Anniesland was buzzing with the sound of happy eaters as we set about a very enjoyable lunch. We were delighted to have the company of some representatives from Spears and Jeffrey, one of our generous supporters as well as our friend and supporter John Watson OBE. The convivial company helped along by some light refreshment and good food certainly appeared, if the volume of sound was any barometer, to be having a good time.

Once the lunch was over we all set off for the stand to watch the game. There was clearly an air of expectation in the crowd after such a good win last week, however Greenock were clearly not going to be intimidated and with some determined defence in the first 5 minutes were putting Accies under pressure and the first few attacks broke down. However at a lineout 10 metres from the Greenock line the Accie pack took the opportunity to put the first points on the board with Greg Valentine diving over from the driving maul. Tough conversion missed 5 - 0

From the kick off Greenock were clearly determined to play attacking rugby and two good breaks from their back division saw them move inside Accies 22. A penalty was the result and it was only the post that stopped Greenock putting 3 points on the board. This clearly was a wakeup call for Accies and despite a yellow card they started to take the game to Greenock. It was a brilliant piece of vision, by Stewart Gray, that saw him take the ball going open then move towards the blind side, reminiscent of Rob Andrew at his best, that created some space for Ross Cowan to round the defender and ghost past the last man for his first try in the game. Conversion successful 12 – 0

Almost from the restart Accies were awarded a penalty and Stewart Gray put in a beautiful kick to within 10 metres of the Greenock line. From the line-out the expected drive did not materialise, instead the ball was moved swiftly along the backs where they created an extra man by bringing in the blindside winger and put Kris Mathie over for a beautiful try.

Stewart Gray’s conversion from wide out was successful 19 – 0

The next try was another piece of real skill and awareness from Stewart Gray, who was clearly on song today. A quick tap penalty just inside Accies half saw Stewart put an inch perfect kick into the space on the stand side, one bounce saw PJ Rankin collect the ball above his head beat two defenders and pass inside to the supporting Fraser Wilson to run in under the post. Conversion successful 26 – 0

The first half was brought to an end after some beautiful passing and support, a feature of this Accie team’s game plan throughout this season. The move was finished off by Stewart Gray who converted his own try.

Half time 33 – 0

The second half started off with some simply outstanding handling and running and the crowd were treated to some quality support work which ended with Ross Cowan crossing for another try. Conversion successful 40 - 0

Accies were now firing on all cylinders and back to their form of last week and were stretching the tired Greenock defence, which had worked so hard in the first half. It was also an opportunity for the coaches to get some players, who have been unavailable recently, have a run out.

This team are full of running and when they put their game together they are difficult to stop. The rest of the second half saw the boys score another 9 tries. Ross Cowan was on hand to pick up two and Ker Malcolm, who had an outstanding game, was rewarded for his constant running and support with two superb tries. Phil Axelsson had just taken to the field and when he took his first pass found himself in the clear and he did not hesitate to romp the 20 metres to the line. PJ Rankin was on hand to collect the offload when Josh Scott was stopped just short of the line. Kris Mathie was back on the field and finished off another good move to score his second try. Josh Scott, who also had a brilliant game, was on hand to cross the line after another good forward drive. The last move of the game saw Phil Axelsson cross for his second.

Full-time 95 – 0

Accies are clearly enjoying the style of rugby the coaches are developing and it is clear from the improving numbers at New Anniesland, that the supporters are enjoying watching them.

It was a most enjoyable day and a big thank you has to go to Spears and Jeffrey for their support and all the other supporters who attended the lunch and were so generous on the day.

Accies are now sitting 3rd in the league and with a big game on the 4th of March against St Boswells when the boys are hoping for a substantial travelling support.

National League Division 3 table