LENZIE 1ST XV v ANNAN 1ST XV.

Match Report from: DUNCAN SMITH

Annan had to settle for a losing bonus point on their return to West Division 1 action following the winter break.

Visitors Lenzie stole a march in the first half as the hosts struggled a bit on a heavy pitch as the festive cobwebs lingered.

Lenzie notched three tries, two converted, while Jacob Campbell kept Annan in the game and Josh Whiteside kicked the extras to make it 19-7 at the break.

Annan improved in the second half and a converted try from Sean Haren had them right back in it. A good chance to go ahead was squandered as a final pass couldn’t be made and Lenzie edged further ahead with a converted score.

Alex Halliday responded with one for Annan, Whiteside converting, for the losing bonus.

Coach Gordon Carmichael said: “It was a funny game on a difficult pitch but I was pleased with the boys effort, they defended well and if some attacks had been better executed we might have won but can’t complain with the result. Onwards and upwards for the rest of the season.”

Annan now host Kilmarnock next week. They have seven games left, with five of them at home.

Starting XV: 1 Ryan Glass, 2 Murray Forbes, 3 Kieron Watret, 4 Dan Robson, 5 Jack Graham, 6 Frazer Hope, 7 Callum Smith, 8 Jacob Campbell, 9 Andrew Jancey, 10 Josh Whiteside, 11 Alex Jones, 12 Alex Halliday, 13 Aaron Carmichael, 14 James Kirby, 15 Max Thorburn

Subs: 16 Sean Haren, 17 Ben Conroy, 18 Ollie Ferdinand, 19 Finley McCartney (all used)