HAVING watched their heroes defeat England at Murrayfield the day before, the Ardrossan Accies Minis and Micros used the Scotland team’s stunning display as inspiration for a great afternoon’s rugby at the Memorial Field on Sunday.

Their visitors were long standing friends Bishopton RFC and newer friends GHK RFC from Glasgow. With the polar vortex just about allowing the pitches to thaw, the youngsters set about producing some dazzling rugby in the cold, sunny conditions.

The Accies Micros took on two GHK teams having themselves split into Accies Blue and Accies Black teams for the day. Accies Black got off to a tremendous start, playing a fast-paced, high-offloading style of rugby that proved difficult for the away team’s defenders. They won convincingly thanks to a wonderful team effort typified by stars of the day Nathan Guffie and Connor O’Moore. Their second game was a narrow loss, but equally as spirited as the first game. The Accies Blue team managed three mini games against GHK and after a slow start that lead to a narrow loss, picked up the pace and won the remaining two matches well. Coach Fiona Smith was delighted with their defensive wall and equally as pleased with the way in which her young charges supported each other in offensive play. The stars of the day were Ethan Sweenie and the try machine Aaron Campbell, with all of the players impressing.

Accies P4 opened their account with a close win over a very competent Bishopton team. The tackling of star Rory Gallacher coupled with the running threat of Harry Dixon proved the undoing of their opponents. There second match was against a well-organised and very physical GHK outfit. The Accies legs were tiring towards the end of the match which allowed the Glaswegian’s to get a firm grip of the game and take the win. Callan Tyler had an excellent game and was named star of the day.

P5 took on Bishopton in a pacey match, full of neat handling and committed tackling. Calum Monaghan ran his legs off all afternoon, picking up a few tries along the way as well as s star of the day award. The second match v GHK was more of the bludgeon than the rapier, with both sides engaged in physical affair. Cara Robertson was simply immense with ball in hand, running a length of the field try en route to being named star of the day.

P6 began with a game against GHK and came off the worse of another attritional battle in keeping with the theme of the day. After a slow start, they fought their way back as Logan Dick and Daniel Gibb raised their games to new levels with strong carrying and selfless tackling, earning their stars. The second match against Bishopton was played fast and wide with the pacy attacking threats of Calum Davis and Tom Monaghan well utilised. The Accies won the game by a score.

The P7s were immediately plunged into a fast and furious battle with GHK and relished the encounter. Through grit and determination, they managed to breach the opposition defence to find the try line.

Their own rucking game was raised several notches resulting in a few handy turnovers. Finlay Glenn played a blinder and was nominated by the coaches for the star of the day in what ultimately was a loss. The second match was played in a more expansive style with less pressure on the result. Connor Welsh used his rugby intelligence to control the game, impressing the spectators as he earned his star of the day award.

On Sunday, the Accies are at home to East Kilbride RFC at 12.30pm.