Having had no rugby for 4 weeks the players must have been delighted to be getting back into action, despite having to travel by bus to Neilson Park in Haddington.

For the first 10 minutes Accies were pinned in their own 22 and were showing the signs of the long layoff but the fact that this did not produce any real reward was obviously frustrating for the Haddington pack and their coaches. However when Accies did gain some possession and the ball found its way into the hands of Ross Cowan who took full advantage of the space in front of him and went off on a mazy run which resulted in the first try. Conversion was missed but Accies tails were up. 5 – 0
The cobwebs and rustiness that are were evident at the start, were now gone and the battle commenced. Accies were clearly intent of playing their style of open attacking rugby despite the long grass and curved pitch. For most of the remainder of the first half the two sides working hard to assert their authority with the game being played out with the 22 danger zones until a fine move involving the back row and the backs took the side to within 5 metres of Haddington’s try line. Despite some close calls they were kept out by some stout defence from the Haddington side and with seconds remaining standoff Chris Rhodes attempted a drop goal which narrowly missed. This brought a clear blast from the referee signalling the end of the first half. 8 – 3

Accies started the second half where they had finished the first but this time a beautifully worked move, from good scrummage ball, left Ross Cowan with a 10 metre run in which he accomplished with ease. Conversion from wide out was missed. 13 - 3
The second half was to prove, by far, a more open and entertaining game of rugby for all those watching, as Haddington joined in the open style of rugby. They have a powerful well drilled pack, supported by their elusive 10 and two fast wingers, so it was not long before they were into Accies 22 and from a well drilled lineout got their first score. Conversion missed 13 - 8

The home support must have been thinking that this is what they had come to watch and Accies would soon be put to the sword as their side have done too most that have come to Neilson Park. Haddington were clearly determined to step up the tempo but Accies defence was outstanding with every player contributing. It is an aspect of this side that is very impressive and they are able to turn defence into attacking with their commitment to the tackle, exemplified by the superb backrow. I should mention at this point that Ryan Sweeney, our number 8, was selected for the Glasgow under 20’s side that played Edinburgh last week, and he scored!

There is no doubt when this side clicks and is in full flow they are a joy to watch. The forwards were dominating the set pieces, giving a solid base from which to attack and they were all willing and able to carry the ball to the opposition. This creates good ball from tight and loose situations that is exploited by a back division that create space and a flowing style of rugby that is beautiful to watch and puts the opposition under real pressure from one touch line to the other.

It was from one of these passages of open rugby that Chris Rhodes, moving the ball to the open side, produced a beautifully timed pass that saw Fraser Wilson, running from the blind side, positively glided through the gap draw the fullback and release, yes you guessed it, Ross Cowan to romp home for his third try. Chris converted magnificently from the touchline. 20 – 8

Haddington have some very good scalps this year and tried everything they could to get back into the game but with 15 minutes to go, a loose, bouncing ball, just inside Accies half, was collected by the ever alert Ross Cowan, and it was never in doubt that he would score under the posts, for number 4 and the bonus point. Conversion made. 27 – 8

The Accies coaching team made some substitutions and all who came off the bench played their part. With Haddington now clearly desperate to get something out of the game their play became a bit looser and some great defensive work by Accies produced a ball that was collected by Kris Mathie and he ran in from 20 metres for a fine individual try.
Chris was again successful with the conversion and the referee brought the match to a close.

Final score 34 – 8

Accies coaches are delighted that our friends from Sweden have returned for another season. Christopher Nilserius has been capped by his country since he returned home at the end of last season, and is accompanied by another Swedish Internationalist, winger Phil Axelson. They are a great addition to our club both on and off the pitch.
This was a very satisfying afternoon for players and coaches. I know it warmed the hearts of all those who made the journey through to support the boys, a big thank you to them.