LENZIE 1ST XV v ANNAN 1ST XV.

Match Report from: Coach Neil “Muff” Moffat

Annan’s second league outing was away to Lenzie who came into the league this season after winning West 2 last season. Looking at their results this season the Annan squad knew it was going to be a typically tough battle against the Viewfield lads.

Annan took the wind on their back in the first half to put the home side under early pressure, with some good phase play and ball retention Annan won a penalty allowing Whiteside to get the first points on the board, 0-3.

The small lead was short lived however when after a loose pass Lenzie took advantage with a converted score under the posts. Lenzies powerful forwards and strong running backs put Annan under the cosh for the remainder of the first half with two more scores.

Half-time: Lenzie 19 v Annan 3

With the away side having used all 3 replacements in the first half due to injury the 15 remaining lads had to dig deep now playing into the wind which was getting increasingly strong. Dig Deep is what they did.

Like the first half Annan had first blood with a typical ‘mazy’ run from centre Halliday scoring between the sticks and with a Whiteside conversion brought the score to 19 – 10.

The wind was now so strong a kicking game was not an option for either team which left the last 30 mins very entertaining with both teams showing open running rugby matched by solid defences.

It was Lenzie however who had the last say with two scores closing the game off, perhaps the last score flattering them slightly.

Full-time: Lenzie 29 v Annan 10

Full credit to the Annan lads who battled to the end. A lot of positives to take from the game with very good line speed and first up tackling then showing some good awareness in attach.

Pick of the bunch in the forwards was Sean Haren and in the backs Alex Halliday, also a mention for Josh Whiteside who is starting to develop his game nicely.

Lastly a mention to David Wyllie who played his 200th competitive game for the 1st Team.

Next Saturday Annan will be looking to take revenge on our old foes Stewartry who got the upper hand two weeks ago in the Shield competition.

Annan 1st XV Starting XV: R Glass, K Warrick, R Hetherington, T Sloan, D Nordon, L Johnston, C Bell, S Haren, A Jancey (Capt), J Whiteside, D Wyllie, C Wallace, A Halliday, J Kirby, B Jamieson

Annan 1st Subs: G Graham, J Bigham, C Smith (all used)