ANNAN returned to a wintery Violetbank on Saturday for their first home match since early December and only their fourth rugby contest in the last four months.
It was a tough contest, but the home side prevailed winners to secure four points and move to fourth in West Division One.
The Annan lads were trying to play their usual expansive rugby and had the bulk of the possession but too many knock-ons, losing the ball in contact, off loading when it was not on and general rustiness meant it was a tight match.
And it was 3-0 to the visitors at half time following a penalty after 15 minutes.
It was much of the same after the second half got underway, but Annan finally made the breakthrough when top try scorer Ryan Hetherington barged over to put the home side 7-3 up. Josh Whiteside with the conversion.
With 25 to play it was anyone’s game, but thankfully for the Annan faithful, with about 15 minutes to go, Aaron Carmichael scored to take it to 14-3. Whiteside again with the conversion.
It was great phase of play with forwards and backs combining with quick ruck ball before Aitken Render passed to Carmichael to score.
Annan did have numerous chances to get the four tries needed for the bonus point but knock-ons close to the try line spoiled the party.
However, the home defence did hold off the Cambuslang attack and after the 80 it finished 14-3 to Annan.
Next up is a tricky away tie to Oban on March 1.
Match sponsors picked Annan captain Kieran Warrick as man of the match.
1st XV: Glass, Warrick, Armstrong, Hope, Morrison, Le Vin, Watret, Hetherington, Whiteside, McMillan, Torrbet, Kirby, Render, Stevenson, Carmichael.
Subs (all used): Alexander, Smith, Forbes, Campbell, James, Hodgson, Phyfer.
