Wanderers versus Annan
Fort Matilda, 15th September 2007(16 September 2007)
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Greenock Wanderers recent run of poor results continued at
In a dour battle played out in an incessant drizzle it was the Wanderers effort that fizzled out rather than that of the visitors. In defeat, there was however, effort and commitment and once more the Mooney brothers Callum Robb, Andy McDougall, Brendan McGroarty and Jason Smith all put in a hard shift but it was in the composure department that the locals eventually let themselves down.
It all started brightly for Wanderers as the rucking problems of previous weeks appeared to be sorted and much of the first half was played in the Annan half. Stand-off Kevin Murray slotted the first of a succession of penalties to put Wanderers ahead 3-0 after 9 minutes.
On 20 minutes recycled ball was used to good effect and only stout Annan defence thwarted a McGroarty tilt at the line as Wanderers looked to press home their advantage. No further scoring was recorded in the first half but with a 3-0 lead and facing their favoured clubhouse end in the second half the portents were good that a first league win of the season would be registered.
This feeling was enhanced when Kevin Murray slotted a second penalty chance on 43 minutes to stretch the lead to 6-0.
Annan though had more to offer and used a stiff breeze at their backs to good effect as stand –off Niall Smith kicked for position and kept Wanderers pinned back throughout the next quarter. The turning point of the match came on 55 minutes when a catch and drive from a lineout near to the hosts line led to Annan flanker Ewan Braid burrowing over for a try. Smith converted and Annan had snatched the lead 7-6.
A spirited response was called for and some good field position and a procession of penalties conceded by Annan forwards for killing the ball in the ruck gave the hosts 3 kickable opportunities to go back into the lead. Accuracy was missing however and the chances went a begging.
Two further storming runs by Jason Smith and Brendan McGroarty threatened the visitors’ line but dour defence and lack of composure resulted in handling errors and the moves fizzled out.
Indeed as the game drew to a close it was Annan that looked most likely to add to their tally and a fine move gave winger Andrew Jancey space on the left for what appeared to be a cruise into the line.McGroarty though in trademark fashion popped up to bundle the ball carrier into touch and save further embarrassment for the hosts.
Wanderers face a difficult match away at Barnton next week against Royal High / Corstorphine and will have to improve significantly if wins are to be recorded on the road. The locals currently sit third bottom in National One with 1 solitary point from 3 games.
President Donnie Cunningham said,” We should have taken more out of that game than a lose bonus point but we will soldier on. At the end of the day even if one of the kicks had gone over it would have meant a win and a real boost in terms of morale. We’ll take what we can from it, put it behind us and move onto to the next game.”
Team;
J Stewart, J Smith, B McGroarty, C Clark [C], N Wright, K Murray, A McDougall, M Rodger, S Chundoo, M Coyle, S Bleasdale, J Mooney, A Abernethy, C Robb, G Mooney. Replacements, D Craven [for M Rodger 53 mins injury], A Devlin [for J Stewart 68 mins injury], L Scully not used.
Wanderers are sponsored by National Semiconductor [
Match Sponsor; James Kane and Sons.
Wanderers versus Annan was posted by GWRFC.
To discuss any of its subject matter further please contact Greenock Wanderers RFC
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