Match Report from: Rob McMillan

Annan made the long trip to Greenock on Saturday to satisfy a rescheduled West 1 fixture on Saturday. Following on from their last league game against Cumnock, the lads went into the game with increased confidence. A 21-man squad made the trip to a very muddy and very cold Fort Matilda.

The game started with much of the early action, back and forth around the halfway line. Annan then went their kicking game and for a large portion of the first half kept Greenock from passing the halfway line.

A massive first-half effort by the forwards resulted in 3 well-worked first-half tries. JJ Mackay with the first from close driving play around the ruck (unconverted). The next try from Rohan Cother was a bulldozing charge from a tap penalty, which saw the young number 8 dot down conversion, Fraser McMillan. The final Annan try came from captain Ryan Glass, leading as he has all season by example. Another try well worked by the forwards. Fraser McMillan, taking over from regular kicker Josh Whiteside, who had picked up an injury, slotted in the touchline conversion.

Half time arrived 19-0 to the visitors.

Second half Annan hoping not to incur too many injuries after an attritional first half, injuries and biting cold being the main culprits. Then Annan did something we’ve not really seen this year – they got stronger.

The forwards again playing a strong pick and drive game, which led to what I believe was Seran Armstrong’s first 1st XV try. It may have only been from a yard (I’m sure that will increase over time) – well played ‘Fester’, a well-deserved try (Converted by Fraser).

Next, not to be outdone, the backs produced a try with the strangest assist of the season from a Greenock player. Aaron Carmichael started a counterattack from deep inside his own half, kicking ahead, whereupon the Greenock player slipped on his back, kicking the ball over his head. Aaron recovered the ball and executed a perfect 2 on 1 to put the prolific Scott Norman in at the corner (unconverted).

Final Annan score was by Annan’s version of Darcy Graham, hooker JJ MacKay lurking on the left wing to outstep the defence to dot down in the corner. (unconverted)

Final Score: Greenock Wanderers 10 v Annan 36

Summary:- In the conditions, this was a step up for Annan and laid down the level that they need to play in all games. I could name every player and highlight the excellent work they put in.

Special mention to Zac and Lex Stevenson, Oban Nicholson and Frazer Hope, who managed to use all the hot water for the showers (they were hypothermic, mind you).

Well done, the coaches and support team, and thanks to the team who made the trip in very testing circumstances.

Last game away to Lenzie, it would be good to see some more support and hope we can end on a high.

Starting XV: 1. Ryan Glass (C) 2. Kieran Warrick (VC) 3. Callum Taylor 4. Oban Nicholson 5. Hayden Hodgson 6. Frazer Hope 7. Eben Le Vin 8. Rohan Cother 9. Zak Stevenson 10. Frazer McMillan 11. Bradley James 12. Josh Whiteside (VC) 13. James Kirby 14. Scott Norman 15. Lex Stevenson

Subs: 16.⁠ ⁠Sean Armstrong 17.⁠ ⁠John Mackay 18.⁠ ⁠Aitken Render 19.⁠ ⁠Aaron Carmichael, 20. Murdo Bruton, 21. Andrew Jancey (not used)