Accies had won their previous five fixtures and had comfortably despatched of Burgh 49-7 in October’s reverse fixture.

But Burgh battled in poor conditions to hand Accies only their second defeat of the season.

The hard work in preparing the pitch paid off and the game went ahead, much to the surprise of the club’s patrons who were running one of their social lunches.

The Accies arrived and from the speed they got changed it looked like they were reluctant to get cold, could this have been a great tactical decision? Huddled in the stand the expectant supporters shivered in sympathy as the players made their way onto the pitch between gale force winds and flurries of sleet.

From the off it was clear the wind was going to have a great influence. Burgh started with the hurricane at their backs, hoping to build up a defendable lead in the first half.

The Burgh team, probably the strongest put out by coach Cashmore this season gave as good as they got, tackling well and looking to run the ball at every opportunity.

But Accies haven’t got to third place without showing great skills and fortitude themselves. Their pacey backs always looked dangerous, they were the first to score, keeping the ball in hand and touching down close to the posts. In what was a kicking lottery the conversion was missed.

Burgh didn’t give up and pressed themselves, taking play right into the Accies half with some excellent kicking from Sterry.

The forwards hitting hard around the fringes eventually battered a gap for Kinsman to score. The kick missed, the score tied five each.

The conditions seemed to get more extreme with the occasional burst of sunshine to confuse the senses. The players were grateful to get off the pitch for some respite at half time.

With the score tied and Accies having the benefit of the wind, the second half was always going to be a tough task for the home side.

From the off Burgh looked to be playing with the right tactics, keeping the ball in hand and running at the Accies. Sniffing the merest of gaps Sterry slid through the defence to score.

The whirlwind made kicking impossible, but Burgh were in the lead 10-5. The crowd roared their support, hoping that Burgh could hold on.

As the second half reached the 60 minute mark Accies piled on the pressure. Desperate defence from Burgh was tested time and time again but was never breached.

Sloan and Sterry went off injured and Rogers succumbed to the cold. On came the substitutes to step up and shore the defence.

The last 15 minutes must go down as one of the bravest performances by any Burgh side. With the backs an impenetrable wall the forwards decided to keep the ball.

Time after time, Kinsman, Bowles and McNee claimed the ball and took the short run, making sure Burgh retained possession. Inching their way up the park, the commitment was unrelenting as the clock ticked away.

A quick word with the referee and knowing time was up the ball was punted into the stand. A tremendous victory for Helensburgh against all odds.

The GSS man of the match for his leading of the pack and redoubtable defence was Sean McNee.

Helensburgh: Sloan (c), McNee, Flnagan, Greggain, Kinsman, Rogers P, Inglis, Ross, Curtis, Sterry, Ram, Simmons, Bowman, Rogers A, Drake subs: Malia, Gibson, Bowles, Voigt.