Match Report from: ADAM HAMILTON

A battling performance from Annan saw them earn a deserved draw in a hard-fought contest at Violetbank.

Annan started brightly, dominating the early exchanges before Strathendrick took a 0–3 lead through a penalty. The hosts hit back in style, with Fraser McMillian setting up James Kirby with a superb cross-field kick. McMillian then added a second assist, sending Ryan Hetherington down the wing to score under the posts.

We then saw the same fight from the visitors who managed to break through the middle and score just before the half, Annan held out for the rest of the half given Annan a well-earned advantage at the break

The second half began with the same Annan intensity, but despite long spells of pressure they couldn’t turn territory into points. Strathendrick showed real fight, hitting back with a try in the second through team effort—before another penalty pushed the visitors ahead 15–12.

With time ticking down, Annan refused to fold. Their persistence was rewarded when they earned a penalty of their own, calmly slotted by Josh Whiteside to level the match at 15–15.

A strong showing, plenty of character on display, and a share of the points for Annan

Annan Starting XV: 1.⁠ ⁠Ryan Glass (C) 2.⁠ ⁠Kieran Warrick (VC) 3.⁠ ⁠Juan Phyfer 4.⁠ ⁠Frazer Hope 5.⁠ ⁠Rohan Cother 6.⁠ ⁠Mason Watret 7.⁠ ⁠Stewart Livingston 8.⁠ ⁠Ryan Hetherington 9.⁠ ⁠Ben Latime 10.⁠ ⁠Fraser McMilla 11.⁠ ⁠Aitken Render 12.⁠ ⁠Josh Whiteside (VC) 13.⁠ ⁠James Kirby 14.⁠ ⁠Scott Norman 15.⁠ ⁠Aaron Carmichael

Annan Subs (all used): 16.⁠ ⁠Sean Armstrong (not used) 17.⁠ ⁠John James MacKay (not used) 18.⁠ ⁠Max Thorburn 19.⁠ ⁠Wallace Alexander (not used)  20.⁠ ⁠Eben Le Vin 21.⁠ ⁠Ben Conroy 22. Hayden Hodgson (not used)