Their opponents were Cumbernauld. A team Annan had played numerous times but not since 2016.

For Annan, they were looking for their 3rd win on the bounce, while the visitors were hoping to put a stop to their 3-match losing streak

It was not a day or pitch conditions for running rugby but both teams gave it a go!

It was a tight affair in the 1st half, with conditions and defences on top but just before the 20-minute mark, Annan broke the deadlock thanks to a Mason Watret try. His first try of the season.

5-0 to Annan

However, Cumbernauld hit back and 2 quick tries later it was 5-10.

With 5 mins to go until half-time, Bradley James popped up to dash over the whitewash. His 4th try of the season. James Kirby converted, and the score was 12-10.

Cumbernauld retook the lead just before half-time, though as a well-worked converted try took the half-time score to 12-17 to the visitors.

Into the 2nd half, and conditions were curtailing the chances but Annan were camped on the visitors line for  a large percentage of the half but white-line fever coupled with great defence kept the home side out and to keep it short, there was no further score and the match ended 17-12 to the visitors.

The match did seem to end before the 80 was up but with the weather deteriorating fast it was probably a relief to the supporters watching if not the players.

Congrats to Cumbernauld and we look forward to our return trip in the new year

For the record, Dan Stevenson came on as sub for his first match as a 1st XV player. Well deserved Dan, first of many!

The Annan 1st XV now take a wee break from West 1 rugby as they welcome West 1 leaders and probably the bookies’ favourites (if bets were placable on the National Shield!) Carrick in a National Shield round 2 match.

Annan starting XV: 1 Ryan Glass C 2 Murray Forbes 3 Callum Taylor 4 Frazer Hope VC 5 Oban Nicholson 6 Braden Sycamore 7 Mason Watret 8 Rohan Cother 9 Zak Stevenson 10 Fraser McMillan 11 John Glendinning 12 James Kirby 13 Scott Norman 14 Ewan Campbell 15 Bradley James

Subs (all used) 16 Sean Armstrong 17 Stewart Livingstone 18 Max Thorburn 19 Hayden Hodgson 20 Dan Stevenson