Match Report from: GUS ROBERTSON

The Annan Warriors started their 2025/26 West Division 2 league campaign with a tough away trip to Lenzie Ladies

The Dunbartonshire based team were looking to get revenge over the Warriors after the Warriors last gasp win in the semi final of the National Plate back in April

To keep it short and sweet, revenge was got as the Lenzie Ladies ran out 38-0 winners and were deserving winners. 6 tries to 0 but despite the scoreline the Warriors coaches were pleased with most of the match and on another day it could have been a lot closer. A Lenzie win still, but a lot closer!

Onto the match – it was a very hot day up at Viewfield and it was decided to have extra water breaks on the 20th and 60th minute to keep the players hydrated.

The Warriors starting 15 was all change with just 7 players who started in the aforementioned Semi Final match.

There were Warriors competitive debuts for Arianne Knowles, Connie James, Elise McMorran and a first start for Jayne Banner. We also welcomed back Eilidh Jardine who started from the bench after last seasons, at the time, thought to be career ending injury

The 1st half was a tight affair and it was just 5-0 at half time. The only score from a deft chip from the Lenzie attack when the Warriors defence was caught out. The Warriors had chances but could just not cross the whitewash due to errors and a great home defence.

At half time it was still anyone’s match but as it turned out it was a case of Lenzie taking all of their chances and the Warriors taking none of theirs.

As the match wore on the Warriors had to chase the match as the Lenzie Ladies scored at regular intervals, running in 5 more tries to run out deserved 38-0 winners.

The scoreline did not reflect the huge effort put in by the Warrior team in very hot conditions. Bad reads cost the team a couple of tries but there were still loads of positives and a few things the coaches and players can easily work on.

Best in attack were Kirsty Barlow and Hannah Paterson with Sword of match going to Ellie Smith. Best in defence Rihanna Parker-Clevett and Lexie Glendinning with Shield of match going to Erin Ewing.

The Warriors now need to regroup and get ready for their home start of the season on the 31st August as they welcome Marr Ladies

Starting XV: A Knowles, R Parker-Clevett, J Warrick A Clash H Paterson C James L Glendinning (cc) E Smith J Graham L Steel K Morrison E Ewing J Banner K Barlow J Haren (cc)

Replacements (all used): E McMorran S Ewart E Jardine M Cother A Cole