The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Grammar get season off to flier with win in Edinburgh
O’Connor maintains 100% record in Scottish Cup victory Stewart’s-Mel 18 Grammar 26
Aberdeen Grammar launched the new campaign with a convincing win in Edinburgh where the Rubislaw side eased past Stewart’s-Melville to move into the second round of the Scottish Cup.
Headcoach AliO’Connor was pleased with the outcomewhichenabledhimto extend his run of wins to five out of five since taking charge of the team near the end of last season.
“It was as you might expect, a patchy performance in our first competitive game of the season,” said O’Connor. “But it puts down a marker, especially as we are back at Inverleith next week in National 1.
“There was much to admire, not least the pace of winger CalumRuxton, who scored two fine tries. On the other wing, Grant Walker was at his best, getting a try of his own.”
Encouragingly, the Grammar pack was dominant, superbly led by new captain Calum Champion whose leadership was matched by a raging performance.
“Calum’s intelligent play was a major factor in the win. I was impressed by hooker Fergus McKenzie, who came on as a replacement in the second half. But there’s work to do, especially in our lineout, but it’s an encouraging start,” added O’Connor.
Stand off Ali Addy had a good game for the visitors, dovetailing nicely with scrum half Andrew Ovenstone, although his out of hand kicking left much to be desired and his coach added:“Wewill be working on this.”
Addy did, however, land two conversions, while Ovenstone kicked the final effort after veteran centre Pecili Nacamavuto had made the win safe.
The home side led 13-7 at half-time but had no answer to the hard-running Grammar backs in the second half.
The game was marred by a second-half injury to the Stewart’s-Melville stand off MichaelHanning, bringing the game to a halt for 25 minutes, but after medical attention he was fit enough to go home.
A return to Inverleith on Saturday should hold no fears for Grammar, who look strong and able in all departments.