Nervouse finish for Annan

May 8 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

ANNAN travelled up to Cambuslang knowing that this was likely to be a make or break game for the season, and in the first half the nerves certainly showed.

However, in the end they ground out a well-deserved win which guarantees first division rugby next season.

Sunshine and a breeze greeted the teams at Coats Park, but the game got off to a nervy start with both teams probably more afraid of making a mistake than playing exciting rugby.

Annan had the better of early possession, but were in generous mood, losing the ball frequently in the loose or making errors at crucial times.

Eventually, on 20 minutes, Annan were awarded a penalty in front of the posts when Cambus went over the top, and Niall Smith converted.

Annan had no time to savour their lead, as the Cambus right winger was able to run in from half way, past ineffectual tackling, to score under the posts.

The conversion put Annan behind 3-7, and so it remained at half time. Annan did have one chance to pull back, but a Smith penalty from half way bounced back from the cross bar.

It was all or nothing for Annan in the second half, and they just did enough to warrant the win.

Early in the second half Annan worked the ball into the Cambuslang half, and after a series of rucks near the line, the ball was moved left to centre Michael Griffin who somehow got through a gap and had a clear run to the posts.

Smith’s conversion gave Annan a 10-7 lead.

With Annan enjoying the better possession, Cambuslang were caught offside outside their 22, and Smith extended Annan’s lead to 13-7, but Cambuslang took the lead again when their left winger again exposed Annan defensive frailties and ran up the wing and round to the posts.

The conversion put Annan down 13-14.

Again Cambus strayed offside within their own half, and Smith was able to restore Annan’s lead at 16-14.

For Annan supporters the rest of the game was spent looking at the clock, and as full time approached, Cambuslang had their only real pressure on the Annan line.

Fortunately they were penalised for holding on, and after quick consultation with the referee, Smith put the ball in touch and the game was over.

This was a nervy game all round, but on the strength of their second half performance Annan certainly deserved to win over a stuffy Cambuslang side.

In a game where everyone had to play their part, well done to Michael Griffin for his try, and to Niall Smith for his winning kicks.

Annan team: C. Warrick, P. Carruthers, M. Carpenter, G. Hogg, J. Nelson, D. Barnes, E. Braid, G. Smith, A. Jancey, N. Smith, A. Copland, M. Griffin, A. Halliday, J. Bigham, K. Jones. Replacements used G. Lynch, C. Bell.

Local derby

This Saturday Annan welcome Dumfries to Violetbank in both clubs’ last game of the season.

Dumfries have had a great season and with Langholm, who were the only club who could have denied them promotion, beaten by East Kilbride last Saturday Dumfries have secured the second promotion place behind Howe of Fife to Premier 3.

With East Kilbride beating Cambuslang 13-10 midweek, Annan are now secure in National 1 for next season.

Apart from the fact that this fixture is a local derby, this fixture has an added incentive as the Annan club has put up a trophy for what is hoped will become an annual fixture.

The trophy is the A A MacPherson Memorial Trophy and is in memory of the late Alex MacPherson (Mac) who died two years ago. Mac was President of the Annan club in 1983-84.

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: from C Bell, G Lynch, R Gracie, W Henderson.

Match Reps: D Barty, C McCann

Meet at Violetbank at 1.15pm for a 3pm kick-off.