ANNAN 1ST XV v EAST KILBRIDE 1ST XV
TENNENT’S WEST DIVISION 1
8TH APRIL 2023
Match Report from: Coach Gogs Carmichael
On Saturday Annan 1sts played their last league game of the season at home to East Kilbride who were just one place above them in the league table. It was played in perfect conditions (a good advert for summer rugby!).
Before the start of the match, the teams observed a minutes silence for Ex President Don Barty who sadly passed away on the 20th of March
As for the match, it was a different home team again due to some players being unavailable due to other commitments it gave some other boys a chance to step up.
The game was played in good spirits with both teams throwing the ball around in the sunshine it was the away team that broke the deadlock and scored a try which was converted to go 7-0 up.
There was then a short stoppage when the referee went down injured and was unable to continue. Luckily, he was replaced by local referee, Andy Render who was watching the game which allowed the game to continue.
After the restart the away side were awarded a penalty which they scored to go 10-0 up .
Annan finally put together some phases of play and were rewarded with a try by Neil Coupland who drove over from close range and was converted by Josh Whiteside to finish of the first half with the score at Annan 7 East Kilbride 10.
The second half started well as replacement prop Martin O’Brien went over from 20 meters after a great line to score under the posts, it was duly converted by Josh Whiteside to put Annan 14-10 up.
The away team fought back and scored an unconverted try to go back in the lead 14-15.
Annan’s third try was a great solo effort by Aitken Render who took a quick tap penalty to himself and outrun the opposition to score again under the posts which was converted to go 21-15 up. It was Aitkens debut try for the 1st XV
Annan again who looked the fitter off the teams then scored there fourth try to give them the bonus point when back rower Jacob Campbell scored in the corner which again was converted by Josh Whiteside to bring the final score to Annan 28 East Kilbride 15.
It was a good way to finish off the season which has been a stop start affair with the six nations meaning there was to many breaks.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all the players and coaches who have made my coaching time at Annan very memorable and wish them all the best for the future.
Editor’s Note: Cheers Gogs for all your coaching over the years with the Annan lads. Enjoy your coaching retirement!
Annan Squad: 1 M O’Brien 2 M Forbes 3 K Warrick 4 C Taylor 5 N Coupland 6 J Campbell 7 C Smith 8 S Haren 9 F McMillan 10 J Whiteside (Capt) 11 J Kirby 12 J Callaghan 13 A Carmichael 14 E Haley 15 B Conroy
Subs: B James, A Render, A Jones, R Armstrong (all used).
MATCH PHOTOS
Photos of the match can be found at Katie Morrison Photography
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Individual highlights
Match was not filmed
FULL MATCH
For the password email Admin@AnnanRFC.com
Match was not filmed