A captain's performance from Gray
Published 27 Dec 2011 13:00
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President's XV 0-33 Captain's XV
Greenock Wanderers captain Matt Gray and his trusted first XV secured the spoils in the annual Boxing Day clash against the President's XV for the Yorkshire Building Society Trophy.
A fine match was enjoyed by a sizeable home support that was highly impressed by the Captain's side's industry, cutting edge and overall superiority against a competent and star studded Presidential selection.
In truth, the skipper's side ruled the roost throughout the 80 minutes, but, in defeat, the President's team had several players that caught the eye in what was an entertaining game.
Scott Sutherland, Grant Anderson and Blamire twins Nick and Ben were busy in the President's cause but it was the team work of the Captain's side that proved decisive.
Ironically, it was President Graeme Alexander's son, Stewart, who got the scoreboard ticking over as early as the 15th minute when he breenged over from short range after a spell of pressure from the first XV led to desperate defending from the Presidents. Stand-off Kenny Diffenthal knocked over the simple conversion to give Gray's side a 7-0 lead.
With a gusting wind blowing the length of the park towards the Wood Street end it was little wonder the Captain's side utilised the elements to good effect and played much of the first half in their opponents' territory. The muddy, wet and slippery conditions led to many handling errors but when it mattered most it was the Captain's side that showed more composure and made the most of their possession.
On 27 minutes, a kick into the President's side's in-goal area resulted in a foot chase and it was Ali Abernethy who touched down wide on the right. Diffenthal once again chipped over the conversion to extend the lead to 14-0.
The Wanderers top side were enjoying the freedom they had to spread the play and it was no surprise when Brendan McGroarty marked his comeback to first team action with a trademark run through the centre channel to touch down close to the posts. Diffenthal again obliged from the tee and at 21-0 the game looked done and dusted by the half hour mark.
Gray's side were firmly in control and top quality performances were posted from Murray MacDonald, Calum Robb, Graham Mooney and Abernethy. They bossed the breakdown area and starved the opposition of the ball.
On the stroke of half time, more pressure deep inside the President's territory led to loose ball bobbing around the 22-metre line and when secured by the Captain's side, youngster Scott MacMillan was the spare man who sped into the corner for the fourth try of the afternoon.
Diffenthal made no mistake with the conversion to complete the first half scoring with the Captain's side firmly in the driving seat 28-0.
The second period was very much a war of attrition with both defences on top. As the President's side accepted there was no way back, the match lost a little of the intensity and competitive edge that had been so evident in the first half.
It was the Captain's side that had the last word and a fine sweeping backs move on 70 minutes took play close to the Presidents line. Stout defence held the attackers at bay but when the loose ball was secured by McGroarty, he burst through two despairing tackles and dived in close to the touchline. Diffenthal was just short with the conversion but at 33-0 the match was effectively over as a contest.
Captain Gray said: "It was an enjoyable and worthwhile exercise and as well as keeping the edge on our fitness, the victory will give us confidence for the rest of the season."
President Graeme Alexander was magnanimous in defeat. He said: "It was a great festive season fixture and I'd like to thank my invitation side for turning out and also referee Graham Knox for taking charge of proceedings.
"Congratulations to Matt Gray and I think I am accurate saying this is not the last I will hear of this result during the rest of the season."
l Wanderers are sponsored by National Semiconductor [UK] Ltd.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 27 Dec 11
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