Double disappointment for Annan

May 1 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

Langholm 18 Annan 7

A RE-ARRANGED midweek league fixture at Milntown saw Annan begin the game in adventurous fashion and taking the game to the home side.

Annan had the better of the opening exchanges and scored a wonderful try when stand off Niall Smith chipped through for full back Kevin Jones to join the line at speed and touch down with ease.

That set the scene for a period of good Annan pressure play, but Langholm's Colin Jardine pulled back three points with a penalty before half time. Langholm came into the game strongly in the second half and the difference between the teams was scrum half David Irving who scored two good tries, with a Cubbon penalty taking the final score to 18-7 to the home time.

A good team effort from Annan, although some wrong options and slack tackling led to Langholm ultimately holding the upper hand in a match which Annan in the first half had looked promising.

Annan 0 Howe of Fife 38

On Saturday, at Violetbank, Annan played host to Division 1 champions Howe of Fife who showed, in their first half display just why they are undefeated over the last two seasons.

Their fast attacking brand of rugby was probably the best display by a National League team seen at Violetbank.

It has to be said in mitigation that the home team looked a little jaded after their efforts in their midweek game against Langholm and at times in the first half were left chasing shadows.

Howe scored five tries, converting three, before half-time taking the half time score to Annan 0 Howe of Fife 31.

The omens were not looking good for the home side for a second half comeback. But despite he most horrendous weather conditions ever experienced at Violetbank which saw thunder, lighting, torrential rain and hale sweep across the pitch for most of the half, Annan kept their visitors at bay. One lapse in their defences did see Howe score the only points on the half with a converted try to take the final score to Annan 0 Howe of Fife 38.

Annan 1st XV squad: C Warrick, P Carruthers, (C), M Carpenter, G Hogg, J Nelson, E Braid, D Barnes, G Smith, A Jancey, N Smith, A Copland, M Scott, M Griffen, S Wyllie, K Jones

Replacements: C Bell, J Bigham, A Halliday.

This weekend

This Saturday’s rearranged fixture against second bottom Cambuslang is a crucial one for the Annan club.

A win will ensure National One rugby status for the club next season.

A loss would mean that Annan would have to beat Dumfries next Saturday or hope that Cambuslang are beaten in at least one of their remaining games against East Kilbride (May 9), Langholm May 16) or Berwick (TBC) to ensure National One status next season.

Annan 1st XV squad: C Warrick, P Carruthers (C), M Carpenter, G Hogg, J Nelson, E Braid, D Barnes, G Smith, A Jancey, N Smith, A Copland, M Griffen, A Halliday, J Bigham, K Jones

Replacements: C Bell, M Scott, G Lynch

Match reps: C McCann, A Robertson, I Gilmour. Meet at clubhouse at 12.15pm for a 3pm kick-off.