Not exactly an oil painting.....

By Matthew Leslie on Sep 15, 09 10:27 AM in

FOR those of you not present at Firhill last week, I'll give you an idea as to how ugly the game between Glasgow and Llanelli was - both teams went to the cinema afterwards to watch "The Elephant Man" and stood outside for an hour and a half signing autographs.

A win is a win but on the evidence of the turgid fare served up in the Warriors' 19-11 victory, there is still scope for improvement - especially when a team like Llanelli come to spoil the party.

Games between the two in the past have been very easy on the eye but it appears the Welsh side were a bit miffed of the recent Indian sign held over them by Glasgow that they decided - as hooker Dougie Hall said afterwards - to 'tighten things up'.

Maybe because Glasgow were surprised by Llanelli switching from type that they struggled to come to terms with it but as soon as it becomes obvious that the opposition is here to frustrate Sean Lineen's men, they had not only have a plan B up their sleeves but to put it into practice pronto.

Pretty viewing this was not and were it not for two factors - namely the form of Dan Parks and Llanelli shooting themselves in the foot - this could have easily been a defeat.

But, as the saying goes, this would have been a game that Glasgow would have lost in the past and perhaps it is the sign of an improved team that they can win ugly.

The thing is, top teams do have this knack of winning dour matches but they only seem to find themselves in a handful of them.

That is one thing Glasgow must guard against as surely playing too many matches like the Llanelli one must take its toll mentally.

With that said it is sod's law that next up for the Warriors is a trip to renown spoilers, Newport-Gwent Dragons.

If the Dragons haven't changed from type, then Glasgow must front up and impose themselves quickly - otherwise another war of attrition awaits and the Warriors may not be so lucky next time.