 21-13
However Accies were not finished and from a superb move in the middle of the field, and inside their own half, centre Graham Bryden, who had had an outstanding game, took a beautifully angled line of attack and broke the first and second lines of defence and then by drawing the last man delivered a superb pass to the supporting Stewart Gray to score a wonderful fourth, and bonus point, try! Converted to make it - 28 -13
The final whistle came and Accies had won a game they had dominated and demonstrated against a very well organised and disciplined Oban defence, that they had the skill and the game plan to overcome well organised sides!
Today the pack were up against one of the biggest packs in our league and it has to be said came out with great credit. The backs demonstrated that they have the ball skills and inventiveness to break down any defences. A good day all round and one that sets the side up for the league season.
Man of The Match: For all who have watched the huge contribution that this man has made to Accies rugby since he joined last season, and following another outstanding performance today, the award went to our NZ Flanker / No 8 Sam Miller.
Referee Report: Referee Stewart McLean had a tough old day as Accies and Oban were both prepared to move the ball all over the pitch and it is always difficult to keep up with that type of game. However, Ref Stewart did pretty well, but I have to say for some questionable decisions he made at the breakdown, I would give him a 7 out of 10

Next week’s Match: Accies travel to Helensburgh with a 1.00pm KO (Scotland playing SA at 4.45)

From Donald Reid