Aberdeen Grammar vs West of Scotland
13 October 2007
Aberdeen Grammar 29 West of Scotland 19
Aberdeen Grammar drove right into the heart of the Premiership 2 promotion race when they deposed leaders West of Scotland with an organised, skilful and gutsy performance.
The Rubislaw side left it late in asserting its authority at Rubislaw, with centre Ewen Campbell thrilling the home crowd with two 70-metre dashes for the line in rapid succession.
The former Highland player’s tries came with just over 10 minutes to play and ended all hope for the Glasgow side which had been in touch at 17-14 until Campbell struck.
“It felt good and has given us a platform to build on,” said Campbell.
Grammar are now level on points with West of Scotland, with Haddington taking over at the top of the table. Grammar head coach Mike O’Donovan was happy with his side’s blistering show, but sounded a note of caution.
“There is a long way to go, but we are making steady progress and this was an encouraging performance. But we must cut out the stupid mistakes which led to a high penalty count against us,” he said.
Three penalties kept West in the match at a time when Grammar were dominating proceedings through quick offloading and straight running from the home backs.
First-half tries from centre Andrew Ritchie and full back Ali Robertson and a conversion from Ritchie gave the home side the lead after conceding an early try, scored by West of Scotland number eight Graham Fisken.
Despite their first half domination Grammar were only 12-8 ahead at half-time and in danger of surrendering their lead when Scott MacKechnie kicked a second penalty just after the break.
Grammar hit back and in 51 minutes winger Mike Leiberum chased his own kick ahead to score a try and give the home side a six-point advantage. That lead was reduced when Grammar conceded another needless penalty which MacKechnie made the most of.
But just as the visitors were regrouping themselves for a final onslaught, Campbell took over with his two lung-bursting efforts.
West grabbed a last-minute try through replacement Fraser Sinclair.
Grammar face another of their promotion rivals when they travel to face Biggar on Saturday.
2007/2008 Main Sponsors
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