Having already beaten Annan away and with a strong team out hopes were high. Cheered on by a vocal, good humoured crowd including recovering crock Johnny Clipston — coach Cashmore effused positivity.

From the off Annan showed they meant business; punishing Burgh with strong running and intelligent kicking. Burgh defended well in what is becoming a trademark of the team.

Musset led the way with tackle after tackle. The game ebbed and flowed as Helensburgh pressed, only to be repulsed by the Annan defenders.

Sterry had his kicking boots on and he made the most of some indiscretions to score two penalties and a drop goal in the first half.

This added to a score from Cairns dabbing down from two metres after a break from Howell proving its not how far you run, when you have the brains to get in the right position.

Annan had their fair share of the play, scoring a try of their own and slotting two penalties.

Sterry continued to make excellent breaks but failed to capitalise on a two-on-one overlap when he chose to chip ahead and was beaten to the touchdown. A simple pass to Howell would have been a certain score.

The crowd hoped this would not prove crucial as the first half drew to a close 14-11 to Burgh.

The grey skies grew darker as the play became fragmented. Both teams played well in parts. But it was Annan who took the lead after 55 minutes to go with a well worked converted try; 14-18.

Helensburgh didn’t panic, and pressure in midfield drew another penalty, slotted by Sterry followed quickly by another. With 20 minutes to go Burgh had the lead 20-18.

With Kinsman in full steam, ably supported by Rogers and Musset the whole pack looked impressive, often driving the bigger Annan pack backwards.

This momentum carried through to the backs and after spreading the ball wide Howell scored Burgh’s second try.

This was converted by Sterry making the final score Helensburgh 27 Annan 18. Burgh’s men of the match selected by Coach Cashmore were James Musset and Paul Howell.

Next weeks fixture is away to Garnock.