Newton Stewart RFC got their 2022/23 season underway last weekend with a trip to New Anniesland to play old rivals Glasgow Accies RFC in their opening game. Accies are always tough opponents, but the Reds have been victorious in all their recent fixtures, so expectation was high.
FULL TIME – Glasgow Accies RFC 27 – 5 Newton Stewart RFC
From the first whistle however, it was clear that the home side were ready for action. Immediately putting Newton Stewart under pressure, the first twenty minutes of the game saw the Reds defending almost exclusively. The tackle count was high and Accies were kept at bay for some time, however a clever cross-field kick from their stand-off found space and it was neatly collected and scored. A difficult conversion kick from the corner went wide, 5-0.
Continued Accies possession followed with more impressive Newton Stewart defence. The back row demonstrated an impressive work rate, Jamie Smith in particular excelling with his tackle count. After indiscipline from the Reds gifted Accies a penalty the score line moved to 8-0 going into half-time.
More of the same followed after the break, with Newton Stewart showing impressive stamina as they defended almost relentlessly. A prolonged attack on the Reds’ try line from Accies paid off eventually when the forwards rumbled the ball over from close range for a third try to stretch the lead to 15-0.
The one chink of light in an otherwise miserable afternoon for Newton Stewart RFC came around ten minutes later when the Reds got a rare opportunity to venture deep into the Accies half. As the ball was kicked forwards there was some messy defence from the home side and back row Jamie Smith capitalised, grabbing the loose ball to score and opportunistic try. Stand-off David Gaw couldn’t quite find the angle to convert, 15-5.
With twenty minutes or so left to play, the score line was remarkably narrow considering the dominance in possession that Accies had displayed. Any hope of a late comeback from the Reds was quashed however when the hosts ran in another two tries to secure a comfortable victory and bonus point.
Newton Stewart failed to play to their potential in this match and will have lots to work on this week. A big response is needed from the team before they face Boroughmuir at Bladnoch Park next weekend. Nothing should be taken away from Accies however as they played some slick rugby and were deserving winners of the match.
Team: Russell Morton, David Adams, Gregor Gaw, Thomas Quigley, Robert Service, David Gaw, Robbie McCornick, Ross Campbell, Thomas MacDonald, Liam Brawls, James McMiken, Ben McMiken, Dafydd Gwynne, Jamie Smith, Calum Gaw. Subs: Adam Old, Malachy Wright, Jamie Muir, Fraser Morton.
