MATCH Report FROM ANDREW “THE RED MIST” JANCEY

It was a sunny and warm afternoon at Violetbank on Sunday for the Warriors’ home game against bottom-of-the-table Irvine. Despite the good weather, the previous day’s men’s match and a week of heavy rain had left the pitch rutted and heavy in places – conditions that didn’t suit Annan’s usual wide-passing game.

Even so, it was the Warriors who struck first. After some solid forward phases, a nice move out the back created space for stand-off and eventual Sword and Player of the Match Nicole Jancey. She broke the line and, with a good sidestep, beat the final defender to score under the posts.

The game then turned a little stop-start, with the soft ground slowing things down for both sides. But Annan soon found themselves back in Irvine’s 22 thanks to strong carrying from the forwards and centre Amber. A few more phases later, fullback Jane Haren powered over from close range – not like her usual long weaving runs, but just as effective – to make it 10–0.

Annan didn’t hang around for their third. Straight from the restart, second-row Tammy Allinson charged through the line and released to Jancey. After a good burst, she was just caught by the opposition before giving a well-timed offload to Elise McMorran to make it three tries in as many games and 15–0 to the Warriors.

Irvine responded strongly before half-time, working their way into Annan’s 22 with several phases of play. A try looked certain in the corner, but winger Kirsty Barlow tracked back brilliantly to force her opposite number into touch. The referee’s whistle followed shortly after, with Annan ahead 15–0 at the break.

The Warriors’ fourth try took a little while to come. A strong run from Katie Morrison got Annan close to the line before Irvine intercepted the ball. But at the next ruck, Lexie Glendinning seized an opportunity to jackal and steal the ball to finish over the line to score.

The visitors then got a try of their own after Annan conceded a penalty on the five-metre line. Irvine’s scrum-half – later named their Player of the Match – took a quick tap and fed the centre, who reached out to score a deserved try.

Annan hit back quickly in more familiar style. After moving the ball through several phases, play was whipped wide to Haren, who crossed for her second of the day. The final try came from Barlow, who had been frustrated all afternoon by the conditions and lack of space. This time she finished well in the corner, diving over despite considerable defensive attention.

Final Score: Warriors 30 – Irvine 5.

It had been a different type of performance from the Warriors, shaped by the heavy conditions, but one that showed grit as well as attacking quality. The home crowd were pleased to see the return of several key players, including front-rowers Eilidh Jardine and Becki Nelson after long term injuries. Second-row Caitlin Richie also impressed on her comeback, with some great runs and performing well in the lineouts.

The Warriors have a well-deserved weekend off before heading on the road to play Oban next Sunday 5th October.

• Irvine’s Player of the Match – Nicole Jancey
• Sword of the March – Nicole Jancey
• Shield of the Match – Julie Warrick

Warriors Starting XV: 1) Julie Warrick 2) Rhianna Parker-Clevett 3) Megan Cother 4) Tammy Allison 5) Caitlin Richie 6) Ashley Clark (C), 7) Lexie Glendinning (VC), 8) Ellie Smith 9) Jamie Graham 10) Nicole Jancey 11) Elise McMorran 12) Lexie Steele 13) Lucy Stevenson 14) Kirsty Barlow 15) Jane Haren (VC)

Subs (all used): 16) Eilidh Jardine 17) Becki Nelson 18) Connie James 19) Katie Morrison 20) Shirley Ewart 21) ….