THIS WEEKEND AT ANNAN RUGBY
STOP PRESS: 1st XV match is now OFF due to Covid in the opposing ranks.
Last set of matches in 2021 this weekend and we have 5 teams in action if the weather is kind, 4 of them at Violetbank
On Saturday, the 1st XV are hosting to Cambuslang, while the 2nd XV have a derby match as they take on Newton Stewartry 2nd XV at Violetbank. Both 2pm KO’s
On Sunday, the U16 Boys welcome Wigtownshire to Violetbank. 1pm KO
The U14 Girls are the only team in the road as they travel to Cumnock. KO TBC
While the big match of the weekend, the Warriors host league leaders Garioch Ladies at Violetbank. 2pm KO
Whatever match or matches you can get to, your support is most appreciated as always by all the players.
1ST XV TAKE ON CAMBUSLANG AT VIOLETBANK
STOP PRESS: 1st XV match is now OFF. due to Covid in the opposing ranks
The 1st XV are at home this Saturday as they welcome Cambuslang to Violetbank in their latest league match.
After suffering heavy losses in their last 2 matches, the Annan lads will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend against the Lanarkshire team.
Cambuslang are finding life difficult in West 1 this season and are currently sitting at the bottom of the league, still looking to pick up their 1st win of the season.
The teams met earlier on in the season when Annan ran out 26-18 winners. Since then Cambuslang have lost their next 6 matches.
Annan have a decent record at Violetbank versus Cambuslang with 7 wins from 9 matches since their first meeting at Violetbank in 2002. Annan are currently on a run of 6 wins at home versus Cambuslang and will be wanting to continue this run on Saturday.
Cambuslang though, despite having 0 points, are only 10 points away from relegation safety and on their day can still be match for any team in West 1. Annan will need to be on the top of their game if they want to get the win and 4 or 5 points.
A big Annan crowd to spur the lads on would as always be appreciated,
Kick Off: 2pm
Starting XV: Ryan Glass, Kieran Warrick, Aidan Craik, Michael Thompson, Neal Coupland, Callum Bell, Harry Houldey, Sean Haren (Vice Captain), Aaron Carmichael, Josh Whiteside, James Kirby, James Bigham, Ryan Hetherington, Duncan Smith, Andrew Jancey (Captain)
Subs: Murray Forbes, Kieron Watret, Eben Le Vin, Max Thorburn
Mascots: Lewis Evans and Gregor Hogg
2ND XV IN DERBY MATCH VERSUS NEWTON STEWARTRY
STOP PRESS: The 2nd XV go down heavily 54-5. The only bright spot for Annan was a Neil Coupland try in the 2nd half. Poor performance from the lads.
Match report, photos and highlights – now online
The Annan 2nd team are hosting Newton Stewartry on Saturday in their latest league match.
Newton Stewartry, as you may have worked out, are a combination of Newton Stewart and Stewartry 2nd XV players and are in their first season in West Reserve 3 (South)
After fulfilling their first 3 matches at the start of the season, the Galloway team have struggled to get the numbers and have had to concede their last 4 matches. Hopefully on Saturday the prospect of a derby match v Annan will be enough to get the Galloway lads up for it!
The Annan 2nd XV have not had the same problem so far this season with 25 players available for the last outing and will be hoping the match will be on and have their final run out of 2021.
The teams did met earlier on in the season at the Greenlaw in a friendly match where Newton Stewartry ran out winners in a close match. There is a good chance Saturdays match could be just as close.
Kick Off: 2pm
Starting XV: 1) Nicky Graham, 2) John James MacKay, 3) Adam Wilson, 4) Thomas Martindale, 5) Ewan Campbell, 6) Callum Taylor, 7) Jack Graham, 8) Callum Smith, 9) Ben Conroy (Capt), 10) Scott Muir, 11) Coll Irving, 12) Declan Ferguson, 13) Finlay McCartney, 14) Jack Ogilvie, 15) Finlay Laurie
Subs: Gary Williamson, Johnny Crombie, Tam Thorburn
WARRIORS TAKE ON THE LEAGUE LEADERS AT VIOLETBANK
STOP PRESS: The Warriors take the unbeaten league leaders all the way but eventually go down 38-20 at a muddy Violetbank. 4 tries scored by the Warriors though so a unexpected try bonus point. Well deserved Warriors.’
Tries from: Paige Turner (2), Nadine Bell and Ashley Clark
Match report and highlights – now online
The Annan Warriors host Garioch Ladies on Sunday in their latest National Division 1 match.
This will be the toughest match the Warriors will have to face this season as they take on the unbeaten leaders at Violetbank.
Garioch Ladies are having a great season and sit on top of the National 1 league and, barring a late collapse in form, look destined to be champions come season end.
The Warriors conceded the away leg earlier on in the season as only 11 Warriors were available for that match. Injuries and unavailability have hindered the Warriors this season but it is hoped on Sunday that a squad of 18 will be ready to play.
The teams have met at Violetbank in the past with 1 win for the Warriors and 2 for Garioch Ladies.
On Sunday the Warriors will need to be on the top of their game to cause a big upset and potentially open the race for the title again for West of Scotland Ladies and Stewartry Sirens.
Any points the Warriors can get from this match would put them one step closer to continued National 1 rugby for next season.
Big big match for the Warriors and a big Warrior support will be needed to spur the Warriors on.
Players to meet at 12.30pm for the 2pm KO
Starting XV: 1 P Turner, 2 S Taylor, 3 E Jardine, 4 A N Other, 5 M Muir, 6 R Parker-Clevett, 7 K Taylor, 8 N Bell, 9 N Barlow, 10 M McGeoch, 11 B Carroll, 12 C O’Connell, 13 J Stewart, 14 I Cook, 15 L Glendinning,
Subs: 16 Ashley Clark, 16 A N Other, 17 A N Other
Mascots: Lewis Evans, Millie Ogilvie and Braydon Ogilvie.
YOUTH TEAMS IN ACTION ON SUNDAY
STOP PRESS: The U16 Boys win 40-30 while the U14 Girls match was cancelled.
Match report and match highlights – now online
Just 2 teams in action on Sunday with just the U16 Boys and U14 Girls in action
The U16 Boys welcome Wigtownshire on Sunday in the latest Development League match.
The U16 Boys have not managed to play many matches this season but one they did have was back in October away to Sundays opponents. The Annan Boys ran out 48-34 in a try-fest of a game. KO: 1pm
The U14 Hornets will be wanting to build on last week’s great showing at Greenock when they travel to Cumnock on Sunday. The Hornets must have the best win/loss ratio in the club and will be wanting to keep this record up on Sunday. KO: TBC
Best of luck to all the players this weekend.