ANNAN 1ST XV v CARRICK 1ST XV.

Match Report from: DUNCAN SMITH

Annan got their West Division 1 campaign back on track with an assured six-try win over basement boys Carrick at Violetbank.

After tough matches against promotion chasers Stewartry, Cumnock and Garnock, the visit of Carrick provided a chance to refill the confidence tank and that was accomplished with a fine display of running rugby.

As the game opened up Annan took a grip on proceedings and tries from James Kirkby after a kick through from Josh Whiteside, and Sean Haren, converted by Whiteside, opened up a 12-0 half-time lead.

After the break the Annan backs really cut loose and the visitors received a red card as Aaron Carmichael (2), Whiteside and Alex Halliday added tries to the home total.

Final score: Annan 1st XV 34 v Carrick 1st XV 7

It left coach Gordon Carmichael, who singled out scrum-half Fraser McMillan for praise on his 1st XV debut, a happy man confident of getting another win away to the same opponents this Saturday and push on into the top half of the table.

“It was much better after three hard games,” said the coach. “When we moved the ball wide away from their forwards we were in control so we know what to do next week. Hopefully we can get a win then it’s Cambuslang at home before the winter break and we shouldn’t be fearing those kind of teams at home.”

Starting XV: 1 Ryan Glass, 2 Murray Forbes, 3 Kieran Warwick, 4 Dan Robson, 5 Frazer Hope, 6 Willie Gray, 7 Jacob Campbell ,8 Sean Haren, 9 Fraser McMillan, 10 Josh Whiteside, 11 James Kirby, 12 Alex Halliday, 13 Aaron Carmichael, 14 Ben Conroy, 15 Andrew Jancey (Capt)

Subs: 16 Callum Bell, 17 Callum Smith, 18 Max Thorburn, 19 Alex Jones