MATCH Report FROM NICOLE “99” JANCEY

The Annan Warriors hit the road on Sunday with an eventful bus trip to Oban for what proved to be a thrilling and hard-fought encounter. The trip itself was a challenge — full of twists, turns, and a few pale faces. Despite a journey that saw almost as many sick buckets as tries, the Warriors arrived with determination.

Oban scored first making use of their strong and physical forward pack to crash over for the opening score and they continued the momentum to add a second try in similar fashion.

The Warriors hit back quickly, capitalising on a loose Oban ball, Elise McMorran reacted fastest before quick hands from Nicole Jancey and Ellie Smith released to Jane Haren, who showed her trademark pace to run in Annan’s first points of the day.

However, Oban’s pack continued to apply pressure, using their power up front to secure another close-range try.

Nicole Jancey scored next after taking a quick tap penalty, dummying the defence and running in under the posts for a solo try.

The Warriors battled hard in defence, but the Oban forwards were clinical near the line, stretching the scoreline further by two more tries.

Annan answered back through centre Erin Ewing, who had been immense all day in both attack and defence. Following a dominant Warriors scrum, a quick backs move saw Erin burst through a gap to score — a well-earned try after a relentless display of strong running and tireless tackling.

Oban added another try to extend their lead, but the Warriors were far from done. Jane Haren grabbed her second of the day after a well-placed clearance kick from Hannah Paterson took a lucky bounce into the hands of Elise, who continues to impress in her debut season — remarkable considering she’d never picked up a rugby ball before Easter! Some great carries and offloads later, Jane sprinted in to score comfortably under the posts.

With momentum building, Annan kept pressing, and it was Hannah Paterson herself who powered over from close range before coolly converting with a quick drop kick. That brought the score to 32-29 in Oban’s favour, with just two minutes left on the clock.

The Warriors threw everything into one last push for victory, but it wasn’t to be — Oban managed to cross the line again for what could only be described as a questionable try (even the referee looked unsure for a moment or two!). The try went unconverted, leaving the final score 37–29 and denying the Warriors a losing bonus point by the narrowest of margins.

Despite the result, it was a cracking contest between two teams with very different styles of play. The Warriors continue to find their rhythm, with a blend of new and returning players gelling together and showing real promise as a unit.

Special Mentions

• Eve Irving made a welcome return to the black and gold, playing her debut Warriors match since coming up through Annan’s youth setup before heading off to university and travelling. Back in the forwards, she made an immediate impact, getting stuck into the rucks and providing vital support in the breakdown.
• Jayne Banner and Connie James only a few games into their Annan careers, continue to impress. Both are settling in well, developing quickly, and showing real promise in their respective positions.
• Ellie Smith was deservedly named Player of the Match by Oban for her storming carries, relentless work rate, and composure under pressure.
• Katie Morrison, recently switched from the wing to second row, was exceptional — tackling well and carrying with intent throughout. Her efforts earned her “The Headband” and the honour of taking home mascot Stacey for the week.

Looking Ahead

Despite the narrow defeat, there’s plenty to be proud of and even more to look forward to. The Warriors are gelling well as a team, blending experience with new talent and showing steady improvement week by week.

Morale in the camp remains high, and this weekend’s selection headache is proof of the growing depth in the squad — with 26 players currently available and a few more still to confirm. Could this be a new Warriors record?

The Annan Warriors march on — stronger, tighter, and hungrier for that next win.

Onwards and upwards! 💛🖤

Warriors Starting XV: Ashley Clark (C), Rhianna Parker-Clevett, Julie Warrick, Hannah Paterson, Connie James, Eve Irving, Lexie Glendinning, Ellie Smith, Niamh Ross, Nicole Jancey, Lexie Steel, Erin Ewing, Elise McMorran, Kirsty Barlow, Jane Haren

Subs (all used): Katie Morrison, Jamie Graham, Acacia Clash, Jayne Banner, Eilidh Jardine, Shirley Ewart, Becki Nelson