U14 BOYS AT WIGTOWNSHIRE.

Match Report from Team Manager Karin Hilton

The U14’s made their way out to Stranraer on Sunday for the second of 4 Tournaments with Wigtownshire, Stewartry and Dumfries and were looking to improve from their 2 losses and one draw from a couple of weeks ago.

Our numbers were reduced to 10 players due to availability issues meaning we had it all to do if we were to get anything out of the long journey.

Thankfully Stewartry and Wigtownshire were able to lend us some players allowing us to play 15-aside, albeit with a bit of position juggling.

First up was host side Wigtownshire who we had a close encounter with in our last match ending in a draw. Things started well for Annan who stamped their authority on the game in the early stages. Strong, direct running allowed us to punch holes in the opposition defence, and our ability to clear the ruck area effectively meant that it wasn’t long before we crossed the line for our first try of the day.

As the game progressed the lads confidence grew and with a spring in their step they were able to keep the score board ticking over. Our defence also held strong, keeping the home side scoreless at the final whistle.

Final Score: Wigtownshire 0 v Annan 35.

Tries from Ben Richardson and McKinley Power.

Game 2 was against local rivals Dumfries who seem to be the team to beat at this level. After conceding a couple of early tries the lads had it all to do to get anything out of the game.

Despite being out-sized by a well drilled Saints outfit the boys stuck in and were able to put in some good passages of play.

However, the Dumfries tackling and defensive rucking was the main difference between the sides and despite our best efforts they were able to keep us scoreless.

A few more tries for Dumfries meant the game ended Annan 0 v Dumfries 33

The last game of the day was against Stewartry who beat us in our last outing a couple of weeks ago. Similarly to our opening game of the day the lads started well and were able to get on the scoreboard almost immediately.

Learning from their defeat by Dumfries the lads worked hard on their offensive rucking and were able to keep Stewartry on the back foot for most of the game.

Our aggressive running in attack along with our support play made for very entertaining rugby to the delight of our small but very enthusiastic travelling support.

What’s even more pleasing was our effort in defence where our organisation and line speed has improved significantly over the past couple of weeks.

Tries in this game coming from Kyle Ferguson, Max Atkinson, Archie Nicholson and Mason Weild.

Final Score: Annan 24 v Stewartry 5

A great display from the Annan side in their second outing of the season with the entire team showing huge improvements.

In the forwards Archie Nicholson was at his rampaging best with our young props David Graham and Max Atkinson putting in workmanlike shifts.

In the backs Euan Brooke impressed in his first game at scrum half with Max Lupton and McKinley Power looking dangerous with ball in hand.

A special shout out needs to go to young Cammy from Wigtownshire who joined us for our first game and decided to stay with the Annan team for the entire tournament (including the team photo!)