Match Report from: GUS ROBERTSON

Annan were hoping to make it 2 wins on the bounce after the great away win over East Kilbride a couple of weeks ago.

And it was Annan who started off brighter, and it was no surprise when James Kirby crashed over for his 6th try of the season on the 10-minute mark. James converted his try and 0-7 to Annan.

The try was the result of sustained Annan pressure and some great hands from the backs and forwards alike

Annan had to do a wee reshuffle unfortunately on the half-hour mark as Josh had to go off injured due to a recurring shoulder problem.

Not long after, it was 5-7 as the home side got themselves on the scoresheet and that’s how the half ended.

Into the second half, and like the first, Annan were on top in the early exchanges and extended the lead to 5-12 as Ryan Armstrong raced over 5 mins in. James again with the conversion. 5-14

The try was scored as a result of a great break from Ryan from inside the Annan half and Ryan was also at the end of the phased to touch down. Great try

Callum Taylor was now also on, coming on for his 50th cap for the 1st XV. Congratulations to Callum.

It was soon 5-17 as James Kirby kicked a penalty after sustained Annan pressure.

The home side hit back shortly after to make it 10-17 with just over 25 to go, and then with 15 iit was 13-17 as Greenock pressure resulted in a successful penalty kick. Annan were down to 14 at this point due to a previous yellow

And it got worse as Greenock scored again to make it 18-17. Could Annan get themselves back in front with 10 to go?

They could indeed – as Fraser McMillan popped up with 5 to go to take it to 18-22 and that’s how it ended.

This try was also a well-worked try and Annan went through the phases

It’s been a tough start to the season, but with 5 of the first 7 league matches on the road, the next 11 matches have a more Violetbank feel to them – starting with Cumbernauld next Saturday.