EL CLASSICO!
The day started off with the sun shining on New Anniesland and Mike Belch’s 4th XV ex-players gathering to celebrate this 150th year.
Over 50 attended and enjoyed a splendid lunch with some followed by the game between Accies and Newton Stewart.
This was a clash between the only two unbeaten sides in the West League, Division 1.
As the lunch finished the two sides took to the field, (good piece of organisation by MB) to commence the second part of the days entertainment. I can confirm that both sides did not let the crowd down and contributed to a high quality afternoon of rugby. The S.O.N.S. (Sons of Newton Stewart as they like to be referred) started off like a side comfortable with its game plan and the abilities of team mates. They drove well into Accies half and were awarded for their efforts with a penalty. 0-3
However there is a reason why both these sides were unbeaten before this game and Accies stepped up their game and moved into the opposition half. With a coolness, that reminded this correspondent of a certain Dan Carter, Accies stand-off produced a beautiful piece of individual skill; dropping back into the pocket he hit a sublime drop goal to level the scores. 3 – 3
This seemed to galvanise his teammates and for the next 75 minutes they produced a superb display of attacking and defensive rugby. I think it is safe to say that this was Accies best performance of the season so far. The backs took full advantage of the quality ball being supplied by their forwards, and moved it quickly into wide spaces, putting Newton Stewart, clearly a well drilled and confident side, under real pressure.
The result of this outstanding 15-man rugby was a penalty, the drop goal and two fine tries, with S.O.N.S. responding with their second penalty on the stroke of half time.
Half time and it was still anyone’s game Accies 20 - Newton Stewart 6
I am sure we have all been at games where a first half is great and the second fails to live up to the first – well not today. Both sides were determined to give their all for the cause. The first try of the second half was likely to be very important. If it had gone to the S.O.N.S. it would have brought them back to within 7 points. However it was Accies who got the first try to move to 25 – 6
Accies were firing on all cylinders, showing committed in defence and sharpness in attack. Both backs and forwards were showing real ability with ball in hand as well as a real commitment to back each other to the hilt. Accies display today (in this observers humble opinion) was of a quality that any side in the country would have been justifiably proud of, and it was as a result of top quality running and handling, between both backs and forwards, that produced a 5th try for Accies. Score was now 32 - 6
The gritty S.O.N.S. are never a side to give up and continuing to play to their game plan of running and offloading, whilst keeping the game tight, which eventually produced their first try. 32 – 13
Today demonstrated that this Accies side can play for 80 minutes they never took their collective feet of the pedal so it was fitting that it was Accies who finished off the day’s scoring with another fine try to end this most entertaining game to a close. Final score 39 – 13
Both teams contributed hugely to treating the fans to 80 minutes of entertaining rugby, and Newton Stewart , whilst naturally being disappointed with the result, must be congratulated for their unrelenting perseverance and outstanding sportsmanship. They are a club that Accies hold in high regard and where we are always assured of a warm and friendly welcome on our visits to the Dumfriesshire. I am sure that they will be out to settle the score in the return match!
Mike Belch’s 4th XV re-union were treated to some vintage Accies rugby which, I am sure, brought back some long forgotten memories from days of yesteryear!
It would not be fair to nominate an individual “man of the match” after witnessing such an outstanding all round performance from every one of the 19 Accies players, attacking and ball It was a good day at New Anniesland and the players have shown how good rugby can be both good to play and watch.
After watching such an exciting and entertaining game, hopefully you will feel these guys are well worth the effort of leaving your warn house for.
The next game is ‘away’ against Kilmarnock.
The next home game is on the 12th December against Helensburgh, see you then!
Donald Reid.