When this scribe arrived at New Anniesland he was very aware that Accies coach Andy Jackson’s selection options had been severely hampered by an unusual number of injuries for this point in the season and the usual call offs. So Accies took to the field with only 6 players who had played for the 1st XV last season.

Cartha were 3rd in National 2 last season only missing promotion by a few points, so it was not surprising that they started with a confidence and pace that put Accies back on their heels.

The game was over by halftime but to their great credit Accies never gave up and were competitive right to the end.

Despite the heavy defeat, our coaching team must have been encouraged to see how well some of the new talent on show played. Without doubt we have found an outstanding open side wing forward who tackled and carried all afternoon. It is also very encouraging to see some recruits from the School joining the squad this season and one started in the back division on Saturday and demonstrated some really good skills and will be a very useful addition to the back division.

No team likes to lose a game, especially by 0-93, but attitudes in the clubhouse after the game shows that this side will put everything they have into the coming league programme which they all know will be a serious step up from last season.

I said a great deal last year about how much the players appreciate the support that they got and it is so true.

So as we start this new adventure into National rugby a good level of support for the first home game of the season, against Perthshire RFC, next week at Anniesland would be greatly appreciated.