Annan got their league campaign off to the perfect start with a bonus-point home win over Strathaven at Violetbank.

This was a clash between two sides happy to still be in West Division 1 – Annan after a late rally to escape relegation last season, while Strathaven were spared the drop due to Wigtownshire being hit with a 20-point penalty for fielding ineligible players.

So it was a match home coach Juan Phyfer expected to take something from and he was delighted to see his players deliver on the opening weekend of official business.

Tries from Ollie Ferdinand, Ryan Hetherington, Adam Torbett, Aaron Carmichael and captain Kieran Warrick were complemented by four conversions and a penalty from the boot of Josh Whiteside.

“We played against the wind first half and finished 10-7 up thanks to a well taken play by Ollie after some good interplay,” said the coach.

“They were a big physical side and they came back down and scored. That could be a theme this season as we don’t have that physical size about us but we do have the skills and fitness to be competitive.”

The second half was much more open as both sides cut loose but it was Annan who kept their noses in front and pulled away for a comfortable and deserved victory in the end.

“I’m really happy with the five tries,” added Phyfer. “As forwards coach as well as head coach the try Ryan Hetherington got off a lineout move was particularly pleasing.

“It wasn’t all smooth sailing. We did have two yellow cards close together for Callum Bell and Aaron Carmichael so played seven or eight minutes with 13 men and 20 with one man down so very happy.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this exciting young group, with a couple older heads, becoming more attuned, starting at Dalziel on Saturday.”

Annan 1st XV squad: 1 Ryan Glass 2 Callum Bell 3 Kieran Warrick C() 4 Frazer Hope 5 Ollie Ferdinand 6 Eben Le Vin 7 Wallace Alexander 8 Ryan Hetherington 9 Josh Whiteside (VC) 10 Fraser McMillan 11 James Kirby 12 Johnny Callaghan 13 Aaron Carmichael 14 Adam Torrbet 15 Aitken Render 16 Sean Haren 17 Stewart Livingston 18 Murray Forbes 19 John Glendinning 20 Callum Taylor (All used)

1st XV points from: Ollie F (T), Ryan H (T), Adam R (T), Aaron C (T). Capt. Kieran W (T) Josh W (4C, 1P)