KILMARNOCK 1ST XV v ANNAN 1ST XV

Match Report from: Gus Robertson

It was the 4th away start in the last 5 years for the lads but they had won the last 3 away openers and were hoping to make it 4 from 4!

For the record: Annan lost the home opener in that sequence!

It was the home side that took lead in the early exchanges though but Annan hit back through speedster Aitken Render on his debut start who crossed the whitewash to take it to 5-5

Kilmarnock retook the lead with a penalty but the last 10 minutes were all Annan and Willix and Aitken scored a try apiece. Josh converted one and it was 17-8 at half time.

Onto the 2nd half.

Chances at the start for both sides but it was Annan who scored first thanks to a Fraser McMillan try. His first for the 1st XV. Josh converted. 24-8 to the black and amber (or yellow if you prefer). Try bonus point secured.

Kilmarnock hit back not long after and it was 24-15 with 20 to go.

Nervy times but AJ settled the nerves a bit with a well worked try. Josh converted 31-15 with just over 10 to go.

Could the lads hold on?

They could indeed

Longer answer: James Kirby made the game safe as he dashed over the whitewash for Annan’s 6th try of the afternoon. Josh with the conversion. 38-15. The try was a try of the season contender as went through numerous hands on the way to Kirby

Kilmarnock with the last act of the match which took the final score to 38-22

5 points on the road. A great start for new Player/Coach Juan, new captain Kieran and well played lads.

The 1st and 2nd XV both at Violetbank next Saturday. Come along and support the lads.

Starting XV:  Ryan Glass, Murray Forbes, Kieran Warrick (C), Frazer Hope, Ollie Ferdinand, Callum Bell, Callum Smith, Sean Haren, Fraser McMillan, Aitken Render, Josh Whiteside, Adam Torbett, Alex Halliday, James Kirby, Andrew Jancey

Subs (all used): Juan Phyfer, Callum Taylor, Ewan Campbell, Euan Watson